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Even occasional marijuana use may not be as harmless as many assume. A study of over 440,000 Americans found that low-frequency cannabis users had 40% higher odds of reporting a history of stroke compared to non-users. Researchers say cannabis deserves the same cardiovascular scrutiny as tobacco and alcohol — regardless of how often it's used.
Even occasional marijuana use may carry real cardiovascular risk, new data suggests.
A large new study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026 found that even infrequent marijuana use — just 1 to 5 days per month — was associated with significantly higher odds of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Analyzing data from over 440,000 U.S. adults surveyed between 2020 and 2024, researchers found the risk didn't simply climb with heavier use, which surprised the team.
Notably, the findings held across different consumption methods — smoking, vaping, and edibles — and persisted after accounting for tobacco use, obesity, diabetes, and other known cardiovascular risk factors.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: As marijuana becomes legal in more states and use continues to surge, clinicians need to start treating cannabis conversations the same way they handle tobacco and alcohol — as a routine part of cardiovascular risk assessment.
