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Recreational Pot Tied to Faster Heart Hospital Visits
25 Oct
Summary
- Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation, heart failure rose faster post-legalization.
- Study analyzed over 50 million hospital records from 2012-2018.
- Researchers caution legalization's causal link to increases is unproven.
Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart attacks have seen a faster increase following the legalization of recreational marijuana, according to a study analyzing over 50 million hospital discharge records.
The research, conducted between 2012 and 2018, examined 13 Western U.S. states where recreational cannabis sales were legalized. Researchers compared hospitalization trends before and after legalization with those in regions without similar laws.
Results showed statistically significant faster annual increases in hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation (just over 2%), heart failure (nearly 4%), and heart attacks (just over 3%) after legalization. While trends for stroke and blood clots also appeared higher, these were not statistically significant.
Cannabis may impact cardiovascular health through mechanisms affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and blood clotting. Increased use, especially among older adults at higher risk, could contribute to these trends. As of June 2025, recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, and medical cannabis in 41.
However, the study, which cannot establish causality, has limitations. Researchers could not confirm individual cannabis use prior to cardiac events, distinguish consumption methods, or account for changes in illegal cannabis use. Continued monitoring and research are recommended as more states consider legalization.
