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Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance globally: according to the UN, over 228 million people used it in 2022. The global trend toward cannabis use legalization for recreational and medical purposes raises questions about its safety and long-term health effects. However, research on this topic remains limited. Previous studies have often focused on specific demographic groups, especially young people, leaving gaps in our understanding of its impact across broader and more diverse age groups.
French researchers recently set out to examine the association between cannabis use and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Their findings, published in JAMA Network Open, represent one of the first studies exploring the effects of marijuana by gender.
Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Disease: Gender Differences
The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank—a large-scale health database that tracks over 500,000 individuals aged 40 to 69. Among them, 121,895 participants reported their cannabis use, categorized from “never” to “intensive,” depending on frequency. Regular cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among women, but not among men. For women who frequently used cannabis, the risk of death from cardiovascular disease rose significantly. However, the study did not find an increased risk of all-cause mortality or cancer mortality in either men or women overall.
Higher Risks for Women Who Use Cannabis and Smoke Tobacco
Among study participants, 1.94% of women and 3.88% of men reported intensive cannabis use. Over an 11.8-year observation period, intensive cannabis use among women was associated with a 2.67-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality risk. This risk was even higher among women who also smoked tobacco. That suggests that the combined effects of tobacco and cannabis may amplify health risks.
In contrast, men who actively used tobacco did not show the same increased cardiovascular mortality risk. However, dual use raised their risk of cancer mortality.
Although this is one of the largest studies on the topic, the researchers caution that the data has certain limitations. The study relied on self-reports of cannabis use without updates over time. Additionally, information on dosage or method of consumption, which could affect cardiovascular health, was unavailable.
Toward Greater Cannabis Awareness and Future Research
As marijuana use increases, especially among young people and women, these findings highlight the need for targeted public health information on potential health impacts. Although marijuana is often promoted for its possible medical benefits, researchers emphasize the importance of understanding its risks, particularly for those who use it intensively over long periods.
The study authors call for further research into the effects of cannabis on heart health, especially among women. Additionally, they stress the need to examine the drug’s impact on other health disorders.
