Cannabis and the Heart

Many people assume that ingesting cannabis — whether through edibles, oils, or tinctures — eliminates the cardiovascular risks associated with smoking it. While it's true that edibles avoid the harmful byproducts of combustion (such as carbon monoxide and tar), ingested cannabis still carries significant heart health risks due to the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its main psychoactive compound. When THC is absorbed through the digestive system, it can cause substantial increases in heart rate and blood pressure — sometimes more dramatically than when cannabis is smoked or vaped. This cardiovascular strain can persist for several hours, making the heart work harder for an extended period. For individuals with existing heart disease, high blood pressure, or other risk factors, this can significantly increase the chances of experiencing arrhythmias, heart attacks, or strokes. Additionally, edible cannabis products often contain higher doses of THC, and because their effects are delayed, people sometimes consume more than intended — compounding the cardiovascular impact. In short: while ingesting cannabis might seem safer than inhaling it, it still triggers systemic effects that can stress the heart and blood vessels — particularly in older adults or anyone with underlying cardiovascular conditions.