A comprehensive review finds significant evidence linking cannabis use to various heart rhythm disturbances, particularly atrial fibrillation, with higher risk among younger users and males, and even greater risk from synthetic cannabinoids.
Cannabis users with heart conditions, cardiologists, young male cannabis users
219 million global cannabis users face potential arrhythmia risks
What the researchers found
Epidemiological data show a significant association between cannabis use and various arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. The risk is notably higher among younger users and males. Case reports have linked cannabis to ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, especially in people with underlying heart conditions. Synthetic cannabinoids carry even greater arrhythmogenic risk due to higher potency.
Why it matters
With an estimated 219 million cannabis users globally and THC concentrations in products increasing over time, the cardiovascular safety profile of cannabis deserves more attention. This review synthesizes evidence that cannabis can disrupt heart rhythm, particularly in populations often assumed to be at low cardiac risk.
The numbers in context
Estimated 219 million cannabis users globally. Significant association with atrial fibrillation. Higher risk in younger users and males. Case reports of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation. Synthetic cannabinoids more potent and potentially more arrhythmogenic.
How the study worked
Comprehensive narrative review of the arrhythmogenic properties of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids, examining epidemiological studies, case reports, and mechanistic evidence related to the endocannabinoid system and cardiac electrophysiology.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review rather than systematic review with meta-analysis. Some studies found no significant difference in arrhythmia burden between users and non-users. Much evidence comes from case reports rather than controlled studies. Cannot establish definitive causation.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence from accumulated epidemiological data and case reports, though limited by the lack of large prospective studies and some conflicting findings.
When this study was published
2025 review examining the arrhythmogenic potential of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids.
The bigger picture
As cannabis potency increases and new products proliferate, understanding cardiac risks becomes more urgent. The review notes that people with channelopathies, structural heart disease, or prior heart attack may be at particular risk, a finding relevant to both recreational users and those considering medicinal cannabis.
Questions still open
- At what dose or frequency does arrhythmia risk become clinically significant? Do different cannabis consumption methods carry different arrhythmia risks? Would cardiac screening be warranted for regular cannabis users with other risk factors?
Common questions
Can cannabis cause heart rhythm problems?
Are synthetic cannabinoids worse for the heart?
Read the original research
Arrhythmias and cannabis use: A comprehensive overview.
Heart rhythm O2, 6(1), 78-85
Citation
Paulraj, Shweta; Upreti, Prakash; Tamirisa, Ketan; Batnyam, Uyanga. (2025). Arrhythmias and cannabis use: A comprehensive overview.. Heart rhythm O2, 6(1), 78-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hroo.2024.10.020
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