Is Cannabis Worse for Your Heart Than Cocaine? What Science Says in 2025
Today, many people talk about cannabis (also called marijuana or weed). Some people use it to feel relaxed. Others use it to help with pain or sleep.
But a new study in 2025 has shown something surprising: Cannabis might be worse for your heart than cocaine.
In this article, we’ll explain:
What cannabis is
What cocaine is
What the study found
How cannabis affects your heart
What you can do to stay safe and healthy
Let’s learn the truth together!
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant. People have used it for hundreds of years. It has chemicals that can change how you feel.
Some people use it for:
Relaxing
Pain relief
Sleep
Anxiety or stress
Cannabis can be smoked, eaten in food (like gummies), or used as oil or cream.
But just because it is natural does not mean it is always safe.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a drug made from the coca plant. It is very strong and very dangerous. Cocaine is illegal in most places.
People who use cocaine may feel:
Excited
Awake
Happy for a short time
But cocaine can also hurt your brain, your heart, and your life.
For many years, scientists thought cocaine was one of the worst drugs for the heart. But this new study shows cannabis might be even worse.
What Did the Study Say?
Doctors and scientists looked at more than 100,000 people in Canada and followed their health.
Here’s what they found:
People who used only cannabis (not mixed with tobacco) had higher risks of heart problems than those who didn’t use it.
Cannabis users had more heart attacks, strokes, and other heart issues.
The risk was even higher than for people who used cocaine!
This was very surprising. Cocaine has always been known as dangerous. But now, cannabis is showing danger too — especially for the heart.
How Does Cannabis Affect the Heart?
Even though cannabis makes people feel calm, it can do things inside your body that you don’t feel right away.
It Raises Your Heart Rate
After using cannabis, your heart beats faster — sometimes up to 3 times faster than normal. This puts pressure on your heart.
It Narrows Blood Vessels
Cannabis can make blood vessels tighter. This makes it harder for blood to flow to your heart and brain.
It Raises Blood Pressure
Even though you may feel sleepy, your blood pressure can go up, especially if you smoke it.
It Changes How Blood Clots
Cannabis can affect how your blood clots. This can lead to strokes or other serious problems.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Cannabis may hurt anyone, but it is especially dangerous for people who:
Already have heart problems
Are older (over age 40)
Smoke cannabis every day
Mix cannabis with tobacco
Have high blood pressure or diabetes
Even young people can be at risk if they use cannabis often.
Is Cannabis Always Bad?
No, cannabis may still have some helpful uses when used carefully and under doctor care.
Doctors sometimes give cannabis to people who have:
Cancer
Epilepsy
Long-term pain
Trouble sleeping
But this does not mean it is safe for everyone, especially if you buy it from the street or use it without advice.
Natural Ways to Care for Your Heart
If you want to feel relaxed, calm, or free from pain — without hurting your heart — try these natural tips:
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
Choose
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains like oats or brown rice
Healthy fats like avocado and olive oil
Omega-3 foods like salmon and chia seeds
Move Your Body Every Day
Exercise helps your heart stay strong. Try:
Walking
Dancing
Jumping rope
Swimming
Just 30 minutes a day can help!
Try Meditation or Deep Breathing
Calm your mind with simple steps:
Sit still and take slow breaths
Try relaxing music
Use calming apps like Headspace or Calm
This helps lower stress without using drugs.
Drink Water
Many people feel tired or anxious when they are just dehydrated. Try drinking 6–8 cups of water each day.
sleep Well
Good sleep heals your body and brain. Try to:
Sleep 8 hours a night
Turn off screens before bed
Sleep at the same time each day
Talk to Someone
If you feel sad, stressed, or in pain — talk to someone you trust:
A parent or friend
A teacher or coach
A counselor or doctor
You are not alone.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis may seem safe, but it’s not always safe for your heart. The new study from 2025 shows it may be even worse
than cocaine when it comes to heart health.
Your body is amazing. Take care of it with:
Good food
Daily movement
Deep rest
Kind people
No drugs
You don’t need cannabis to feel calm, strong, or happy. Your heart will thank you!