Is Marijuana Really Bad For You?

Derek Bast, DO, is passionate about helping people understand and overcome addictions to alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and other substances. As a family medicine doctor, he cares for patients at Franciscan Physician Network CityWay Family Medicine in Indianapolis.

In recent years, he’s seen an increase in marijuana use, dependency and addiction in his practice. We asked Dr. Bast about the potential risks of marijuana use and how to know when you might have a problem.

Many People Seem To Downplay The Potential Health Risks Of Marijuana Use. Why Do You Think That Is?

Dr. Bast: Until recently, there wasn’t much research on the long-term effects of marijuana. One big reason is that marijuana was illegal nationwide. Researchers didn’t have access to marijuana for research purposes. Contrast that to alcohol and nicotine products, which are legal and highly regulated. Researchers have studied alcohol use and smoking for decades. We are very familiar with the health risks they pose.

What Are The Most Concerning Health Risks Associated With Marijuana Use?

Dr. Bast: As more states legalize marijuana, we’re getting a picture of how marijuana use affects heart and cognitive health.

The Journal of the American Heart Association published a study in 2024 showing that people who use marijuana have a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. The odds were even higher among those who used marijuana daily. The potential harms were evident whether people used a joint, edibles or vape.

The data also showed that among younger adults — men under 55 and women under 65 — marijuana use was associated with 36 percent higher combined odds of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

There is some evidence that frequent marijuana use also causes cognitive problems. These problems can be more obvious in older people, who perhaps already experience age-related issues with memory loss and processing. Younger adults may experience these issues, but they might not be as noticeable.

Is There Such A Thing As ‘Safe’ Marijuana Use?

Dr. Bast: No, not really. But there are safer ways to use it. Smoking is the worst option because of the lung damage it causes. Vaping can also cause lung damage and other harm. Edibles come with dosing challenges, especially for new users or older adults unfamiliar with the effects. Ideally, if you use it, I recommend doing so in a safe environment. Make sure there’s someone knowledgeable nearby. And use products from reputable sources.

Is Marijuana Safer Than Alcohol?

Dr. Bast: With the current data, I’d say it might be safer than alcohol. But I hesitate to say that too strongly, because we don’t know enough about marijuana’s long-term risks yet. We know alcohol is bad for the liver and is addictive. And marijuana probably carries risks we haven’t fully uncovered. So, I always advise patients to reevaluate their use regularly, whether it’s alcohol or marijuana.

How Can A Person Know When Their Marijuana Use Is A Problem?

Dr. Bast: When marijuana use negatively impacts your life, it’s time to reevaluate. You can ask yourself:

• Do I use marijuana more than I ever expected to?
• Do I spend significant resources to acquire marijuana?
• Do I make an effort to hide my marijuana use from others?
• Does marijuana use affect my work life or relationships?
• Have I noticed changes in my attention span, memory and energy level?
• Have people expressed concern about my marijuana use?

If you are worried about your marijuana use, talk to someone you trust — a friend or your doctor. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help.

What Advice Do You Give Patients Who Use Marijuana Regularly But May Not Associate It With Health Risks?

Dr. Bast: I always encourage patients to be open and honest with me about their marijuana use. That way, we can monitor it together. We need to regularly reassess whether it benefits them or causes harm. Help is available. Patients are often relieved to know that they aren’t alone in their struggle with marijuana dependency or addiction.