While there have been no recorded deaths from marijuana alone, it can be fatal in certain circumstances. Cannabis can cause adverse effects when someone consumes too much, or when it's combined with other factors.
Factors that can increase the risk of death
- Traumatic injury: Cannabis can be fatal if it's combined with a traumatic physical injury.
- Cardiac conditions: Cannabis can be fatal for people with cardiac conditions, such as hypertensive heart disease.
- Tolerance: Frequent marijuana use can lead to tolerance, which means higher dosages are needed to achieve the desired effects. This increases the risk of overdose.
Other effects of marijuana
- Vasospasm and arrhythmia
Cannabis can trigger vasospasm and arrhythmia, which can lead to chest pain, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
Cannabis can trigger AMI, which is confirmed by a rise in creatine kinase and/or troponins.
Study findings
- A study from Florida Atlantic University found that nearly 99% of deaths from cannabis use between 2014 and 2020 were caused by accidents.
- Another study found that most deaths from cannabis use were associated with chest pain, arrhythmias, or thrombus in a coronary artery.