International Journal of Stroke : Official Journal of the International Stroke Society
- The authors of this study examined stroke-related hospitalizations and outcomes in cannabis users aged 18 to 49 years from 2007 to 2014. They evaluated records from over 3 million hospitalizations and identified 34,857 hospitalizations for young-onset stroke. Compared with non-cannabis users, cannabis users had increases in all strokes (OR, 1.16; P<.001) and acute ischemic strokes (OR, 1.41; P<.001). From 2007 to 2014, there was a 13.92% increase in stroke admissions associated with cannabis use (P<.001).
- This study has limitations inherent to retrospective studies. Cannabis use is often associated with poor diet and lifestyle, and this study cannot determine the effects of these confounders. It is important for neurologists to recognize the increased risk of stroke among young cannabis users.
– Kyle Binder, MD
CONCLUSIONS
We identified rising trends and higher risk (16% higher of overall young-onset stroke, 41% higher of acute ischemic stroke) of stroke-related hospitalizations and worse outcomes among cannabis users aged 18-49 years from 2007 to 2014.