Yet another new major study has confirmed that regular marijuana use greatly increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks. The report comes as polls show that public support for the legalization of the drug remains high.

Last month, the medical journal Heart released the results of a report that combed through data from 24 studies, finding that marijuana use is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of death due to heart attacks. The report further found that those who use marijuana daily are 34% more likely to suffer from heart failure than non-users.

The results mirror a multitude of other studies on the issue, including one from November 2023 that reached an identical result of 34% risk among a study of 160,000 adults over a four-year span. Additional health issues caused by cannabis use include an increased risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, suicidal thoughts, high anxiety, memory loss, lower IQ, severe vomiting, fetal development issues, bronchitis, emphysema, and ER visits.

A report from The New York Times on the new Heart study noted that physicians like Dr. Ersilia DeFilippis, a cardiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, say that “it is well-established that the drug can raise blood pressure and heart rate and alter the heart’s rhythm.” Others like Dr. John Ryan, a cardiologist at the University of Utah Hospital, are “concerned” by the findings. Ryan has “himself seen heart attacks in otherwise healthy people who use marijuana regularly.”

Despite the multitude of severe health risks associated with the drug, public support for its legalization continues to see widespread support across the country. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 87% of Americans support legalizing marijuana in some fashion, including 54% who say that it should be legal for medical and recreational use and 33% who say it should only be legal for medical use. A 2023 study found that a little over half (51%) of Americans say they have ever used cannabis. Currently, 24 states plus the District of Columbia allow marijuana use for both medical and recreational use. An additional 24 states permit the drug to be used for medical purposes.

David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council, told The Washington Stand that despite the widespread cultural and governmental acceptance of marijuana use, Christians are called to take a different approach to the issue.

“The growing body of evidence confirming the physical, mental, and societal harms of marijuana use — including this recent study on heart failure — should give serious pause to lawmakers and citizens alike,” he observed. “While culture increasingly normalizes and even celebrates marijuana use, Christians are called to think differently, through the lens of Scripture.”

Closson continued, “The Bible doesn’t mention marijuana directly, but it clearly calls believers to sobriety, self-control, and stewardship of the body. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with them. Similarly, 1 Peter 5:8 urges us to ‘be sober-minded’ because of the spiritual dangers around us. Intentionally using substances like marijuana for recreational highs compromises mental clarity, impairs judgment, and opens the door to both physical and spiritual harm.”

Closson went on to contend that the church must be instrumental in turning the cultural tide away from the pervasive acceptance of the drug.

“As for changing the culture’s view, I believe the church must speak both prophetically and pastorally,” he argued. “We need to clearly articulate why altering our minds and bodies for pleasure runs contrary to God’s design for human flourishing. But we must also compassionately engage those struggling with addiction or disillusionment, offering the hope of the gospel and a better way to live.”

“Ultimately, this is about more than marijuana,” Closson concluded. “It’s about how we view the purpose of life, the nature of joy, and the path to healing. Christians have a powerful opportunity to speak into this cultural moment with both truth and grace (Ephesians 4:15).”