Cannabis-induced Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Coincidence or Not?

Marijuana, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. Now, more than ever, due to changing regulations, marijuana is more readily available and is known to be habitually used by millions. The neuropsychiatric effects of marijuana are well-known which include chronic fatigue syndrome and polyphagia. However, marijuana is also known to exert cardiac effects, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and hypertension. Marijuana has also been described in association with atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac arrest. However, acute coronary syndromes, such as myocardial infarction in the setting of marijuana use, is rare. Herein, we present the case of a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in the setting of marijuana use in a 42-year-old African American male with no significant past medical history who presented with chest pain at rest one hour after smoking marijuana.