Discover what to know about cannabis and a brain aneurysm—risks, recovery, and medical cautions.

When celebrity Kim Kardashian recently revealed she was diagnosed with a small brain aneurysm—reportedly detected during a routine MRI and attributed by her doctors to stress—her disclosure sparked interest in a condition most people don’t know much about. A brain aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning blood vessel in the brain, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. With growing interest around cannabis use—both medically and recreationally—it’s worth exploring what to know about cannabis and a brain aneurysm. A brain aneurysm (sometimes called an intracranial aneurysm) occurs when a weakened area of a blood vessel in the brain bulges outward. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to a major bleed called a subarachnoid hemorrhage—a medical emergency. Many aneurysms remain small and never rupture, but risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, genetic predisposition, and possibly vascular stress. Kim Kardashian’s case underlines how even individuals with public profiles and access to healthcare can face this silent risk.

Cannabis—or more precisely its components such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—has been studied for a variety of health issues. For some conditions like chronic pain, certain forms of epilepsy, or spasticity in multiple sclerosis, cannabinoids may offer symptomatic relief. There is emerging evidence medical marijuana can improve quality of life for some patients: reducing pain, improving sleep or mood, and even decreasing reliance on opioids in certain contexts. In the broad sense, in jurisdictions across the U.S., many patients use it under medical supervision for conditions like migraine, nausea from chemotherapy, or chronic neuropathic pain. “Medical” use does not equate to “safe in all contexts”—especially when other serious medical issues are present. When it comes to brain aneurysms—particularly after diagnosis or treatment—the research raises caution flags about cannabis use: Studies show people who have had an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a burst aneurysm), cannabis users had higher rates of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI)—a serious complication which can lead to poor outcome. One large study found cannabis users had about a 2.7 times greater risk of DCI compared with non-users.Other studies link recreational cannabis use to a higher likelihood of having an aneurysm rupture in the first place—one estimate suggested about an 18 % increased risk.Research also suggests cannabis affects vascular tone, cerebral blood flow, mitochondrial function in brain cells, and may contribute to vasospasm (narrowing of blood vessels) or oxidative stress—mechanisms which are particularly concerning in someone with a vulnerable blood vessel wall.One review warned even for unruptured aneurysms, if cannabis is used, individuals should be aware they may face worse outcomes should rupture occur.If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm (ruptured or unruptured), here are some practical steps: Talk to your neurologist/neurosurgeon about cannabis use. The research suggests elevated risks in people with aneurysms who use cannabis.Avoid assuming “medical use = safe.” Even if you’re using cannabis under a physician’s care, an aneurysm changes the risk profile.Focus on established risk-reduction: control blood pressure, stop smoking, manage cholesterol, avoid stimulants. These traditional strategies remain foundational.If you have an untreated aneurysm and are considering cannabis for medical reasons, proceed with caution.Ask your medical team about the specific size, location, treatment plan of your aneurysm and whether there are recommended restrictions.After an aneurysm rupture or treatment, strongly consider abstaining or closely monitoring any cannabis use. The data indicate increased complication rates in this particular setting.The public disclosure by Kim Kardashian highlights how common aneurysms may be, but it also reminds us the decision to use cannabis in a medical context should be made carefully. While cannabis offers genuine medical benefits for some conditions, when a brain aneurysm is in the picture—especially one which has ruptured or is being observed—caution is warranted. Speak with a neurologist familiar with cerebrovascular risk, weigh the benefits and the unique risks, and make an informed choice rather than assuming “legal = safe.”

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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