When you think of stoners, Cheech and Chong may come to mind. But chances are you don't think of your grandparents.

And yet the number of people over age 65 who are using (smoking or ingesting) cannabis has jumped by 45% in the past two years, according to a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine — and the trend doesn't seem to be slowing down.

Unfortunately, the increased use of cannabis seems to be occurring among adults with chronic diseases, especially heart issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

And new research in the journal Heart reveals that cannabis use is linked to doubling the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

This study, which examined data from 24 articles involving around 200 million people ages 19 to 59, also found that cannabis use increased the risk of stroke by 20% and acute coronary syndrome (a sudden reduction or blockage of blood flow to the heart) by 29%. For older people, the risks could be even higher.

The researchers' advice is to start treating cannabis like tobacco — don't criminalize it, but provide aggressive messaging on the risks and discourage use, while protecting others from second- and third-hand exposure to the smoke.

They also say there is a need for more research to determine the risks from smoking and if they are separate from the risks of ingested forms.

Until then, if you want to get high try aerobic exercise. It dispels tension and stress, improves self-image and self-confidence, and puts fun in your life.