The cardiovascular system is one of the most important systems of the human body. The effects of cannabis on this system can have a serious impact on the overall health of individuals, and their families.
It’s the system that helps circulate blood and nutrients throughout the body. That’s why cardiovascular health is so important.
Cannabinoids
Marijuana is a substance that can have a significant effect on your heart. It can raise your heart rate, make it pump harder, and cause blood vessels to dilate (widen). Some people who use marijuana are more at risk of having a heart attack than others. It may also increase your risk of having a stroke or other types of cardiovascular diseases.
The effects of cannabis on the heart vary based on what type of cannabinoid you’re using. The main cannabinoid in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the substance. However, there are many other cannabinoids that can have a similar effect.
THC, the most well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, has been linked to a number of negative cardiovascular outcomes including accelerated heart rate and elevated blood pressure, decreased ventricular ejection time, and a reduced ability to contract efficiently. It can also trigger vasospasms, a condition in which the walls of your arteries tighten up and reduce the amount of blood that can flow through them.
It can also affect your vascular health by making it more likely that tiny blood cells called platelets will clump together and form a blood clot, which could block blood vessels and decrease the amount of oxygen that goes to your organs. The clots can then block the flow of blood to your heart or other vital organs, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Some research has shown that heavy users of marijuana have a higher risk of developing conditions like cannabis arteritis, which involves the inflammation of the artery walls. This can lead to tissue death in the artery and a reduction in the amount of blood that can go through it.
Similarly, cannabis can also affect the way that your body metabolizes carboxyhemoglobin, which is the type of oxygen that your heart needs to breathe and perform normal functions. The increased oxidation can lead to problems with your kidneys and liver, which can then affect your heart’s function.
Because of the complex effect of cannabinoids on the cardiovascular system, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using marijuana. You may be able to prevent some of these effects by choosing a strain that has less THC, or you can avoid it entirely.
Terpenes
Many people focus on terpenes as they relate to the smell and flavor of cannabis, but these compounds play an even bigger role in how the body responds. They have also been linked to the potential benefits of cannabis in treating a range of health conditions.
Some terpenes have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of heart disease. These include limonene, myrcene and caryophyllene.
Limonene is one of the most common terpenes found in marijuana strains, and it’s responsible for making them smell and taste citrusy. This terpene also has mood-enhancing effects, reducing stress and anxiety. It’s commonly used for sedation and pain relief, and can be found in strains like Lemon Lights and Tangie.
Myrcene is another terpene that can be found in cannabis, and it’s known to help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and reduce inflammation. It’s often paired with cannabinoids to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects, so it’s worth exploring strains that are high in myrcene.
Caryophyllene is another terpene that’s been linked to the ability of cannabis to support a healthy gut and digestion. It’s also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, as well as the potential for helping with insomnia.
Linalool is another terpene that can be used to help soothe the body and mind. Its calming effects are thought to make it an effective treatment for depression, anxiety and pain relief. It’s often used for sleep aid, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, and is considered an effective anticonvulsant.
Geraniol is another terpene that can help relieve symptoms of cardiovascular disease. It’s known to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and improve heart function, all while providing a sense of relaxation. It can be found in sativa strains such as Jack Herer and Tangie, and it’s thought to offer a wide variety of benefits for the heart and respiratory system.
As you try out different terpene profiles, keep a journal to track how you feel each time you smoke or use cannabis. This can help you determine which terpenes are the most effective for you and your particular goals when using cannabis.
Hemp
Despite its growing popularity, the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system remain unclear. Specifically, there is much less research on how it affects the heart and blood vessels than on its other health impacts.
Nonetheless, cannabis use has been linked to a number of adverse cardiovascular events and outcomes, including angina (chest pain), cardiomyopathy, an abnormal heart rhythm and sudden cardiac death. These effects of cannabis can be attributed to the plant’s active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
However, CBD, which is the nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, does not produce a high or intoxication, but instead has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits. These benefits include reduced heart rate, decreased blood pressure, increased vasodilation (ability of the arteries to open), and lower inflammation, which can be linked to atherosclerosis.
These cardiovascular benefits of CBD are also believed to be mediated by its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors, primarily located in the brain, that activate neuronal pathways that control the body’s various functions.
Although the endocannabinoid system is critical for a variety of physiological processes, scientists are still working to understand exactly how it works and how it influences a person’s cardiovascular health. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system will allow physicians to better diagnose and treat patients who may benefit from its use.
While a few studies have shown that medical marijuana can lead to a decrease in heart rate, lower blood pressure and increase blood volume, a substantial amount of research remains to be done. Furthermore, there is little to no data on the effect of medical marijuana in patients with existing cardiovascular conditions or those who are currently taking a variety of medication for these conditions.
Until more information is available, physicians should be vigilant about the potential harms of marijuana on their patients with existing cardiovascular disease. They should screen patients for marijuana use, encourage those who are using to stop, and be sure they are aware of the risk of combining marijuana with other commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs.
CBD
When her daughter came home from a party in Colorado and said she felt like she had a heart attack, Lori Walker, PhD, an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, was stumped. She started digging into the medical literature to learn what she could about the effects of cannabis on the heart and vessels.
Researchers have found that the active compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, have some effect on the heart and vascular system. They can raise resting heart rate, make the heart pump harder and dilate blood vessels.
However, these effects are only temporary. The long-term effects of cannabis are not well understood, and some studies show that it can increase the risk of heart attacks.
THC causes inflammation and increases the amount of plaque buildup in the lining of blood vessels, according to lab research. This can lead to the formation of clots that block the flow of blood to the heart.
CBD may also help reduce the risk of heart disease, by reducing high blood pressure. This is because CBD can counteract the effects of stress on your blood pressure, which can cause your heart to beat faster and harder.
Besides lowering blood pressure, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower your risk of conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Taking CBD can also help prevent and treat symptoms related to chronic inflammation, such as anxiety and pain.
While more research is needed, the benefits of CBD for cardiovascular health are promising. The compound can also be used to treat cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, insomnia and depression.
A recent study found that people who use marijuana daily have a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) than those who never use the drug. The study was small, but it suggests that people should take the drug only in moderation.
Another study found that people who used marijuana regularly before age 50 had a higher risk of heart attacks than those who used the drug occasionally. The researchers analyzed data from a study of 45,000 people who had used the drug at least once in their lives.
