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Cardiovascular system effects of marijuana
1Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0984, USA.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 5, 2002
Summary
Marijuana and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cause immediate cardiovascular changes like increased heart rate. However, tolerance develops rapidly, leading to reduced sympathetic and increased parasympathetic activity with repeated use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Research
Background:
- Marijuana and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exert significant cardiovascular effects.
- Animal models show different responses, typically bradycardia and hypotension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the cardiovascular effects of marijuana and THC.
- To explore the development of tolerance and underlying mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cannabinoid cardiovascular effects.
- Analysis of acute and chronic exposure impacts.
Main Results:
- Acute effects include increased heart rate, slight supine blood pressure increase, and potential orthostatic hypotension.
- Chronic use leads to tolerance, decreased blood pressure, slower heart rate, and altered circulatory responses.
- Cannabinoid effects are receptor-mediated, involving the endocannabinoid system.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular effects of marijuana vary with exposure duration.
- While generally safe for healthy individuals, risks exist for those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
- Marijuana smoking poses risks due to increased cardiac workload and other physiological changes.