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Marijuana and cocaine interactions in humans: cardiovascular consequences
R W Foltin1, M W Fischman, J J Pedroso
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Cocaine and marijuana combined significantly increased heart rate beyond the effects of either drug alone. Cardiovascular responses to combined cocaine and marijuana were comparable to cocaine alone for mean arterial pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Cocaine and marijuana are frequently co-used substances.
- Understanding their combined cardiovascular effects is crucial for public health and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute cardiovascular effects of intravenous cocaine and smoked marijuana, administered alone and in combination.
- To determine dose-dependent and blood-level-dependent responses to these substances.
Main Methods:
- Seven adult male volunteers received intravenous cocaine (0-32 mg) and smoked marijuana (0-2.7% delta 9-THC) in a controlled research ward setting.
- Cardiovascular indexes including heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored.
- Drugs were administered alone and in combination, with cocaine given 13 minutes after marijuana initiation.
Main Results:
- Cocaine alone caused dose-dependent increases in heart rate and MAP.
- Marijuana alone produced blood-level-dependent increases in MAP and a similar increase in heart rate at both low and high THC levels.
- Combinations of cocaine and marijuana resulted in heart rate increases exceeding those of either drug alone, plateauing around 50 bpm.
- Combined use led to MAP increases equivalent to those observed with cocaine alone.
Conclusions:
- Co-administration of cocaine and marijuana leads to synergistic increases in heart rate.
- The cardiovascular impact on mean arterial pressure from combined use is primarily driven by cocaine.
- These findings highlight significant cardiovascular risks associated with the combined use of cocaine and marijuana.