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Effects of marijuana on the task-elicited physiological response
R M Capriotti1, R W Foltin, J V Brady
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Marijuana smoking increases heart rate and blood pressure, especially when combined with cognitive tasks. This study shows cannabis use can heighten cardiovascular responses in healthy males.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Cannabis Research
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Marijuana is widely used recreationally and medically.
- Understanding the physiological effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is crucial.
- Cardiovascular responses to cannabis, particularly under stress, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular effects of marijuana smoking.
- To determine if task performance exacerbates marijuana's impact on heart rate and blood pressure.
- To assess cardiovascular responsivity in healthy male marijuana users.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy male marijuana users participated in a controlled study.
- Subjects smoked either placebo or active marijuana (1.8% delta 9-THC).
- Cardiovascular measures (heart rate, blood pressure) were recorded during rest and a cognitive task.
Main Results:
- Marijuana alone increased heart rate (HR) by 18 bpm and mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 3 mmHg.
- Task performance alone increased HR by 4 bpm and MAP by 5 mmHg.
- The combination of marijuana and task performance significantly elevated HR by 29 bpm and MAP by 15 mmHg.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana smoking alone has moderate cardiovascular effects.
- Cognitive task performance amplifies the cardiovascular response to marijuana.
- These findings suggest that cannabis use may increase cardiovascular responsivity, especially during demanding activities.