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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Cannabinoids and the heart-a psychiatrist's perspective

Johannes Kramer¹, Gabi Koller¹, Oliver Pogarell²

¹Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Nußbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.

|September 27, 2024

Summary

Germany

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Psychiatry
Pharmacology

Background:

Cannabis legalization in Germany (2024) impacts medical and recreational use.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects cardiovascular function via the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis use is linked to cardiovascular events, though research is ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the cardiovascular and psychiatric risks associated with cannabis use.
To inform healthcare professionals about potential patient risks.
To advocate for interdisciplinary care in managing cannabis-related health issues.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on cannabis and cardiovascular health.
Analysis of THC and cannabidiol (CBD) effects.
Examination of psychiatric risks including dependence and psychosis.

Main Results:

Acute and chronic cannabis use present cardiovascular risks, including potential links to stroke and myocardial infarction.
Smoking cannabis exacerbates cardiovascular risks, similar to tobacco use.
Cannabis use is associated with psychiatric risks like dependence and psychosis.

Conclusions:

Cardiologists must inquire about cannabis use and educate patients on cardiovascular risks.
Interdisciplinary collaboration between cardiology and psychiatry is crucial for managing cannabis-related health problems.
The evolving legal landscape necessitates awareness of cannabis's health implications.

Keywords:

Cannabis Cardiovascular health Myocardial infarction Psychosis Stroke

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