Does cannabinoids affect the heart? (2023)

What is the effect of cannabinoids on cardiovascular system?

Smoking marijuana results in immediate tachycardia and elevated supine blood pressure. In a study done by Beaconsfield et al., an immediate effect of smoking marijuana is a 20–100% increase in heart rate. The effects on heart rate can occur within 10 min of marijuana inhalation and last between 2 and 3 h [21].

Heart-related risks

And one survey suggests that smoking marijuana may raise the risk of a stroke. Most of the evidence about marijuana is based on studies of people who smoked it. But even if you ingest marijuana by other methods, such as edibles or tinctures, the drug can still affect your cardiovascular system.

One study found that CBD has a direct effect on the arteries, helping reduce inflammation and improving blood flow. 11 This suggests that CBD reduces inflammation in arteries and blood vessels, easing the strain on the heart, potentially preventing heart failure.

CBD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties may be able to reduce risk factors that can lead to heart disease, like high blood pressure. It may also be able to reduce the risk of related conditions, like stroke.

It is true your heart rate may increase due to THC's ability to open blood vessels, requiring an increased heart rate to maintain consistent blood flow. Breathing may also be impacted by this circulatory opening, but these symptoms will not escalate to the point of death.

A new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2022 has found that cannabis prescribed for chronic pain in Denmark between 2018 and 2021 was associated with a higher risk of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).

Various studies in animals have shown that CBD could improve vasorelaxation, or opening of arteries for better blood flow, as well as reduce inflammation.

A number of studies have now also shown that CBD reduces the cardiovascular response to anxiety or stressful situations.

Cannabis use was linked to a 35% increase in the chances of developing AFib.

A 2017 review found that taking CBD with antihypertensive medications may change the blood concentration of either substance. If an individual uses CBD and blood pressure medications, they need to inform their doctor. Learn more about dosages and side effects of CBD here.

Can CBD gummies cause high heart rate?

CBD may cause sympathoinhibition (through CB₁ or some other mechanism), thereby preventing an increase in blood pressure and cardiac output, causing a compensatory rise in heart rate to maintain cardiac output.

Altogether, endocannabinoids and both CB1/CB2 receptors are present in human and murine hearts. The receptors co-localize with cardiac myocytes, coronary vascular smooth muscle, and endothelial cells as well as with epicardial adipose tissues.

Physiological effects include rapid changes in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, conjunctival suffusion, dry mouth and throat, increased appetite, vasodilatation and decreased respiratory rate (31, 32).

Acute adverse effects include hyperemesis syndrome, impaired coordination and performance, anxiety, suicidal ideations/tendencies, and psychotic symptoms. Acute cannabis consumption is also associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, especially fatal collisions.

Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and people who smoke marijuana frequently can have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco. These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections.

Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals, which interact with cannabinoid receptors present mainly in the brain. These are inhaled or ingested orally. These drugs affect cardiovascular system of the body. They affect brain areas that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement and coordination.

The ECS comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout our brains and bodies. The "cannabinoid" receptors in the brain — the CB1 receptors — outnumber many of the other receptor types on the brain.

The general consensus is that only large daily consumption of cannabis is usually associated with development of liver fibrosis and can affect liver health.

Cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents and they exert their effects through induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of cytokine production and induction of T-regulatory cells (Tregs).