Abstract Background The cardiovascular impact of cannabis use is incompletely understood. Although evidence links chronic use to an increased risk of disease and adverse cardiovascular events, few studies have investigated the acute effects of cannabis inhalation on subclinical dysfunction. Furthermore, it remains unknown how method of inhalation and cannabinoid profile modify risk. While controlling for inhalation method and the effects of either Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), we examined the acute cardiovascular effects of cannabis use on arterial stiffness, vascular endothelial responsiveness, and cardiac function, as markers of cardiovascular impairment. Methods and Results Twenty‐two young, healthy, cannabis users were assessed for arterial stiffness via...

Abstract Purpose Cannabidiol (CBD) products are widely used for pain relief, sleep improvement, management of seizures etc. Although the concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in these products are low (≤0.3% w/w), it is important to investigate if its presence and/or that of its metabolite 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC, is traceable in plasma and urine samples of individuals who take CBD oil products. Methods A sensitive GC/MS method for the determination of Δ9-THC, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC and CBD in plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. The sample preparation procedure included protein precipitation for plasma samples and hydrolysis for urine samples, solid-phase extraction and finally derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane....

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects on buccal mucosa and peripheral blood cells from marijuana and tobacco smokers. Methods: For this purpose, a total of 45 volunteers were distributed into four groups: CTRL group (control): individuals who did not smoke marijuana or tobacco (n = 11); Group M: Marijuana smokers (n = 13); Group T: Tobacco smokers (n = 13); Group M + T: Smokers of both marijuana and tobacco (n = 08). Results: Smokers of both marijuana and tobacco led an increase of micronucleated cells on buccal mucosa when compared to control group. The...

Abstract   Background: This study is based on the premise that while consumption of cannabis has increased for medicinal and recreational purposes there has also been an increase in adverse events seemingly associated with cannabis usage.   Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) separately and in combination on blood flow.   Method: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups consisting of five rats each. Six of the test groups received different concentrations of THC and CBD (1 and 2 mg/kg body weight) respectively, while the seventh group received an extract with a...

Abstract Background: The main biological activities of cannabis are due to the presence of several compounds known as cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the main cannabinoids. Studies have shown that the efects of THC can be modulated by CBD. Objective: This study aims to look at the efect of diferent concentrations of THC and CBD separately and in combination, on blood viscosity, elasticity and membrane integrity. Methods: Blood samples were collected from twenty-four healthy adult non-smokers. Blood viscosity and elasticity were determined using the Vilastic Scientifc Bioprofler for diferent concentrations (0, 2.5, 25, 50 and 100ng/ml) of CBD and THC...

Background: Cannabis use is a component risk factor for the manifestation of schizophrenia. The biological effects of cannabis include effects on epigenetic systems, immunological parameters, in addition to changes in cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, that may be associated with this risk. However, there has been limited study of the effects of smoked cannabis on these biological effects in human peripheral blood cells. We analyzed the effects of two concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vs. placebo in lymphocytes of a subset of participants who enrolled in a double-blind study of the effects of cannabis on driving performance (outcome not the focus of this study). Methods: Twenty four...