Circulation, March 2023 In an intriguing medical revelation published in the esteemed scientific journal “Circulation” in March 2023, a recent study has unveiled that medical cannabis, long associated with a variety of therapeutic benefits, may serve as a beneficial tool in improving cardiovascular health. This timely research comes at a pivotal moment when cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to top the charts as the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths per year according to the World Health Organization. Study Findings: The groundbreaking study has discovered that medical cannabis, or cannabinoids, can be effective in enhancing cardiovascular health through a variety of mechanisms. Specifically, these include reducing high blood pressure (hypertension), optimizing cholesterol levels, and mediating inflammation – all factors that play a significant role in cardiovascular health. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, especially when considering the burden of hypertension on public health. As the leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, hypertension affects more than 1.13 billion people worldwide, as per the World Health Organization. The study’s findings suggest that medical cannabis could potentially offer a novel approach to managing this rampant health issue. Similarly, cholesterol, a type of fat found in the blood, plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as ‘bad cholesterol’, are detrimental and can lead to a buildup of fats in your arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease. The study indicates that medical cannabis may aid in lowering these damaging cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Inflammation, another critical component in the development and progression of heart diseases, was also found to be mitigated through the use of medical cannabis. While inflammation is a part of the body’s healing process, chronic inflammation can lead to damage in the heart’s blood vessels and tissues, potentially triggering heart diseases. The study suggests that medical cannabis may play a role in reducing such harmful inflammation, thereby promoting heart health. Conclusion: Despite the stigma often associated with it, cannabis has emerged as a significant player in the medicinal world, with its therapeutic potential being increasingly recognized in various fields, including oncology, neurology, and now, cardiology. This new research suggests that medical cannabis could potentially be harnessed as a powerful tool in combating cardiovascular diseases. It’s important to note, however, that while these findings are indeed promising, further research is needed to fully understand the scope and limitations of medical cannabis in cardiovascular health improvement. These studies should consider factors such as dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. Nonetheless, the study undoubtedly marks a significant step forward in cardiovascular research, providing healthcare professionals and patients alike with newfound hope for more effective, novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases. The ongoing exploration of the benefits of medical cannabis continues to challenge conventional thinking and opens up exciting new avenues for medical research and patient care.

 The study you mentioned, published in the scientific journal “Circulation” in March 2023, found that medical cannabis has the potential to improve cardiovascular health by reducing high blood pressure, optimizing cholesterol levels, and mediating inflammation ¹. These findings are significant, especially considering that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths per year ¹.

It is important to note that the use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products can have possible contraindications, drug interactions, and side-effects, and should therefore only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner ¹. If you are interested in learning more about medical cannabis and its potential benefits for cardiovascular health, you may find the following resources helpful:

• Medical Cannabis and CBD for Cardiovascular Health Fact Sheet: This fact sheet provides information on the use of cannabis and CBD for cardiovascular health, including frequently asked questions and possible risks and dangers.
• Medical Marijuana and Heart Health: What You Need to Know: This article provides an overview of the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana for heart health.
• Cannabis and Cardiovascular Disease: This article explores the relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease.

Please note that the information provided in these resources should not be seen as medical advice, and you should always consult a qualified practitioner before using cannabis or cannabis-derived products.

Learn more:

1. dailymail.co.uk2. dailymail.co.uk3. acc.org4. bing.com5. uk.news.yahoo.com6. msn.com7. newsroom.heart.org8. shutterstock.com