In a new study, researchers found using marijuana may lead to platelet dysfunction,
Platelets, a component of blood, play a role in maintaining blood vessel (vascular) health and aid wound healing and placental development during pregnancy.
An estimated 22 million people in the U.S. use marijuana every month for recreational or medical purposes.
The concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive component responsible for the drug’s “high”—in cannabis products has increased over the years from less than 4 percent to more than 15 percent in 2018.
Although marijuana has been used for the treatment of chronic pain, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, studies have also suggested that marijuana use is associated with heart system dysfunction.
In the study, the research team explored the effects of THC on platelet function in rhesus macaque monkeys.
Male and female rhesus macaques were given a THC cookie each morning before breakfast.
Over several months, the researchers incrementally increased the animals’ THC levels to approach standard by-weight dosages consistent with Colorado’s medical marijuana dose recommendations.
The team compared blood samples of the animals before and after the trial and found that THC reduced platelet aggregation—a step in the process of blood clot formation—and lowered the production of thromboxane, a lipid involved in clotting.
However, THC did not affect clotting times.
The team says these results may call for taking a thorough drug history for those undergoing surgery or are pregnant.
The observations may have important implications for clinical health policies regarding the use of medical marijuana in the future.
If you care about cannabis, please read studies that what you need to know about cannabis and heart attack, and CBD from cannabis may help inhibit COVID-19 infection.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that medical cannabis could help reduce depression, improve quality of life, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.
The study is published in the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology and was conducted by Stephanie E. Reitsma et al.
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