Summarised by Centrist
A recent study from Denmark has revealed potential health risks associated with the use of medical cannabis for chronic pain management. The study involved nearly 5,400 individuals with chronic pain who had not used cannabis before. Researchers found that within 180 days, 42 patients developed new onset arrhythmia, which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Some patients also experienced strokes and heart failure for the first time.
Those who did not receive medical cannabis found no significant associations between first-time stroke or heart failure and medical cannabis use.
While the study did not specify whether THC, CBD, or a combination of both was responsible for the increased risk of arrhythmia, it pointed out that THC may trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, potentially causing heart rhythm irregularities.
More research is needed to fully understand the cardiovascular effects of cannabis use.
