{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/heart/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3074-markdown","title":"CBD & Heart Palpitations: What We Know ","slug":"cbd-and-heart-palpitations-what-we-know","content":"A racing heart is a scary but common side effect of consuming cannabis. This is due to tetrahydrocannabinol ([THC](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc)), the cannabis compound responsible for the plant’s euphoric high. But people who consume cannabidiol ([CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/cbd)) products such as tinctures [have also reported heart palpitations](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/can-cbd-tinctures-give-you-heart-palpitations/), even though these products contain very little or no [THC](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-thc-vs-cbd).\n\nCan [CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-cbd-and-how-can-it-help-me) cause the heart to pound as THC does? Research reveals that this cannabis compound doesn’t negatively affect your heart rate or blood pressure, but scientists are still working to unravel the complex relationship between cannabis and the heart.\n\n![Hello4-min (5).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_5_c09a7860a5.png)\n\n### How Cannabis Affects the Cardiovascular System\n\nThe heart is the most visible member of the cardiovascular system—a sprawling network of veins and arteries that carry nutrient-rich blood to all parts of the body.  \n\nThe [cardiovascular system is also intertwined with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6020134/), a rich network of cell receptors that natural cannabinoids produced by the body, called [endocannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), and cannabinoids from outside sources, mainly the cannabis plant, can activate. The [ECS works with many other subsystems](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system#:~:text=The%20endocannabinoid%20system%20regulates%20autophagy,keep%20the%20whole%20body%20healthy.) and processes to support homeostasis, or balance, which is necessary for good health. \n\nSome research suggests that [the cardiovascular system is the source of the body’s endocannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728560/):\n\n* [Anandamide](https://hellomd.com/articles/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule/)\n* 2-AG\n\nLipid molecules in the cell membranes of the heart and other cardiovascular tissues create these endocannabinoids.  \n\nEndocannabinoids bind to ECS receptors, [called CB1 and CB2](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/beyond-the-cb1-and-cb2-cannabis-receptors-trpv1-and-gpr55), throughout the body and brain to support the immune system and regulate many other essential functions—and so do cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. This is why cannabis can have such a wide range of effects.\n\nBut the action of the CB1 and CB2 receptors isn’t always positive. And these receptors can behave in different ways in the presence of various cannabis compounds and [terpenes](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-how-do-they-work). This can make it difficult to determine whether compounds like CBD and THC are helpful or harmful in certain situations.\n\nFor example, some studies suggest that people who consume whole-plant cannabis have a higher risk of heart disease than others. And for all consumers, the risk of a heart attack increases fivefold within an hour of taking cannabis; the risk of a stroke quadruples in that same period.  \n\nOn the other hand, taking cannabis can increase the survival rate after a stroke or heart attack and reduce the risk of a potentially serious condition called atrial fibrillation in people who already have heart failure.\n\n![Hello5-min (5).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello5_min_5_12ad4a87c4.png)\n \n### How Can Cannabis Cause Heart Palpitations?\n\nWhen cannabis causes negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, [THC is the reason](https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/heart-palpitations-when-you-use-cannabis-heres-why).  \n\nAfter consuming a cannabis product that contains THC, some people experience a sudden, rapid heartbeat—an increase of up to 50 beats per minute. THC causes blood vessels to relax and open, which can make blood pressure drop. This forces the heart to beat faster to keep the usual amount of blood flowing.  \n\nA speeding heartbeat after taking marijuana isn’t generally a cause for concern in healthy people, but it can be risky for people who already have some kind of heart or cardiovascular condition.  \n\nCBD doesn’t affect the heart and cardiovascular system in the same way, though. It’s a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that works not only with ECS receptors but also with other systems and processes to support healing and [relieve pain](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/5-hemp-cbd-products-for-your-aches-and-pains). \n\nCBD can also soften the effects of THC by blocking its action on the CB1 receptor. And this provides some protection from THC’s negative effects, such as:\n\n* [Anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/finding-success-with-cannabis-to-reduce-anxiety)\n* Paranoia \n* Rapid heartbeat\n\nA number of studies have investigated the effects of CBD on various physiological processes over the past decade or so. Researchers have concluded that although individual responses to CBD can vary, CBD-only products don’t cause changes in the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and heart rate. \n\n![Hello8-min (2).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello8_min_2_c2c7be5039.png)\n\n### Is There A Connection Between CBD & Heart Palpitations?\n\nSo, why would someone have heart flutters after taking CBD? One [widely disputed study](https://www.kazmira-llc.com/blog/does-cbd-convert-to-thc-in-the-body/) hypothesized that people taking CBD can have THC-like symptoms because gastric fluids found in the stomach could actually convert CBD into THC. Researchers said THC could enter the bloodstream and affect the body in the same way as THC from cannabis could.   \n\nBut the 2016 study didn’t use real gastric juices, only an analog—a substance that resembles gastric juices—that scientists use in labs to determine how fast medications could dissolve in the stomach. And the study’s researchers found that under those circumstances, the molecules in CBD did, in fact, break down into THC. \n\nBut later research contradicts their claim that CBD can convert to THC in the stomach. Numerous studies have shown that [in natural digestive juices—such as when a person consumes a CBD-infused edible—CBD remains CBD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22129319), and no traces of THC can be found. \n\nThese studies conclude that there’s no evidence that CBD can change into THC in either humans or animals, so there’s no need to worry that taking CBD may cause THC-like effects.\n\nBut solving the mystery of having heart palpitations after taking CBD products may take some detective work. Consuming other products that affect heart rate, such as caffeine, at the same time may play a role—so could certain medications.  \n\nIt’s also important to remember that CBD can affect people differently, and different products can have distinct effects. For example, tinctures enter the body quickly through the mucus membranes in the mouth, while edibles take much longer to work through the digestive system and into the bloodstream.\n\nThe relationship between CBD and the cardiovascular system is complicated, and scientists are still working to understand it. But the expanding body of research we have tells us that CBD in all its forms has powers to help, not harm, the heart.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/ee604/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png","srcSet":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/69585/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 200w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/497c6/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 400w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/ee604/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 800w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/afd1d/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 816w","srcWebp":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/58556/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/61e93/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 200w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/1f5c5/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 400w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/58556/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 800w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/b6f2d/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 816w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2275-markdown","title":"Is Marijuana Dangerous?","slug":"is-marijuana-dangerous","content":"### Is It Safe...\n\nMarijuana is a substance that receives a lot of press, both positive and negative. Sometimes it is hard to sift true scientific fact out of the anti-drug rhetoric that exists. Cannabis is not 100% safe, nor is any other substance in the world. Any and every medication can be abused or misused in ways that make it dangerous. That said, cannabis has not been directly responsible for any deaths in modern times Yet, there are some times when cannabis should be avoided in order to prevent any potential problems.\n\n### During Pregnancy\n\nThere is very limited research related to the use of cannabis during pregnancy. Much of the research that has attempted to see the effects of marijuana being consumed during pregnancy is tainted by the fact that many of the mothers in the studies also smoked tobacco. \n\nIn theory, cannabis can be very helpful with many symptoms associated with pregnancy ranging from morning sickness to anxiety, but not much is known on how marijuana can affect an unborn fetus. It has been [concluded](http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/marijuana/) that THC can cross the placenta and enter the blood stream of the fetus, though the exact effects of THC on the fetus have not yet been determined. \n\nA 2014 study, however, did find that twice as many babies with anencephaly were born to mothers who admitted to smoking marijuana during their pregnancy. Anencephaly is a brain malformation that is caused by a neural tube defect during the development of the fetus, but the condition is still extremely rare leaving no definite statistical link between increased cases and marijuana.  A 2011 study of 25,000 women in Australia found that babies born to mothers who smoked marijuana were also twice as likely to end up in the NICU. Babies born to mothers who smoked cannabis were also 77% more likely to be underweight. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS AND PREGNANCY DEBATE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ff19116662310006a20000/the-cannabis-and-pregnancy-debate)\nSome studies have also linked later in life problems like lower memory test scores, increased hyperactivity, and different cognitive functioning to children who’s mothers smoked marijuana when they were pregnant. Overall, however, medical practitioners generally agree that marijuana does not cause birth defects, though there is significant room for continued studies on the effects that cannabis has on a developing fetus. \n\n### Underage Consumption\n\nAdolescents are believed to be particularly susceptible to long lasting effects from cannabis consumption. It is hard to isolate marijuana in many studies related to adolescents because many involve a plethora of other potential risk factors that could lead to issues such as poor school performance, higher dropout rates, and greater chance of unemployment that are commonly linked to cannabis consumption. \n\nThe frontal cortex is still developing in adolescents and as a result it is more susceptible to drug usage. A [review of 43 studies](http://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/11/marijuana-brain.aspx) of young adults who reported chronic marijuana use found that there were structural brain abnormalities and altered neural activity associated with chronic marijuana usage. \n\nEarlier onset of marijuana consumption is also associated with a average higher level of consumption later in life. All of the research related to underaged consumption, however, is far from unanimous. Some studies, which have tested the same factors as other studies, have found no problems occurring on the adolescent brain from cannabis usage. Most studies, also, focus on heavy users as opposed to occasional users. \n\n### Increased Risk of Heart Conditions\n\nA [study](http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117399&page=1) from Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in association with Harvard Medical School, found that there was a five times increased risk of heart attack for the first hour after smoking marijuana. In the second hour, there was just under a two times increase in heart attack risk, which dropped down to a normal heart attack risk two full hours after smoking marijuana. This, however, only provided an average risk increase since younger users tended to have a much lower risk increase. \n\nA [study](http://newsroom.heart.org/news/marijuana-use-may-increase-heart-complications-in-young-middle-aged-adults?preview=771a) published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reported a general increased risk of heart attacks, rhythm disorders, and stroke related to marijuana consumption. There is extremely mixed information on the issue of heart conditions related to marijuana use depending on where the studies have been conducted. \n\n### Gateway Drug: A Completely Debunked Theory\n\nPreviously one of the most prominent dangers associated with cannabis was the possibility for the use of marijuana to lead to the use of harder drugs. A [study from Texas](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/06/the-real-gateway-drug-thats-everywhere-and-legal/?utm_term=.896ab5afcd4b) A+M and the University of Florida analyzed years of data from Monitoring the future and found that the vast majority of teens try alcohol before marijuana or any other drug. Most teens used alcohol or tobacco before they used cannabis, 54% tried alcohol first, 32% tried tobacco first, and only 14% used marijuana first. If any substance should be considered a gateway drug, it is alcohol rather than cannabis. \n\nThe gateway theory has been discredited, along with widespread dangers that were once thought to be associated with cannabis. [US Attorney General Loretta Lynch denied](https://www.merryjane.com/news/us-attorney-general-admits-marijuana-not-gateway-drug) the gateway theory and even said that marijuana use in the United States was not a major issue, especially compared to much bigger drug problems in the country like the opioid epidemic. The National Institute of Drug Abuse also clearly stated that “the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use ‘harder substances’”. \n\nThough there are a select few times when it may be best to avoid marijuana, like during pregnancy or recreational use during adolescence, cannabis overall is a very safe substance to use, especially when used responsibly and has far fewer side effects than commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals. \n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/ee604/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.png","srcSet":"/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/69585/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.png 200w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/497c6/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.png 400w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/ee604/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.png 800w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/f3583/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.png 1200w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/f90fa/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/58556/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/61e93/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.webp 200w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/1f5c5/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.webp 400w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/58556/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.webp 800w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/99238/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.webp 1200w,\n/static/b674e5aaa4108a5f54135dd44d97f125/5e0b8/d48b05f69505da60bdd69256a29967ee.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5329,"name":"Heart","slug":"heart","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}