Cannabis and tachycardia

Is there a cause-effect relation between cannabis and tachycardia?

Marijuana is sort of famous for increasing heart rate. Some websites talk about it effecting an increase of 40 bpm, while others mention an increase of 50% over resting heart rate.

Personally, my heart rate goes from a resting rate of 70 bpm, to about 120 bpm (as if I’m jogging). But I have measured it to go as fast as 156 bpm, which is about 80% the maximum heart rate for my age group. This >120 bpm heart rate can persist for an hour, sometimes two.

Of course, if I were running a marathon, this would be considered normal. But all of this is when I am at rest and not exerting myself at all. Is such an elevated heart rate for such a long time dangerous to the body? Would this become risky as I age and the heart and blood vessels deteriorate, and maximum heart rate lowers to 130? 

Originally posted in SR 2.0 16/10/2013. Reviewed 20/2/22

Cannabis increases heart rate by a different mechanism than stimulants. The main effect is relaxation of veins and arteries. This effect lowers blood pressure. To compensate this and mantaining blood flow heart beats more quickly. Im general, cardiovascular toxicity related with cannabinoids is limited, compared to stimulants.

There are some cases reports of cardiovascular damage induced by cannabis, but are anecdotal and uncommon. But the main risk is fainting using cannabis too strong or too quickly. So if you feel dizzy, lie down to avoid hurting if you fall as a result of loss of consciousness.

The increase in frecuency you report is important and long-lasting. Possibly it does not mean a health problem.Or maybe you are particularly sensible to that effect. It is possible that it is just related to cannabis potency (you should try another variety or use less quantity).

But, also, it is theoretically possible that cannabis use could trigger an asymptomatic arrhythmia or pathological tachycardia.So, it should be interesting to have an electrocardiography test to rule out this possibility. 

 

Cannabis, pain and fibromyalgia

I have a question about cannabis, pain and fibromyalgia. Is therapeutic cannabis an option?

I am 54 years old and have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia . I am in pain most of the day and almost no treatment has been effective. I have read that cannabis could help me get better and would like to know your opinion. Thank you very much.

Originally posted in SR 2.0 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disease that causes persistent pain, extreme fatigue, muscle stiffness. Also, there are also other symptoms such as psychological distress, sleep difficulties, headaches, and forgetfulness.

This condition is  controversial. Some physicians do not believe that this is a «disease» due to the lack of physical, laboratory, or imaging test alterations,. But others disagree and state that there are still no laboratory markers available

There are different hypotheses about  the triggers of fibromyalgia. The widely accepted theory considers that physical and mental stress, psychological and social factors, are the main causes. Other authors think that certain viruses or vaccines may be the cause.

In any case, most experts agree that the mechanisms of fibromyalgia involve a decreased pain threshold in the brain. And also an increased sensitivity of the body’s pain receptors.

The fact has led some researchers to hypothesize that  a deficiency of endogenous cannabinoids could cause fibromyalgia. These molecules contribute to the control and regulation of pain in vertebrates.

This hypothesis is still under investigation. But some studies have found elevated levels of anandamide, one of the cannabinoids naturally occurring in the body, in fibromyalgia patients.

Several studies have examined the efficacy of cannabinoid-based treatments for fibromyalgia. In 2006, a study showed improvement in a subgroup of patients treated with oral delta-9-THC in doses between 2.5 and 15 mg.

Another synthetic cannabinoid called Nabilone proved some benefits in at least two small clinical trials . However, some patients did not tolerate the medication well, and others did not experience any relief.

Recently, some studies suggest that vaporized marijuana or THC-rich cannabis oil may be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. In any case, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

In fibromyalgia, no treatment is completely effective in a majority of patients. Some individuals improve with different types of drugs. Medications available include anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and antiepileptics. Psychological and non-pharmacological therapies are useful, too.

Therefore,  cannabinoids may provide benefits for certain individuals. But there is need of more research determine their overall efficacy and safety for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Cannabis urine detection

How long does THC stay in your system? Tips for passing a urine test

Hello. I have been a heavy cannabis user for the last 6-7 years, i am now been clean for 8 days, i train alot and have a healthy body, but now i have gotten a job and i need to pass a urine sample in 8 days, Is there anything i can use to get rid of this thc easier or do i have to wait ?, Wondering if i should take (Zydot Expellit) i was wondering what you mean about masking this urine sample.

Originally posted in SR 2.0 15/5/14 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Cannabis elimination has a constant rate. Drinking too much water, urine cleaners or doing exercise are useless to mask urine sample. Diluting it with water does not work (density of urine is also tested in exams). The only way to mask the urine is change with other person’s (if he or she does not use cannabis)

 

Isotretinoin and recreational drugs

If I take Isotretinoin, it’s safe to use LSD, Psylocibin, DMT, weed and alchool?
How often is to often to take LSD and DMT? What are harms of DMT?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Isotretinoin is a drug used in the treatment of some types of acne. Alcohol is the only drug strictly contraindicated with isotretinoin because of its toxic effect on the liver. All other substances listed are pharmacologically safe in combination with isotretinoin.

Some indirect data suggest that psilocybe mushrooms may also slightly increase the risk of liver problems in combination with isotretinoin. But in practice, no toxicity cases are reported, and this combination is probably safe.

Taking psychedelics is like going to Disneyworld (if you like Disney characters, of course). The first few times are extraordinary, but you will get tired and bored if you go too often. The frequency (in both cases) depends on personal preference. For some people, it’s twice a year. For others, once a month, but most people find it boring to do it every weekend. Generally, the less frequent the use, the greater the likelihood of enjoying the experience.

DMT, like other classic psychedelics, produces no effects. Harm is related to mental problems (anxiety, difficulty integrating the experience) or, very rarely, persistent mental health problems.