The The Effect of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Blood Flow

Abstract

Background: This study is based on the premise that while consumption of cannabis has increased for medicinal and recreational purposes there has also been an increase in adverse events seemingly associated with cannabis usage.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) separately and in combination on blood flow.

Method: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups consisting of five rats each. Six of the test groups received different concentrations of THC and CBD (1 and 2 mg/kg body weight) respectively, while the seventh group received an extract with a combination of THC and CBD (2 mg/kg body weight) in a one to one ratio. The control group received the vehicle only. Drugs were administered intraperitoneally on alternate days for five days. Blood flow readings were taken at 0, 15, 30, 45 & 60 minute intervals using the CODA non-invasive blood pressure system.

Results: The results indicate that blood flow decreased with increasing THC concentration and was significant (p < 0.05) at 45 minutes with 2 mg/kg dose. CBD caused an increase in blood flow with increasing concentrations and this was also significant (p < 0.05) at 45 minutes with 2 mg/kg dose. The extract however caused a non-significant decrease in blood flow.

Conclusion: The results suggest that THC and CBD have opposing effects on blood flow separately, but when used in combination THC seems to exert a greater effect on blood flow than CBD.