Electrocardiographic Effects of Marihuana
- Mahendra S. Kochar, MD;
- Michael J. Hosko, PhD
Abstract
The electrocardiograms of seven young men were studied to determine the effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most psychoactive component of marihuana. Two doses of THC, 200μg/kg of body weight and 300μg/kg, were given orally to each subject at a three-day interval, and placebo was administered between the two doses of THC. After the small dose of THC, only two of the seven subjects showed electrocardiographic changes, but after the larger dose, six manifested increased heart rate, two developed S-T-segment and T-wave changes, and one had premature ventricular contractions. No electrocardiographic changes occurred after the placebo was administered. Marihuana may affect the heart, and its repeated use may have a cumulative effect.
Footnotes
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Reprint requests to the Medical College of Wisconsin, 511 N 15th St, Milwaukee 53233 (Dr. Hosko).
