Marijuana's Medicinal Potential For Stroke Patients

Medical marijuana is a controversial topic, with advocates touting its many health benefits and critics highlighting its harmful effects. One area of interest is its potential use in treating stroke patients. In the United States, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disabilities and the fifth leading cause of death. It can lead to reduced mobility, speech impairment, and mood disorders. With the rise in medical marijuana legalization, there is a growing interest in using it for symptomatic relief from cardiovascular disease, including stroke.

The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) with receptors that can be found in various cells. Cannabinoids, including medical cannabis, work by interacting with specific receptors such as CB1, CB2, and TRPV1. Research suggests that activation of these receptors can help limit damage to nerve cells in the brain and potentially prevent strokes. Additionally, medical cannabis may help with post-stroke pain, spasticity, and depression.

However, there are mixed opinions on whether cannabis use increases the risk of cerebrovascular events like acute stroke, especially in younger patients. Some studies have associated cannabis use with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in younger individuals and an increased risk for patients with cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, a 2021 study found no association between marijuana use and early-onset ischemic stroke.

While medical marijuana may offer potential benefits for stroke patients, more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy. Most studies to date have been conducted on animals, and further human clinical trials are necessary to establish conclusive evidence.

The US government holds a patent that says cannabis can treat strokes

The US government holds Patent No. 6,630,507, which relates to the use of marijuana for treating certain medical conditions. The patent was applied for in 1998 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and was approved in October 2003.

The patent states that marijuana can be used to treat issues related to oxidative stress, like stroke, autoimmune disorders, age-related issues, and more. Oxidative stress refers to pathological conditions that result, at least in part, from the production of or exposure to free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species.

The patent essentially acknowledges the therapeutic potential of marijuana in the treatment of various medical conditions, despite its classification as a Schedule I drug, which indicates that it has "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." This contradiction has sparked debates about the legalization of marijuana and the role of lobbying in influencing drug policies.

It is important to note that the patent does not prove the effectiveness of marijuana in treating these conditions but highlights the government's recognition of its potential therapeutic benefits. Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of marijuana for specific medical conditions.

Cannabis can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues that cause strokes

Cannabis has been used for its psychoactive properties for thousands of years. In recent times, there has been a rise in interest in using plant-based medicines for symptomatic relief from cardiovascular disease. However, the therapeutic benefits of cannabis have not been conclusively established. Evidence suggests that cannabis use is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues that can cause strokes.

Cannabis and Cardiovascular Issues

A 2008 survey found that over 15 million Americans use cannabis regularly. Evidence suggests a relationship between cannabis and vascular disease, with cannabis causing tachycardia with increased cardiac output and cardiac workload, creating an imbalance in myocardial supply and demand, which can subsequently lead to acute myocardial infarction.

Cannabis also activates platelets, leading to increased activation of factor VII, a potent thrombogenic protein. There is also a form of arteritis linked to marijuana use that differs from thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) associated with smoke inhalation.

Cannabis and Strokes

The primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, delta(9)- tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC), interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are also widely distributed in the cardiovascular system. Activation of these receptors modulates the cellular activity of the vessel wall, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

A plethora of case reports and series describe the association of cannabis with ischemic stroke (IS). In a study of 218 New Zealanders with IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA), 15.6% had urine drug screens (UDS) positive for cannabis compared to 8.1% of control participants. Another review of the literature revealed 59 case reports of cannabis-related stroke, with the majority being IS.

Cannabis and the Reduction of Risk

Despite the evidence linking cannabis to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues that can cause strokes, some studies suggest that cannabis can also help reduce this risk. A 2020 study found a 50% decrease in stroke risk among cannabis users. Another study found that there was no association between cannabis and an additional risk of stroke.

Cannabis as a Treatment for Stroke Patients

Research suggests that different cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, could have several benefits following a stroke. For example, CBD is a potent antioxidant agent without developing tolerance to its neuroprotective effect, acting through a C.B. (1) receptor-independent mechanism. CBD also protects injured brains without having to increase the dose over time as needed with other cannabinoids, such as THC.

Furthermore, cannabinoids work to protect nerve cells from damage by activating C.B. and 5HT1A (serotonin) receptors. Researchers observed the most significant effects when they administered cannabinoids within 4–5 hours after the stroke, suggesting that cannabinoids may help to prevent brain damage to some extent but do not fully reverse it.

Risks of Cannabis Use in Stroke Recovery

While there are potential benefits of using medical marijuana during stroke recovery, there are some risks to consider. Several studies suggest that cannabis can increase the risk of having a stroke, especially among young, healthy people. For example, a 2017 report suggested that recreational marijuana use raises the risk of hospitalization due to ischemic stroke by 17% in the 18–54 age group.

The report also stated that cannabis has several significant effects on the cardiovascular system, including increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, vasospasms, irregular blood flow to the brain, and acute rises in supine blood pressure.

Cannabis can help with post-stroke spasticity

Nabiximols, a cannabis-based nasal spray, has been found to be a safe and effective add-on therapy for patients with uncontrollable muscle spasms and cramps. A 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study included 37 patients experiencing spasticity caused by a stroke. The study found that nabiximols is safe, but it is not effective for use in stroke patients. Researchers believe that the lack of effect could be due to low pain levels in the recruited patients or different spasticity mechanisms between post-stroke and multiple sclerosis patients.

Another study published in 2021 tested nabiximols on a 61-year-old experiencing central post-stroke pain syndrome. The patient reported a marked improvement in pain intensity, mood, daily activity, quality of life, and sleep after two days of nabiximols treatment. The patient did not need any additional medications to achieve these levels of relief and was monitored for ten months.

These studies on nabiximols show promising results for those considering using medical cannabis to relieve the pain and spasticity they experience after a stroke. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids for humans, as many studies are conducted on animals.

Cannabis can help with post-stroke depression

Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disabilities in the United States, affecting mobility, speech, and mood. Post-stroke depression is a common occurrence, with symptoms including feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and persistent sadness.

Medical cannabis has been found to be an effective treatment for post-stroke depression. It helps to restore normal function and alleviate depression symptoms by restoring normal endocannabinoid production in the brain.

A 2014 study published in the Hawaii Journal of Medicine & Public Health found that medical cannabis offered significant pain management benefits to participants, who reported a 64% reduction in pain and improved sleep and lower levels of anxiety.

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in treating cerebrovascular diseases, such as strokes. This system consists of receptors found in various cells in the body, including cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Medical cannabis contains over 120 different cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which interact with these receptors to produce therapeutic effects.

Research suggests that THC and CBD may help limit damage to nerve cells in the brain and prevent stroke. Additionally, CBD has been found to be a good choice for patients with cerebrovascular disease due to its ability to increase endocannabinoids and activate therapeutic receptors.

While more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids for humans, current studies show promising results for the use of medical cannabis in treating post-stroke depression.

Cannabis can help with pain management after a stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, with approximately 795,000 people experiencing a stroke each year. The impact of a stroke can be devastating, often resulting in severe disability or death. It is therefore important to know the warning signs, which include persistent headache, numbness, and tingling in the body, and to seek fast medical intervention to reduce brain damage.

While the therapeutic benefits of cannabis have not been conclusively established, there is growing evidence that medical marijuana can aid in stroke recovery and provide therapeutic benefits for stroke patients. Here are some ways in which cannabis can help with pain management after a stroke:

Reducing Inflammation and Preventing Brain Cell Death

Research suggests that cannabinoids like THC and CBD could have several benefits following a stroke. A 2014 review in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism suggested that cannabinoids are "promising candidates for future treatment" after observing that the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 become more active, and the release of beneficial endocannabinoids increases after a stroke. By activating these receptors, cannabinoids can help to reduce inflammation and prevent brain cell death.

Alleviating Post-Stroke Spasticity

Spasticity is a common complication following a stroke, affecting about 38% of stroke survivors within 12 months. It refers to a pathological increase in muscle tone during stretching, which impairs motor function and can lead to permanent muscle contractures. Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in treating spasticity and its related symptoms. A 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that nabiximols, a cannabis-based nasal spray, was safe for stroke patients and did not induce relevant cardiovascular side effects. However, it was not effective in reducing spasticity.

Managing Post-Stroke Pain and Depression

Post-stroke pain and depression are common, and medical cannabis has been shown to offer benefits in managing these symptoms. A 2014 study published in the Hawaii Journal of Medicine & Public Health found that medical cannabis helped participants achieve a 64% reduction in pain. It also improved sleep and reduced anxiety levels. Additionally, cannabis has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat stroke-related brain inflammation.

Reducing the Risk of Stroke

While some studies suggest that cannabis use may increase the risk of stroke, especially in young, healthy individuals, other studies have found no association between cannabis and additional risk of stroke. A 2020 study of 9,350 stroke patients found a 50% decrease in stroke risk among cannabis users when age and other medical demographics were not factored in. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of cannabis in humans, as many studies have been conducted on animals.

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