CBD interest on the rise, researchers flag need for clinical research on heart patients

06 Sep 2022 --- Researchers are exploring the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on patients with heart disease as preclinical studies have been reviewed. The findings are said to be valid for cardiovascular outcomes in in-vivo studies with CBD, as some mechanisms found reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Additionally, the findings showed CBD has “promising results in experimental models of ischemia and reperfusion lesion, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and metabolic syndrome-like conditions,” says Mario Esteban Zúñiga Ayala, primary author of the study and cardiology fellow at Hospital Regional 1, Mexico City.

“Medical marijuana and CBD may be of interest as it is advertised and anecdotally distributed as a treatment for many conditions with possible and inconclusive evidence like glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and depression, inflammatory bowel disease and many other conditions that lack clinical data,” Zúñiga Ayala adds.The researchers highlight that CBD has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic and chemopreventive activities.

Not a miracle
The researchers highlight that CBD has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic and chemopreventive activities. Marijuana is the most used substance compared to other drugs, while the use of cannabis and CBD is likely to grow. Therefore, heart disease patients may consider using these products, they note.

Studies on supplements have shown that there is no “magical pill,” and research shows a lack of evidence for supplements having preventative effects on cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“CBD is not a miraculous drug. If taking any other medications, try to seek a specialist on medical cannabis to advise on taking CBD. Always ask for interactions with your previously prescribed medications and do not suspend any drug prescribed by your physician,” says Zúñiga Ayala.

“If buying CBD, always look for well-established dispensaries. Clinicians should be aware of CBD’s unreliability, purity and dosage in products. A recent study of online products showed that more than a quarter contained less CBD than labeled. THC-containing products could potentially cause harm to heart disease patients.”

A recent investigation by the Kent Scientific Service tested 61 CBD products and showed 71% contained at least one psychoactive element of cannabis.

A growing marketRecent investigations showed CBD products mislabeled, wrongfully labeled and containing illegal substances.
In the UK, the CBD market is growing, and the industry has pushed for the government to “turbocharge” innovation and regulatory amendments to keep up with the speed of growth. 

“It is no longer wise or sustainable for the government to continue to take a distanced, disinterested or laissez-faire attitude to the sector as a whole,” Dr. Parveen Bhatarah, chief scientific officer at the Association for Cannabinoid Industry (ACI), previously said.

The ACI released an overview of the market movements during 2022 highlighting the growth in consumer interest and calling for more regulation to ensure safety. The association highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic drove consumers to larger, although less frequent, purchases. 

By Beatrice Wihlander