Cannabis for Heart Rhythm Issues

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Gregory M Marcus, MD, MAS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Must not be taking: Anti-arrhythmics

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Atrial fibrillation, Heart failure, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether cannabis use affects the frequency of early or unusual heartbeats. Participants will either use cannabis or avoid it over a 14-day period while wearing monitors to track heart rhythm, glucose levels, steps, and sleep. The study seeks individuals who have recently used cannabis and are willing to alternate between using and avoiding it as instructed. Participants must have a smartphone and the legal ability to use cannabis in their location. The findings could help doctors better understand cannabis's impact on heart rhythms. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on cannabis and heart health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently taking anti-arrhythmic medications.

What prior data suggests that cannabis use is safe for heart rhythm monitoring?

Research has shown that cannabis use links to heart rhythm issues, such as an irregular heartbeat. Some studies suggest that cannabis users might face a higher risk of heart attacks compared to non-users. Cannabis can also increase heart rate and blood pressure immediately after use. These effects indicate that cannabis might not be entirely safe for everyone's heart. Considering these risks is important before joining a study on cannabis and heart health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using cannabis for heart rhythm issues because it offers a unique approach compared to standard treatments like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Unlike these medications, which primarily work by altering the electrical signals in the heart, cannabis may impact heart rhythm through its effect on the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological processes. Additionally, the trial's innovative use of smartphone apps and text messaging for participant guidance and data collection could provide real-time insights and improve our understanding of how cannabis affects heart rhythms in day-to-day life.

What evidence suggests that cannabis might affect heart rhythm?

Research has shown that cannabis use is linked to a higher risk of heart rhythm problems, known as arrhythmias. Studies have found a strong connection between cannabis and various types of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly and often too fast. Frequent cannabis use might also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Evidence suggests that cannabis can raise heart rate and blood pressure. This trial will further explore cannabis's impact on heartbeats, with participants randomized to either consume or avoid cannabis in two-day blocks. This approach will help researchers and physicians understand the relationship between inhaled cannabis and heart rhythm. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gregory M Marcus, MD, MAS

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 21 who have used cannabis in the past month and can use a smartphone with specific apps. They should be willing to follow daily instructions on cannabis consumption for two weeks. People with heart conditions, pregnant women, or those on anti-arrhythmic meds cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I have used cannabis by inhaling it at least four times in one week in the past year.

Have a smartphone

Are able to use the Eureka mobile application and Mosio text messaging software

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a heart ablation procedure before.

Currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant

I have a history of atrial fibrillation or heart failure.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are instructed to consume or avoid cannabis on randomly assigned days during a 14-day monitoring period while wearing monitors and using a mobile app for instructions and surveys.

2 weeks

Daily virtual check-ins via mobile app or text messaging

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2-4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Randomized instructions

Trial Overview The study tests if using cannabis affects heart rhythm by having participants consume or avoid it on random days while wearing health monitors. Data from heart, glucose monitors, fitness trackers, and surveys will help determine any changes in 'early' abnormal heartbeats.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Case-crossover Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be randomized in two-day blocks to consume then avoid cannabis ("Start: On Cannabis") or avoid then consume cannabis ("Start: Off Cannabis"). Using an case-crossover strategy delivered by the NIH-funded, UCSF-run Eureka platform utilizing a mobile smartphone-based application, or the Mosio text messaging software for clinical research, participants will receive instructions and answer questions to help researchers and physicians understand the relationship between inhaled cannabis and heart rhythm.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 61 participants (37 healthy controls and 24 with ischemic heart disease), cannabis use led to only mild increases in heart rate, which were less pronounced in individuals with ischemic heart disease.

The study found that while supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was less frequent with increased cannabis use, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) was more common in those with ischemic heart disease, indicating a potential risk for arrhythmias in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Arrhythmic Effects of Cannabis in Ischemic Heart Disease. Gillett, L., Johnson-Sasso, C., Miller, B., et al.[2023]

In a study of 502 THC-positive drivers, it was found that they had a significantly higher average pulse rate (82.8 beats/min) compared to a control group (75.6 beats/min), with 19.4% experiencing tachycardia, indicating a potential cardiovascular effect of THC.

The study also revealed that THC-positive drivers had a higher incidence of irregular heartbeats, particularly among those with lower blood THC concentrations, suggesting that even occasional cannabis use may lead to heart rate irregularities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Frequency and irregularity of heart rate in drivers suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis. Khiabani, HZ., Mørland, J., Bramness, JG.[2013]

This study aims to investigate the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias in hospitalized patients who use marijuana, addressing a gap in research regarding the potential cardiovascular effects of recreational marijuana use.

By utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of arrhythmia trends among marijuana users in a hospital setting, which has not been previously explored in detail.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Burden of arrhythmia in recreational marijuana users. Desai, R., Patel, U., Deshmukh, A., et al.[2022]

Among cardiac inpatients, 13.8% reported using cannabis in the past year, with younger patients and those with a history of tobacco or mental health issues being more likely to use it.

Most cannabis users among these patients engaged in higher-risk behaviors, such as smoking or vaping, and showed low intentions to quit, highlighting the need for further research on the cardiovascular effects of cannabis and the development of safer use guidelines.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prevalence, Perceptions, and Patterns of Cannabis Use Among Cardiac Inpatients at a Tertiary-Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Walker, KL., Mackler, SA., Noble, SM., et al.[2023]

Cannabis use is linked to an increased risk of cardiac dysrhythmia, with 61% of studies reporting cannabis-induced tachycardia and various specific dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

While dysrhythmias are rare, they can be life-threatening, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to ask about cannabis use in patients with heart-related symptoms and to educate users, especially those with existing cardiac conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The association of cannabis use and cardiac dysrhythmias: a systematic review. Richards, JR., Blohm, E., Toles, KA., et al.[2021]

The rise in recreational cannabis use, particularly synthetic cannabinoids, has been linked to an increase in serious cardiovascular events, including sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias, especially among young men with few risk factors.

Older individuals and those with existing cardiovascular conditions may be at even greater risk, highlighting the need for further understanding of the complex interactions between cannabinoids and the cardiovascular system.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiovascular Complications of Marijuana and Related Substances: A Review. Singh, A., Saluja, S., Kumar, A., et al.[2020]

Among young adults aged 18-39 who are current or former cannabis users, there is a higher frequency of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arrhythmia, and stroke compared to non-users, indicating potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use.

Despite the increased risk for certain cardiovascular events, cannabis users showed a lower frequency of hospitalizations for venous thromboembolic events (VTE), suggesting a complex relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular health that warrants further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rising Trends in Hospitalizations for Cardiovascular Events among Young Cannabis Users (18-39 Years) without Other Substance Abuse. Desai, R., Fong, HK., Shah, K., et al.[2020]

In a study of 7,096 heart failure patients, those who used cannabis had lower odds of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to non-users, with a significant reduction in AF diagnosis (19.08% vs 21.39%).

The protective effect of cannabis against AF was consistent even after accounting for factors like age, co-morbid conditions, insurance type, and socioeconomic status, suggesting a potential beneficial role of cannabis in heart failure patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Relation of Cannabis Use and Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure. Adegbala, O., Adejumo, AC., Olakanmi, O., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666501824003660

Arrhythmias and cannabis use: A comprehensive overview Epidemiological data and multiple studies indicate a significant association between cannabis use and various arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6461323/

The Cardiovascular Effects of Marijuana: Are the Potential ... There is evidence to suggest that increased frequency of marijuana use increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial infarction (MI).

3. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.038913

Smoking or Vaping Cannabis and Cardiovascular Function S‐THC and V‐THC increased the heart rate (S‐THC: Δ17±15 bpm, V‐THC: Δ16±16 bpm; P<0.0001) and mean arterial pressure (S‐THC: Δ7±6 mm Hg, V‐THC: ...

4. bmjgroup.com bmjgroup.com/cannabis-use-linked-to-doubling-in-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease-death/

Cannabis use linked to doubling in risk of cardiovascular ... Cannabis use is linked to a doubling in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, with significantly heightened risks of having a stroke or acute coronary ...

5. eatg.org eatg.org/hiv-news/cannabis-is-interfering-with-the-heart/

Cannabis is interfering with the heart Among weekly users, cannabis was associated with a 3% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 5% increased risk for stroke. Heart Attack and ...

6. acc.org acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/03/17/15/35/Cannabis-Users-Face-Substantially-Higher-Risk

Cannabis Users Face Substantially Higher Risk of Heart ... Two new studies add to mounting evidence that people who use cannabis are more likely to suffer a heart attack than people who do not use the drug.

7. nida.nih.gov nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana

Cannabis (Marijuana) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Read more about cannabis use and mental health. Cardiovascular Effects. Cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure right after use.