Cannabis Compound Slows Artery Disease in Mice
(London. Reuters Health, 4/6/05)

Dr Francois Mach, of Geneva University Hospital in Switzerland, and associates, fed mice that had been genetically engineered to develop atherosclerosis, low daily doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is one of the more than 60 cannabinoid compounds that are found in cannabis (marijuana). The investigators report that the mice treated with THC had less inflammation and a slower progression of coronary artery disease than those not treated. While cannabis is known for producing euphoria when it binds to CB1 receptor cells on the brain’s surface, the small amounts of THC used in this study affected only CB2 receptors on immune system cells and did not have a euphoric effect. These findings suggest that low daily doses of THC may prevent atherosclerosis. The scientists note, however, that these findings do not support smoking marijuana for a healthy heart since, on the contrary, this practice tends to increase the pulse rate and precipitate swings in blood pressure.