Cannabis-related Stroke
Stroke Reports Saturday, January 26th, 2013STROKEAHA: December 27, 2012
Myth or Reality?
Cannabis, which is the most widely used recreational substance in the world, is considered by many consumers as safe with few negative side effects.1 This opinion is somehow strengthened by the fact that cannabis was also shown to have therapeutic applications.2 Cannabis is obtained from the plant Cannabis sativa and its varieties Cannabis indica and Cannabis americana.3 The 2 main preparations derived from cannabis are marijuana and hashish.2 The principal psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol4, and the potency of different preparations of cannabis that relates to tetrahydrocannabinol content is extremely variable.3 The plasma half-life of tetrahydrocannabinol isμ56 hours in occasional users and 28 hours in chronic users.5 Psychopharmacological acute effects associated with cannabis use are euphoria, increased self-confidence, relaxation, and a general sense of well being.3 Except for nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy, most of the potential beneficial effects are not approved by many administrations around the world. Read More
