This two-phase project seeks to examine the cardiovascular response to consumption of cannabis variants of different cannabinoid composition through different methods (smoking vs. vaporizing), at rest and during aerobic exercise. Multiple measures that have been shown to predict risk factors for chronic-disease and negative health outcomes will be assessed following cannabis consumption at rest or in combination with exercise. These techniques will examine arterial stiffness, vascular function, and cardiac function. In phase I and II, subjects will visit the lab on 6 different occasions; with 1 visit acting as an introductory visit, 1 as an exercise control visit, 2 as resting cannabis visits, and 2 as cannabis + exercise visits. Cannabis used in phase I of this study will consist of approximately 10% THC. On all visits, pulse wave velocity, flow mediated dilation, and echocardiography measures will be performed following cannabis consumption by smoking or vaporizing, and cannabis consumption by smoking or vaporizing followed by 20 minutes of exercise on a cycle ergometer. Phase II of the study will implore a similar design. In favor of altering method of consumption, in all visits cannabis will be consumed by vaporization and will be either a high cannabidiol (CBD: (\~10%)) and low delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC: (\<1%)), or a high THC (\~10%) and low CBD (\<1%) variant.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
22
Cannabis of (\~10% THC concentration \<1% CBD concentration) will be smoked.
Cannabis of (\~10% THC concentration \<1% CBD concentration) will be vaporized.
Cannabis of (\~10% CBD concentration \<1% THC concentration) will be smoked.
Cannabis of (\~10% CBD concentration \<1% THC concentration) will be vaporized.
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Change in Aortic Stiffness From Baseline Following Cannabis Consumption
Assessed via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Change in Brachial Artery Vascular Function From Baseline Following Cannabis Consumption
Assessed via brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD)
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Change in Sympathetic Nervous System Activity From Baseline Following Cannabis Consumption
Assessed via microneurographic recordings of the peroneal nerve
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Change in Cardiac Function From Baseline Following Cannabis Consumption
Measured by echocardiography
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Exercise Capacity
Assessed by maximal average power attainable during 20 minutes of continuous cycling exercise
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Heart Rate
Measured at rest and during exercise
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Systolic Blood Pressure
Measured at rest and during exercise
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Measured at rest and during exercise
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Perceived Exertion
Measured during exercise
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
Oxygen Consumption
Measure of metabolic activity
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Intervention (<2 Hours)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.