Introduction: The homeostatic role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is mediated through the actions of endocannabinoids. Intake of exogenous cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa alter the function of the ECS which may then impact other organ systems. Use of cannabis has been inconsistently linked to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. Rates of cannabis use are high among patients with psychiatric conditions who are already at higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases when compared to the general population. Cannabis use patterns and cardiometabolic risk variables in this population need further study to clarify the links between use and outcomes.
Methods: Patients with psychiatric conditions from the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Hospital were enrolled into the Cannabis and Physical Health study. Sociodemographic data, medical history, cigarette use, and cannabis use patterns were collected. In addition, cardiometabolic profile data were collected including body mass index, blood pressure, lipids, and HbA1c. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted, and a Bonferroni correction applied.
Results: This cross-sectional study enrolled 200 patients (female: n=86, 43.0%), 18 years of age and older. Among 79 cannabis users (female: n=34, 43.0%), the majority (n=53, 67.1%) consumed cannabis daily and had a diagnosis of a moderate cannabis use disorder (CUD; n=57, 72.2%, CUD score = 4.3 ± 3.4). Use of cannabis was initiated on average at 15.2 ± 3.5 years of age and used for an average of 13.5 ± 11.0 years. There was no association between cannabis use and cardiometabolic risk factors when adjusted for age, sex, psychiatric diagnosis, antipsychotic medication use, and cigarette smoking (P>0.006 for all outcomes).
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that in this sample of patients with psychiatric diagnoses, patients who use cannabis had a similar cardiometabolic profile to non-users. Patterns of cannabis use highlight the importance of reducing cannabis consumption and preventing or slowing the progression of CUD in this population, as well as limiting adolescent exposure to cannabis. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / The endocannabinoid system regulates several processes in the body via endocannabinoid signaling, and cannabinoids found in cannabis can change endocannabinoid system function. Cardiovascular events and changes in appetite have been noted with cannabis use, and this is especially important in some vulnerable populations at risk of increased cannabis use; one of these groups include patients with psychiatric conditions who tend to use cannabis but also already have an increased cardiometabolic risk. In this thesis, the relationship between cannabis use and cardiometabolic risk was examined in 200 patients, and patterns and determinants of cannabis use explored.
Our results demonstrated that of the 79 cannabis users, most consumed cannabis daily, and had a moderate cannabis use disorder. On average, users began cannabis consumption at 15 years of age and for an average duration of 14 years. Moderate cannabis use was not related to cardiometabolic risk in these patients.
Our data demonstrate the need to prevent or slow the progression of cannabis use disorder in these patients and the importance of reducing early exposure of adolescents to cannabis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/25718 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Creators | Sarpong, Lisa |
| Contributors | Samaan, M. Constantine, Medical Sciences |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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