From the Guidelines
There is currently no conclusive evidence to support the use of genistein from Japanese sophora to protect against cannabis-induced cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and myocardial infarction (MI), and the most reliable approach to mitigate these risks is to reduce or cease cannabis use, particularly for those with existing cardiovascular risk factors. Genistein, an isoflavone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may have some cardiovascular benefits, but its specific effects on cannabis-related cardiovascular risks have not been well-established in human clinical trials 1. The relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular risk is complex, with emerging evidence suggesting a dose-dependent association between cannabis use and increased risk of stroke, particularly in younger adults 1. While genistein may have potential cardiovascular benefits, its interactions with cannabis and ability to mitigate cannabis-specific cardiovascular risks are unknown.
Key Considerations
- The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines highlight the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors, including substance use, to prevent stroke and cardiovascular disease 1.
- Cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, particularly in younger adults, and the risk appears to be dose-dependent 1.
- There is currently no validated supplement regimen, including genistein, that can reliably protect against potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use.
- Individuals concerned about cannabis-related cardiovascular effects should consult their doctor about their specific health situation and cannabis use.
Recommendations
- Reduce or cease cannabis use, particularly for those with existing cardiovascular risk factors.
- Consult a doctor about specific health situations and cannabis use.
- More research is needed to determine if genistein or other compounds could reliably protect against potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use.
From the Research
Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Outcomes
- The association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes, including cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and myocardial infarction (MI), has been examined in several studies 2, 3, 4.
- A systematic review of articles published between 2011 and 2016 found an association between exposure to cannabis-based products and cardiovascular disease, with stronger evidence for ischemic strokes than for other cardiovascular diseases 2.
- Another study found that regular cannabis use was significantly associated with greater risk for CVA, arrhythmia, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and mortality, particularly in non-tobacco users 3.
- A population-based, cross-sectional study of 2016 to 2020 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that cannabis use was associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and a composite measure of all three 4.
Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
- Evidence-based Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) have been developed to reduce modifiable risk factors of cannabis-related adverse health outcomes 5, 6.
- The guidelines recommend delaying the onset of cannabis use until after adolescence, avoiding the use of high-potency (THC) cannabis products and high-frequency/-intensity of use, and refraining from smoking-routes for administration 5, 6.
- The guidelines also advise young people, pregnant women, drivers, older adults, and those with co-morbidities to exercise particular caution with use-related risks 5, 6.
Genistein and Cannabis-Induced CVA and MI
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that genistein sourced from Japanese sophora protects against cannabis-induced CVA and MI.
- The studies primarily focus on the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes, as well as the development of Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines to reduce modifiable risk factors of cannabis-related adverse health outcomes.