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Pharmacopsychiatry 2010; 43(4): 147-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248314
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of Cannabis on Heart Rate Variability and Well-Being in Young Men

K. Schmid1 , J. Schönlebe1 , H. Drexler1 , M. Mueck-Weymann2
  • 1Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine of the University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
  • 2Institute of Behavioral Medicine and Health Prevention, University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall/Tirol, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

received 27.09.2009 revised 14.12.2009

accepted 17.12.2009

Publication Date:
26 February 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction: The effects of cannabis use on the autonomic regulation of the heart had been identified in tests with volunteers. We studied these effects of cannabis use on young adults in everyday life.

Methods: We measured heart rate variability (HRV) and well-being (WHO-5 score) in young men during a routine medical examination. Seventy-two men were identified with a positive drug screening test solely for tetrahydrocannabinol. The comparison group consisted of 72 men, matched according to age and body mass index, who used no illicit drugs or pharmaceuticals.

Results: In the cannabis group, HRV was significantly increased compared to the control group. The median value of root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) at rest was 56.2 ms in the drug users and 48.6 ms in the controls (p<0.05). The ratio of low-to-high frequency was higher in the controls (median 1.87 vs. 1.62; p<0.05). Psychological well-being, measured by WHO-5 score was significantly lower in cannabis users.

Discussion: Our data support the hypothesis that the use of cannabis leads to a change in cardiovascular sympathovagal balance.

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Correspondence

PD Dr. K. Schmid

Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational,

Social and Environmental Medicine

University Erlangen-Nuremberg

Harfenstraße 18

91054 Erlangen

Germany

Phone: +49/9131/852 6777

Fax: +49/9131/852 6819

Email: klaus.schmid@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de

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