Cannabis and stroke: is there a link?

2009/02/01 by B R Thanvi, Bhomraj Thanvi, S D Treadwell +1 · 15 citations
Medicine · #Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects #Cannabidiol #Cannabis #Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research #Drug #Effects of cannabis #Medicine #Psychiatry #Stroke (engine) #Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes #Substance abuse

paper · doi:10.1136/pgmj.2008.070425

openalex publication_date 2009/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

Stroke associated with drug abuse has been frequently reported, particularly in young patients. The most commonly implicated drugs include cocaine, heroine, and amphetamines. Despite its widespread abuse, cannabis associated stroke is only infrequently reported. The cause and effect association between cannabis use and stroke is not firmly established. Presuming that cannabis may cause stroke, potential pathophysiologic mechanisms are not known. In this paper, we shall review the literature linking cannabis use and stroke and possible mechanisms supporting this link.

Cited by

• Stroke with neuropsychiatric sequelae after cannabis use in a man: a case report. [europepmc]
• Trends in substance abuse preceding stroke among young adults: a population-based study. [europepmc]
• Ischemic stroke following abuse of Marijuana in a Nigerian adult male. [europepmc]
• Tetrahydrocannabinol induces brain mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction and increases oxidative stress: a potential mechanism involved in cannabis-related stroke. [europepmc]
• Role of cannabis in cardiovascular disorders. [europepmc]
• A randomised controlled cross-over double-blind pilot study protocol on THC:CBD oromucosal spray efficacy as an add-on therapy for post-stroke spasticity. [europepmc]
• A Mechanistic and Pathophysiological Approach for Stroke Associated with Drugs of Abuse. [europepmc]
• Harmful Effects of Smoking Cannabis: A Cerebrovascular and Neurological Perspective. [europepmc]
• Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Toxicity and Validation of Cannabidiol on Brain Dopamine Levels: An Assessment on Cannabis Duplicity. [europepmc]
• Cannabis and Inflammation in HIV: A Review of Human and Animal Studies. [europepmc]
• Cannabinoid Effect and Safety in Spasticity Following Stroke: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. [europepmc]
• Cerebrovascular Effects of Alcohol Combined with Tetrahydrocannabinol. [europepmc]
• Macroscopic and Microscopic Cerebral Findings in Drug and Alcohol Abusers: The Point of View of the Forensic Pathologist. [europepmc]
• Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Stroke: Increased Risk or Potential for Protection-A Narrative Review. [europepmc]
• Recreational drugs repurposed for medicinal use-cannabis. [europepmc]

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