Researchers led by Ganesh Halade of the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine published the study in Life Sciences. They examined inhaled hemp, a form of cannabis that has CBD and extremely low THC, and how it interacts with an omega-6–enriched processed-food diet that often contains seed oils such as soybean, corn and safflower oil.
In short-term experiments lasting five days, animals were exposed to smoke twice daily. Scientists detected multiple cannabis compounds in organs within two hours and saw these compounds accumulate in tissues including the heart, lungs and brain. The experiments showed weaker heart function and inflammation in the lungs and other organs. The seed-oil diet also suppressed the immune response to inflammation compared with diets without processed packaged foods.
Halade noted that immune cells make up only about one percent of blood content, so if those cells are impaired by diet and cannabis exposure, defence and repair processes can be reduced. The paper warns that many people in the United States eat packaged foods; about 40% of the population is obese and some 70–75% are overweight.
Difficult words
- indicate — to show or point out something.indicates
- suppress — to stop something from growing or working.
- compromise — to weaken or damage something.
- prevalence — the fact of being common or widespread.
- accumulation — the increase or build-up of something.
- chronic — long-lasting or constant.
- highlight — to make something important stand out.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think cannabis use affects people's health?
- What changes might help improve heart health?
- Why is it important to look at diet alongside substance use?
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