Cannabis has long been more than just an intoxicant – more and more studies are investigating its effects on health and metabolism. One exciting area of research is the link between cannabis and cholesterol. As elevated cholesterol levels are a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the question arises: can cannabis have a positive effect on blood lipid levels or does it pose risks?
How cannabis could affect cholesterol levels
The most important ingredients of cannabis – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) – act via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which controls metabolism, inflammation and lipid regulation, among other things.
THC can increase appetite and influence fat metabolism. In conjunction with increased calorie intake, this could indirectly change cholesterol levels.
CBD is non-intoxicating and has been shown in preclinical studies to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
Study situation: Mixed results
The research results to date are not clear – some studies see benefits, others risks.
Journal of Clinical Lipidology: Cannabis users sometimes had lower HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels, which can be unfavorable for heart health.
American Journal of Medicine: Regular consumers were less likely to have metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood pressure, obesity and high blood lipids).
Diabetes Care: Cannabis users had lower insulin levels and less insulin resistance – a positive factor that could also indirectly improve cholesterol levels.
👉 Conclusion so far: The results are contradictory. Differences could be related to the type of cannabis, THC/CBD content, form of consumption and lifestyle factors.
CBD and cholesterol
CBD is being researched particularly intensively because it is not psychoactive. Initial findings:
- Animal studies: CBD lowered total cholesterol levels and influenced fat processing in the liver.
- Anti-inflammatory: As chronic inflammation promotes the formation of arterial plaques, CBD could have a protective effect here.
- Oxidative stress: CBD protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation – an important step in the development of arteriosclerosis.
- Appetite regulation: Unlike THC, CBD does not increase appetite – which could reduce the risk of obesity and thus increased blood lipid levels.
However, large clinical studies on humans are still lacking in order to be able to make clear recommendations.
Is cannabis safe for high cholesterol?
This depends heavily on the form of consumption:
❌ Smoking: harmful to the heart and blood vessels, increases blood pressure and inflammation levels.
CBD oil or edibles: avoid the risks of smoking and could even have positive effects due to the CBD content.
💡 Important: Anyone suffering from high cholesterol or taking medication should always discuss the use of cannabis or CBD with their doctor. CBD can influence enzymes via the liver and thus strengthen or weaken the effect of other medications.
Conclusion: Cannabis & cholesterol – an open question
Cannabis influences the metabolism – that is clear. Whether it has more positive or negative effects on cholesterol has not yet been definitively clarified scientifically. Initial indications point to the benefits of CBD (anti-inflammation, antioxidant protection), while THC could also pose risks through increased appetite and altered fat processing.
For people with cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol levels: avoid smoking, seek medical advice and keep an eye on research results.
Source: https://cannawayz.com/blog/health-stories/cannabis-and-cholesterol-exploring-the-connection