Major Findings

Medical marijuana is becoming increasingly popular as a medicinal agent, with 25 states legalizing it for medical purposes. However, emerging evidence suggests that marijuana use can lead to cardiovascular side effects, such as rhythm abnormalities, syncope/dizziness, and myocardial infarction, among others. 1 This review included the largest up-to-date pooled population of patients with exposure to marijuana and reported cardiovascular effects. Although many advocate for its use as an adjunctive medical therapy, marijuana is associated with its own set of cardiovascular risks and deserves further definitive study and the same level of scrutiny we apply in research of all other types of medications.

Applied kinesiology, a hands-on technique involving rubbing specific 'lymphatic reflex points' while touching painful areas of the breasts, has been studied as a potential treatment for breast pain. An open pilot study involving 88 women with self-rated moderate or severe mastalgia found a significant reduction in breast pain immediately after treatment in 60% of patients, with complete resolution in 18%. Two months later, approximately 60% experienced a 50% or greater reduction in pain severity, duration, and frequency. This preliminary study suggests that applied kinesiology may be an effective treatment for mastalgia, without side-effects.

Reasons for Side Effects

The exact reasons for the cardiovascular side effects associated with medical marijuana use are not fully understood. 1 However, it is believed that cannabinoids in marijuana can affect the heart's electrical activity and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels.

Common Side Effects

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Medical marijuana use can lead to cardiovascular side effects. 1 Reported side effects include rhythm abnormalities, syncope/dizziness, and myocardial infarction.

Breast Pain Relief

Applied kinesiology has shown potential as a treatment for breast pain without reported side effects. The study demonstrated significant breast pain reduction immediately after treatment in 60% of patients, with complete resolution in 18%. Two months later, about 60% continued to experience a 50% or more reduction in pain severity, duration, and frequency.

Side Effects Management

Cardiovascular Side Effects

To mitigate the risk of cardiovascular side effects, it's crucial to consult with a doctor before using medical marijuana. 1 Individuals with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure may be advised to avoid medical marijuana use.

Breast Pain Relief

Applied kinesiology has shown potential as a treatment for breast pain without reported side effects. The study demonstrated significant breast pain reduction immediately after treatment in 60% of patients, with complete resolution in 18%. Two months later, about 60% continued to experience a 50% or more reduction in pain severity, duration, and frequency. This lack of reported side effects makes it a potentially effective alternative to standard drug therapies.

Research Comparison

Similarities

Both studies suggest the potential effectiveness of specific treatments for particular conditions. 1 highlights the potential cardiovascular side effects of medical marijuana, while suggests the effectiveness of applied kinesiology for breast pain relief.

Differences

The study on medical marijuana focuses on the potential for side effects, while the applied kinesiology study reports no side effects. Additionally, the medical marijuana study notes the lack of stringent national standards and approval processes for medical marijuana products, highlighting the need for further research. The applied kinesiology study, on the other hand, concludes that it's a potentially effective alternative to standard drug therapies due to its lack of side effects.

Real-Life Application Precautions

Understanding the risk of cardiovascular side effects is crucial for those considering medical marijuana use. 1 Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure should exercise caution or avoid medical marijuana use. Applied kinesiology shows promise for breast pain relief without reported side effects. The study demonstrated significant breast pain reduction immediately after treatment in 60% of patients, with complete resolution in 18%. Two months later, about 60% continued to experience a 50% or more reduction in pain severity, duration, and frequency.

Current Research Limitations

Research on medical marijuana is still in its early stages and requires further investigation. 1 This study emphasizes the need for stricter national standards and approval processes for medical marijuana products. Further research on applied kinesiology is also needed, including larger-scale studies and comparisons with other treatment methods. The study on applied kinesiology was a small pilot study and requires further validation.

Future Research Directions

To comprehensively assess the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana, larger-scale studies are needed. 1 The study highlights the importance of establishing strict national standards and approval processes for medical marijuana products. Research on applied kinesiology should be expanded to include larger-scale studies and comparisons with other treatment methods. The study on applied kinesiology, being a small pilot study, necessitates further validation.

Conclusion

Medical marijuana use can be associated with cardiovascular side effects. 1 Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure should exercise caution or avoid medical marijuana use. Applied kinesiology shows promise as a potentially effective treatment for breast pain without reported side effects. The study demonstrated significant breast pain reduction immediately after treatment in 60% of patients, with complete resolution in 18%. Two months later, about 60% continued to experience a 50% or more reduction in pain severity, duration, and frequency. When considering using medical marijuana or applied kinesiology, it's crucial to consult a doctor to understand the risks and benefits.