Researchers at the Bar-Ilan University in Israel investigated the effect of THC on cultured heart
cells during hypoxia. "The present study confirm[s] the ability of THC to confer cardioprotection on hypoxia-exposed cardiac cells in culture," authors concluded. Investigators defined "cardioprotection" as "delaying the onset of irreversible cell injury."

Authors also noted that THC appears to be non-toxic to heart cells. "This research demonstrates
that THC has beneficial effects on cardiac cells and supports the consideration of cannabis for
specific medical uses," investigators concluded.

Previous research indicates that cannabinoids may also protect brain cells against
alcohol-induced brain damage, stroke, and acute head trauma.

Full text of the study," Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol protects cardiac cells from
hypoxia via CB2 receptor activation and nitric oxide production," is in the February
issue of Molecular and Cellular Boichemistry.