Effect Of Chronic Consumption of Cannabis Sativa on Bleeding Time, Prothrombin Time and Platelet Count In Albino Rats

The effects of chronic consumption of Cannabis sativa on bleeding time and prothrombin time was studied. Fifteen albino Wistar rats weighing 200-220g were used for the study. They were randomlyassigned into 3 groups (control, low dose and high dose), n=5. The control group was administered normal saline (0.1ml/kg) while low dose and high dose groups were administered with 0.1mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg of extracts of Cannabis sativa respectively. Orogastric mode of feeding was used for the three groups, and the feeding lasted for 28 days. All the animals were allowed free access tofeed (normal rat chow) and water. After 28 days, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for analysis using standard methods. The result showed that the bleeding time and prothrombin time were each significantly (Pless than0.05) higher in the high dose treated group compared to low dose treated group and control group. Also, the mean platelet count showed that the cannabis sativa treated groups were each significantly higher (Pless than0.001) compared with the control group. Platelet count in the high dose treated group was significantly higher (Pless than0.01) compared with the low dose treated group. Cannabis sativa increases bleeding time, prothrombin time and platelet count. Cannabis sativa resulted in a dose dependent increase in bleeding time, prothrombin time and platelet counts. as a result, the indiscriminate use of Cannabis sativa should be discouraged as it could be detrimental to the bodys hemostatic mechanisms.