# Importance of Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Chronic Cannabis Users > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/ > **Published:** 2020-11-17T14:08:35-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:21-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore how reverse cholesterol transport function impacts mitochondrial and cognitive health in chronic cannabis users. --- ### Chronic marijuana use moderates the correlations of serum cholesterol with systemic mitochondrial function and fluid cognition ​In Summary Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a crucial biological process, in which excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues are transported back to the liver for subsequent removal from the body. A recent [clinical study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) has demonstrated the complicated and profound effects of marijuana use on this process. Marijuana users tend to consume less plant-based food, which leads to a lower level of dietary polyphenols, chemicals that help with the transfer of cholesterols from peripheral tissues to high-density lipoprotein to liver. They also tend to consume more meat-based food, which leads to a high level of dietary fat content. The ultimate result is a higher cholesterol deposit in tissues of marijuana users. This, in turn, causes an abnormally high cholesterol density in the mitochondrial membrane, interfering with the functions of mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cell. ​ Thus, among marijuana users, proper RCT function plays a significant role in mitochondrial function and hence, in maintaining [cognitive function](https://cedclinic.com/cognitive-flexibility-alcohol-cocaine-misuse-effects/). Alarmingly, however, higher daily and life-time marijuana use correlates with a decrease in RCT activity. This is because marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol, an activator of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor and activation of this receptor inhibits RCT activity. [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Importance%20of%20Reverse%20Cholesterol%20Transport%20in%20Chronic%20Cannabis%20Users&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Freverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Freverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Importance%20of%20Reverse%20Cholesterol%20Transport%20in%20Chronic%20Cannabis%20Users%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Freverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).