Cannabis and Blood Pressure: Explained

Studies on cannabis and blood pressure have yielded mixed results. Some show a positive association between cannabis product use and increased systolic blood pressure, while others find a link to lower blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension.

Cannabis use can cause a short-term increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This is often followed by orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness. I experienced this after my first dose of medical cannabis for chronic back pain.

The long-term effects of cannabinoids on blood pressure remain unclear, with inconsistent data and varying cardiovascular responses. Daily cannabis use, even after just one instance, may have an effect. Smoking cannabis flower adds cardiovascular risk factors due to harmful substances like carbon monoxide and tar, similar to tobacco smoking.

Individual reactions to cannabis vary. The type of cannabis sativa plant (THC vs. CBD dominant), dosage, consumption method (smoking, edibles), frequency of use, and overall health all play a role.

These individual differences significantly influence blood pressure response. A 2022 study emphasized how these individual factors impact results.

Cannabidiol (CBD) acts differently than THC. It may have the potential to lower blood pressure.

A 2017 study indicated a single dose of CBD lowered blood pressure in some participants. Although CBD also interacts with the cardiovascular system, early research proposes that the association is not negative, unlike other cannabis sativa strains. CBD's sympathoinhibitory effects, relaxing blood vessels and thereby lowering vascular resistance, are possibly responsible.

Consult a doctor before using cannabis if you have any heart conditions. Cannabis can affect blood pressure and may interact with medications.

Studies show that even recent marijuana smokers might already exhibit higher blood pressure levels. Shortly after cannabis use, heart rate can increase significantly, possibly doubling within an hour, and blood vessels dilate.

This dilation temporarily lowers blood pressure, contributing to short-term fluctuations in blood pressure levels. The combination of increased heart rate and dilated blood vessels creates a complex cardiovascular response.

The relationship between long-term cannabis use and chronic blood pressure problems is still being studied. More research is needed.

Many reports on long-term effects like heart attacks or strokes are based on individuals who smoked cannabis. More research is needed to confirm any causal link and isolate the long-term impacts of cannabis use. More substantial evidence on chronic cannabis use is needed before conclusions can be made about serious health outcomes, including long-term blood pressure conditions. This information is important for patients, especially young adults, considering regular marijuana use.

If you use cannabis, consider these tips:

• Talk to a Healthcare Professional: Discuss cannabis use with a doctor, especially if you have heart issues or high blood pressure.

• Moderate Your Consumption: Start with a low dose of cannabis, whether smoking or consuming edibles.

• Choose Low-THC or CBD strains: Opt for lower THC cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Consider CBD-dominant products, which have been associated with potentially lower blood pressure.

• Don’t Smoke: Consider vaping, tinctures, or edibles. Avoid smoking to protect your blood vessels. Smoking introduces harmful byproducts. Cannabis may interact with certain medications.

• Monitor Yourself: Track blood pressure changes and other effects after using cannabis. Communicate openly with a healthcare professional about any abnormal symptoms. Inform your doctors about your cannabis use. Regular blood pressure checkups are essential for responsible monitoring.