Marijuana use is on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. This miraculous plant can offer countless medicinal and therapeutic benefits to patients with an array of physical and mental health conditions. It can ease stress, pain, anxiety, nausea, inflammation, and more, all with minimal risks of side effects. However, what effect does it have on blood pressure? Find out in this guide.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Before we look at the link between marijuana and blood pressure or answer questions like “Does marijuana lower blood pressure or raise it?” it’s essential to have a clear understanding of how blood pressure works and why high blood pressure is a problem.
The term “blood pressure” describes the pressure or force of the blood as it passes through the body’s blood vessels. When we measure blood pressure, we have two key numbers to focus on: the systolic blood pressure, which tells us the amount of pressure during the contraction of the heart, and the diastolic blood pressure, which tells us the pressure between each beat of the heart.
A typical rating for blood pressure is 120/80, with 120 being systolic and 80 being diastolic. However, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is when the numbers are higher, typically anywhere from 140/90 upward. This means that the blood is under greater levels of pressure, putting more strain on the artery walls and leading to health risks like strokes and heart failure.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis plants. It’s a natural compound that can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, and it’s one of the most crucial components of marijuana as medicine, as it can offer many benefits, like easing pain, soothing inflammation, and calming stress levels.
Is CBD Safe to Use for High Blood Pressure?
In general, yes. There are studies that have shown that CBD has the potential to actually lower blood pressure, so it can be considered a possible treatment solution for individuals who have high blood pressure. However, there are possible side effects, like fatigue. So, it’s always best to consult with a marijuana doctor and get an expert opinion before using any CBD products.
Does Marijuana Raise or Lower Blood Pressure?
So, does marijuana raise blood pressure? And how does marijuana affect blood pressure in general? Well, experts have been debating those very questions for several years, with many studies taking place to see what kind of link there is between marijuana and blood pressure, as well as the connection between individual cannabinoids, like THC, and blood pressure.
Based on the evidence obtained so far, many experts feel that marijuana can mildly increase blood pressure and the rate at which your heart beats (heart rate). However, the exact effects can vary from person to person and will be dependent on a wide range of factors, like the person’s health state, tolerance to cannabis, and the dosage consumed.
Naturally, using large amounts of cannabis may be risky for those who already have high blood pressure, as it could make the situation worse. However, at the same time, some evidence shows that some people have decreases in blood pressure after consuming cannabis if they get up and walk around.
In truth, the evidence is a little contradictory, and there haven’t been too many studies into the matter. Much more data is needed to make any clear conclusions about how marijuana might impact primary hypertension and secondary hypertension, and whether or not it might lead to blood pressure side effects like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and nosebleeds.
Can CBD Help Lower Blood Pressure?
There is evidence to suggest that CBD can lower blood pressure, yes. This may not work for everyone, and more research is needed to find out exactly how it works, but it is a possibility. So, those with high blood pressure on the marijuana card program could consider CBD edibles and oils to help them.
What Type of CBD Is Best for Blood Pressure?
In general, CBD isolate is considered one of the best options for lowering blood pressure. This is because CBD isolate is made up entirely of nothing but CBD, without any other cannabinoids or ingredients that might interfere with or counter its effects.
Can Marijuana Cause a Heart Attack?
Opinions are divided on this matter, too. Some studies have suggested that very heavy and frequent use of marijuana, especially high-THC marijuana, can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which raises a person’s chances of suffering a heart attack. However, mild and controlled usage shouldn’t have any notable effect.
Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for High Blood Pressure
If you plan to use CBD for high blood pressure, it’s important to be aware of the possible risks. Fortunately, CBD products don’t tend to have huge risks. Side effects are very rare and tend to be quite mild, such as an increase in appetite, as well as general fatigue and tiredness, so it’s best to avoid using CBD before using heavy machinery or driving.
Talk with a Doctor
Clearly, the matter of marijuana and blood pressure is a little confusing and complex, and you might have more questions about how it all works and what products you should or shouldn’t use. The best choice is to speak with a licensed marijuana doctor. They’ll be able to answer your questions and make expert recommendations based on your health state.
Summary
Overall, marijuana may have an effect on a person’s blood pressure, and it has the potential to both increase and decrease pressure, depending on various factors like dosage and the type of marijuana used. If you’re unsure about anything, speak with a doctor to get all the facts you need before using cannabis with high blood pressure. Contact us for further details.