Impact of Cannabis on Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a key sign of heart health, measuring how hard your blood pushes against your artery walls when your heart pumps. If it’s consistently too high (hypertension) or too low (hypotension), it can lead to serious issues like heart disease, stroke, or fainting.

Recently, there’s been growing interest in how cannabis might affect blood pressure, but the findings have been mixed. This study found that CBD may help lower both resting and stress-related spikes in blood pressure. A different study indicated that THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis that can cause a “high”) can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure and heart rate, followed by a drop that might leave you feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

In this article, we’ll break down how cannabis affects your body, what the research says about its impact on blood pressure, and the potential benefits and risks.

How Cannabis Interacts with the Body

Cannabis affects the body through the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors found throughout the brain and body. This system helps regulate many essential functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and cardiovascular health. 

The two main compounds in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with this system in different ways.

THC is the psychoactive component that binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. It can affect heart rate and blood pressure, which is why some patients experience changes in these functions when taking medical cannabis.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, potentially offering benefits like relaxation and stress relief without the high. Some research suggests that CBD may also help reduce anxiety and promote blood vessel relaxation, which can impact blood pressure.

Cannabis and Its Effects on Blood Pressure

Short-Term Effects of Cannabis on Blood Pressure

In the short term, cannabis, particularly THC-dominant strains, can lead to noticeable changes in blood pressure. Shortly after use, many people experience a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure. This effect is usually more pronounced with THC, which causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and increased cardiac output. However, this rise is often followed by a drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up, known as orthostatic hypotension.

This drop in blood pressure can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly in individuals already prone to low blood pressure. It’s important to be cautious when taking medical cannabis if you have any underlying cardiovascular conditions, as this rapid fluctuation may cause unwanted side effects.

Long-Term Effects of Cannabis

The long-term effects of cannabis on blood pressure are still being studied, and the findings are somewhat mixed. Some research suggests that long-term cannabis use may be linked to lower resting blood pressure over time, particularly among regular medical cannabis patients. However, other studies indicate that regular cannabis use, especially THC-heavy strains, could potentially increase the risk of developing hypertension or other cardiovascular issues, such as tachycardia (increased heart rate) or irregular heart rhythms.

Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand how chronic cannabis use affects long-term cardiovascular health, but it’s clear that individual responses vary depending on factors like dosage, frequency, and the specific strain used.

Variability of Effects

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the effects of cannabis on blood pressure can vary widely between individuals. Genetics, overall health, tolerance, and even the method of consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.) can all play a role in how cannabis affects your blood pressure. The specific strain (THC vs. CBD-dominant) and the balance of cannabinoids and terpenes can also lead to different outcomes.

For some, cannabis may help reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. For others, especially those sensitive to THC, the opposite may occur, with spikes in both heart rate and blood pressure.

Benefits of Using Cannabis for Blood Pressure

While research is still ongoing, CBD has shown potential benefits for blood pressure. Here are some key findings:

• Helps lower stress-related blood pressure: According to this study, CBD may reduce both resting blood pressure and spikes caused by stress. 
• Promotes relaxation: CBD can help relax blood vessels and reduce overall stress, which are important factors in managing high blood pressure.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation may also improve heart health, potentially leading to better blood pressure control.

However, THC-dominant strains can have less predictable effects on blood pressure, sometimes causing short-term increases, so CBD-dominant products may be a better option for those concerned with blood pressure.

Potential Side Effects of Cannabis Use

Like any medication, cannabis can have side effects, especially for those with heart-related conditions. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Short-term spikes in blood pressure: THC can cause an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure shortly after use, which may lead to heart palpitations or discomfort.
• Dizziness or fainting: Some people experience orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can cause lightheadedness.
• Increased anxiety: High doses of THC can lead to anxiety or paranoia, which may raise blood pressure for some users.
• CBD side effects: While generally safer, CBD can cause minor issues like tiredness, diarrhoea, or changes in appetite.

It’s important to start with low doses and talk to a healthcare provider before taking medical cannabis, especially if you have existing cardiovascular conditions.

Summary

CBD has shown promise in lowering stress-related blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation. THC can cause short-term increases in blood pressure and heart rate, followed by potential drops, which can be risky for those with heart conditions.

The long-term effects of cannabis on blood pressure vary, and more research is needed, but CBD is generally considered a safer option than THC for managing blood pressure.

Always consult with an Alternaleaf doctor, especially if you have any heart or blood pressure concerns.