Does CBD Lower Blood Pressure?

The internet is swarmed by research articles concerning the health benefits of nature’s new superhero, CBD. One of the many recognized benefits of this fairly popular natural compound, CBD, is alleviating blood pressure.

While taking blood pressure medications is the primary solution to manage blood pressure, recent scientific breakthroughs have proved CBD’s potential to regulate blood pressure. This includes using CBD in any form, be it CBD oil or CBD gummies.

Let’s look at how CBD can help hypertensive individuals.

 

What is CBD?

The hemp and cannabis plant are sources of CBD, a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a drug widely claimed to treat psychological problems and provide anti-inflammatory, therapeutic, cardiovascular, and skincare benefits.

However, you should remember that although CBD-infused products are being sold widely, research about cannabidiol’s potential benefits does not yet substantiate providing a solid backbone to support many medical claims.

 

Benefits of CBD

Like every other drug, CBD has potential health benefits and adverse effects on the human body. It is important to note that further research is required to study the beneficial effects of CBD on blood pressure levels more accurately.

Let’s look at the most common therapeutic benefits of CBD.

Pain relief

Cannabidiol is supported by research regarding its effectiveness in relieving pain. It also has roots in some early Chinese and Indian pain-easing remedies.

Additionally, cannabidiol has been explored as a potential treatment for back pain and nerve pain. Furthermore, its effect seems to be amplified once combined with THC.

CBD shows magnified effects when used with THC, primarily due to the entourage effect. This has been proven in several human studies associated with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Anti-inflammation

Furthermore, CBD’s anti-inflammatory characteristics have their share in decreasing pain. CBD is an antioxidant that fights free radicals from accumulating and building up oxidative stress. Hence, it reduces inflammation and pain. 

Relief from anxiety

Pharmaceutical drugs have relatively more side effects and an increased potential of developing a drug dependency than CBD. This is where people find CBD’s impact on mental health calming and convenient. This is further fortified by a few trials of cannabidiol’s effect on anxiety responses.

Accordingly, it is important to mention that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the intoxicating, psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Therefore, CBD does not cause a ‘high’ even if extracted from marijuana as long as it is separated from THC. 

Side Effects of CBD on Body 

Like all other drugs, CBD has its side effects as well.

CBD might result in drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure and may have unwanted effects when taken with blood thinners. It may also pose an adverse side effect on the liver based on some cases.

 

Can CBD Lower High Blood Pressure?

One of the issues related to cardiovascular health is high blood pressure. Although there is a lack of clinical trials, CBD products have been proven to reduce blood pressure, as indicated by several studies.

Study results displayed solid evidence that intake of CBD lowers blood pressure in testing human subjects. The same study found that it decreases systolic blood pressure but does not affect diastolic blood pressure.

Another study indicated that CBD lowers t blood pressure.

In addition, a 2020 study explored cannabidiol’s vasodilatory effects in rats’ pulmonary and mesenteric arteries. This suggests that CBD can act as a potential antihypertensive drug.

 

When Not To Take CBD to Lower Blood Pressure

Due to the lack of clinical data about CBD on several subjects, we advise against the intake of cannabidiol for lowering blood pressure parallel with any other medications.

As previously mentioned, CBD can have an adverse impact if used along with a blood-thinning drug. Other drug interactions can result in toxicity or undesirable symptoms, whereas taking it with antidepressants or antipsychotics can cause increased drowsiness.

Stimulants, along with CBD, may lead to appetite deceleration. Likewise, diabetes or heartburn drugs may result in a high risk of diarrhea.

Anyone with an active heart problem, persistent cardiovascular disorders, self-diagnosis, or an allergic reaction should also refrain from taking CBD. Furthermore, avoiding CBD is recommended if you face ongoing low blood pressure. 

 

Are CBD Effects on Blood Pressure Safe?

Cannabidiol has not been known to have caused dangerous effects on blood pressure. However, one should remain cautious of its use simultaneously with other drugs, especially those used for the treatment of hypertension.

Additionally, the dose of CBD intake matters and impacts people differently. 

Furthermore, certain medications, sleep disorders, health issues, heart disease, or rare genetic diseases can increase your risk for adverse CBD effects.

A 2011 study concludes THC can raise blood pressure, even when taken with CBD. Therefore, it might be best to avoid THC altogether if you want to decrease blood pressure. 

In Conclusion About CBD and its Blood Pressure Response

CBD has a medicinal history in treating blood pressure, and science appears to support these claims. Just be sure to check your CBD product’s THC content to ensure you get high-quality CBD products (like those from Blush Wellness) intended to work the way you need.

It is always better to consult your healthcare professional before adding cannabidiol to your diet, especially if you already have any underlying condition or using any other blood pressure medications.

It is also advised to inform your doctor about any health conditions or medical treatments you are taking. Likewise, discuss your health concerns, questions regarding the safety and side effects of CBD products, and CBD dosage recommendations before making it a part of your daily routine.

 

References

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Hill, Kevin P. et al. “Cannabis And Pain: A Clinical Review.” Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, vol 2, no. 1, 2017, pp. 96-104. Mary Ann Liebert Inc, https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0017. Accessed 13 Aug 2022

Eskander, MD, MBA, Jonathan P., et al. “Cannabidiol (CBD) As A Treatment Of Acute And Chronic Back Pain: A Case Series And Literature Review.” Journal Of Opioid Management, vol 16, no. 3, 2020, pp. 215-218. Weston Medical Publishing, https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2020.0570. Accessed 13 Aug 2022

Kubala, J. “6 Benefits And Uses Of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects)”. Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#pain-relief

Spritzler, F. “10 Supplements That Fight Inflammation”. Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-anti-inflammatory-supplements

Linares, Ila M. et al. “Cannabidiol Presents An Inverted U-Shaped Dose-Response Curve In A Simulated Public Speaking Test”. Brazilian Journal Of Psychiatry, vol 41, no. 1, 2019, pp. 9-14. EDITORA SCIENTIFIC, https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2017-0015. Accessed 13 Aug 2022

“CANNABIDIOL (CBD): Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing And Reviews.” Webmd.Com, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd

Sultan, Salahaden R. et al. “A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of The Haemodynamic Effects Of Cannabidiol.” Frontiers In Pharmacology, vol 8, 2017. Frontiers Media SA, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00081. Accessed 13 Aug 2022

Baranowska-Kuczko, Marta, et al. “Vasodilatory Effects Of Cannabidiol In Human Pulmonary And Rat Small Mesenteric Arteries: Modification By Hypertension And The Potential Pharmacological Opportunities.” Journal Of Hypertension, vol 38, no. 5, 2020, pp. 896-911. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), https://doi.org/10.1097/hjh.0000000000002333. Accessed 14 Aug 2022

Bykov, Katsiaryna. “CBD And Other Medications: Proceed With Caution – Harvard Health.” Harvard Health, 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743

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