Is CBD oil effective in lowering blood pressure? We’ve got the answer. Please read our article to know whether you should take CBD for your BP condition.
Quick Summary
- A lot of research has been done on the effects of CBD oil on blood pressure, but much of it is still inconclusive.
- Some studies have shown that CBD oil can help lower blood pressure, while others have found no effect.
- Experts believe that the results are insufficient and need to be conducted more vigorously.
CBD (Cannabinoid) oil has long been known to be a potent natural treatment for anxiety, sleep deprivation, and insomnia. In recent years, there’s been an increase in reports of it being used for asthma, autism, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, cancer-related pain relief, and muscle spasms.
Though these claims are unproven, enthusiasts claim to have success with its use as an alternative therapy for various conditions, including high blood pressure.
This article will provide insight into the effectiveness of CBD in lowering blood pressure and explore other related topics to understand better whether this works as claimed.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has been shown to have several potential benefits for people with serious medical conditions. It has a small amount of THC.
What Are Some Benefits Of CBD?
Some potential benefits of CBD for blood pressure include:
- Reduce Inflammation
- Improve cardiovascular Function
- Relieve chronic pain
- Alleviate stress and depression symptoms
- Reduce PTSD Symptoms
- Manage Opioid Addiction
- Reduce a few cancer-associated symptoms
- Alleviate seizures
- Lower high blood pressure
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the artery walls. While fluctuations in blood pressure are common throughout the day, persistently high blood pressure can be problematic.
It can be divided into several types according to changing blood pressure readings.
- Normal blood pressure: Systolic BP: >120 mm Hg and Diastolic: 80 mm Hg. Although there is no need for therapy, you should monitor your blood pressure to ensure it stays within the normal range.
- Hypertension (prehypertension): Systolic BP: 120 – 139 mm Hg and Diastolic BP: 80 and 89 mm Hg. It occurs when a person is at risk for developing hypertension but not yet at the threshold for hypertension. Some lifestyle changes can reverse the condition.
- Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic BP: 140 – 159 mm Hg and Diastolic BP: 90 – 99 mm Hg. Some lifestyle changes are required to manage prehypertension and take one of many medications risk.
- Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic BP: 160 mm Hg or more and Diastolic BP: 100 mm Hg or more. A two-drug therapy is advised for many patients in addition to lifestyle adjustments.
With each evolving stage, you may experience slightly new and different symptoms.
How Does CBD Work To Lower Blood Pressure?
Cannabis-derived CBD is an exogenous cannabinoid that allows for greater regulation within the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. It can strengthen or reduce nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and endocrine reactions.
According to a 2017 study, CBD had no effect on blood pressure. A 2020 study, however, found that CBD has an antioxidant impact when it comes to reducing people’s stress.
Another investigation involving nine healthy volunteers revealed that CBD lowers resting blood pressure. The scientists speculate that this may be connected to CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety and relieve pain.
Before using CBD products, it’s important to see your doctor. Before using CBD, one should consult their doctor if they are experiencing negative effects or are taking any drugs.
Which Form Of CBD Oil Is The Best For High Blood Pressure Patients?
CBD comes in various forms, but oil or tincture is better for high blood pressure. Oils are believed to have increased bioavailability, which means a higher absorption rate for greater effectiveness.
CBD products – gummy or liquid come in either broad-spectrum or full-spectrum forms.
Full-spectrum products contain up to 0.3% THC and naturally occurring cannabis plant extracts.
While normally, THC-free, broad-spectrum CBD products contain several cannabinoid chemicals. THC may, however, be present in small amounts in some goods and up to 0.3% in others.
Look for all the listed ingredients on a product’s label. This will ensure you’re getting everything you need and nothing more.
Is It Safe?
CBD is an alternative medicine, but it has its risks. One of these major risks is its negative impact if you’re taking other medications, unlike natural supplements that have minimal or no side effects.
CBD oil’s most commonly reported side effects for lowering blood pressure include sleepiness, nausea, and dry mouth. The good part is that not everyone who takes CBD experiences this; many have claimed that there is no impact.
FDA is also concerned, particularly given how frequently CBD products are mislabeled and of dubious quality. Additional research is necessary for the FDA to deem CBD safe or harmful.
What Are The Risk Factors Involved In Taking CBD For Blood Pressure
CBD products come with many possible risks, including the risk of:
- Interference with other medications (prescribed)
- Injury to the liver
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of appetite and diarrhoea
- Mood changes, including irritability
- Sedation or drowsiness when taking medications for stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders
Is CBD Good In Pregnancy?
A pregnant lady should not take CBD to reduce high blood pressure. Although there is no evidence to suggest they shouldn’t, certain studies indicate that CBD may interfere with a fetus’s development of the male reproductive system.
Additional research is required to investigate the potential risks of CBD use during pregnancy.
Conclusion
While these studies are small and need further confirmation, they suggest that CBD may be a promising treatment option for people with high blood pressure.
It works by reducing inflammation and improving nerve function. These effects may help to lower your blood pressure naturally.
Nevertheless, until more studies are conducted, it is best to talk to your doctor about your specific situation and see what they recommend.
References
Jadoon KA, et. al., “A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study” 2017 Jun 15; 2(12): e93760. Published online 2017 Jun 15. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.93760
Sultan Salahaden R., “The effects of acute and sustained cannabidiol dosing for seven days on the haemodynamics in healthy men: A randomised controlled trial” 2020 Jun; 86(6): 1125–1138. Published online 2020 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/bcp.14225
Remiszewski Patryk, et. al., “Chronic Cannabidiol Administration Fails to Diminish Blood Pressure in Rats with Primary and Secondary Hypertension Despite Its Effects on Cardiac and Plasma Endocannabinoid System, Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism” Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Feb; 21(4): 1295. Published online 2020 Feb 14. doi: 10.3390/ijms21041295
Kicman Aleksandra, et. al., “The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease” Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Sep; 21(18): 6740. Published online 2020 Sep 14. doi: 10.3390/ijms21186740
Malinowska Barbara, et. al “Cannabinoids in arterial, pulmonary and portal hypertension – mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic significance” Br J Pharmacol. 2019 May; 176(10): 1395–1411. Published online 2018 Apr 14. doi: 10.1111/bph.14168
Robin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.