New study suggests cannabis may lower blood pressure levels. Learn more about the potential health benefits of cannabis use in cardiovascular health.
Quick Summary
- Study of over 91,000 subjects found a link between cannabis consumption and lower blood pressure levels, especially in women.
- Both current and lifetime cannabis use were associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- CBD and THC have shown potential in reducing blood pressure and causing vasorelaxation, but results have been inconsistent.
- More research is needed to fully understand cannabis’ potential benefits for blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
- Individuals should consult a healthcare provider before making changes to their healthcare routine based on this study.
A new study published in Nature: Scientific suggests that cannabis consumption may be linked to lower blood pressure levels, with promising implications for cardiovascular health.
Conducted by French researcher Alexandre Vallée, the study assessed the relationship between cannabis consumption and blood pressure in a cohort of over 91,000 subjects.
The Study: Assessing The Relationship Between Cannabis And Blood Pressure
The study, which used data from the UK Biobank, recruited 156,959 volunteers who responded to questions about cannabis use and underwent blood pressure measurements.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured twice, either using an automated blood pressure device or a sphygmomanometer, inflatable cuff, and stethoscope if other measures failed.
The Results: Lower Blood Pressure In Both Genders, Particularly Women
The study found that both current and lifetime cannabis use were associated with lower blood pressure levels, with the effect more pronounced in women.
“In adjusted covariates models, lifetime heavy cannabis use was associated with decrease in both SBP [systolic blood pressure], DBP [diastolic blood pressure] and PP [pulse pressure] in both genders, but with a higher effect among women…Current cannabis use was associated with lower SBP levels in men and in women. Same results were observed for DBP and PP,” the study reads.
The Implications: Promising Results, But More Research Needed
While the study notes that the relationship between cannabis and blood pressure as a whole is still unclear, recent studies have shown that CBD could reduce blood pressure and present vasorelaxation actions in arteries.
THC similarly has been associated with vasorelaxation, though studies conducted on this topic have also been inconsistent, suggesting that THC presents different effects on vessels depending on central or peripheral properties of arteries.
“The small association in BP differences between heavy cannabis users and never users or between current cannabis users and never users remain too small to adopt cannabis-blood pressure policy in clinical practice,” Vallée notes.
While the study provides promising results, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of cannabis use on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
The Bottom Line: Speak With A Healthcare Provider Before Making Changes
This study sheds light on the potential health benefits of cannabis and its effects on blood pressure, but it’s important to note that more research is needed before making any definitive conclusions.
As always, individuals should speak with a healthcare provider before making any changes to their healthcare routine.
References
” Association between cannabis use and blood pressure levels according to comorbidities and socioeconomic status” https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-22841-6
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.