Cannabidiol, or CBD, is frequently promoted as a treatment for anything from anxiety to chronic pain, but does it have the power to affect our vitals, too?
CBD can lower blood pressure and heart rate, especially if they are frequently impacted by things like high levels of stress and anxiety. Studies show that CBD’s cardiovascular benefits are numerous, so it’s a great tool to invest in if you have hypertension or related health concerns.
In this article, we will offer in depth information about CBD and blood pressure. After reading, you will know if CBD for high blood pressure is right for you and be better equipped to make an appropriate product and dosage decision.
What is CBD?
CBD is a molecule found in plants in the cannabis family, which includes marijuana and hemp. Unlike other compounds found in cannabis plants like THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot get you high. It’s been demonstrated to provide a variety of benefits.
CBD Benefits:
- Treating epilepsy
- Reducing the impact of chronic pain
- Potentially reducing the severity of anxiety
- Aiding in diminishing chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting
- Treating substance abuse disorders
- Aiding in PTSD treatment
Much of the body of research into CBD’s benefits and drawbacks is still relatively new, but the compound does have some risks and side effects that researchers can readily identify, such as:
- CBD may cause liver damage
- CBD may interact with other medications in unexpected ways
- It may combine with other drugs to intensify sensations of drowsiness or sedation
- May contribute to male infertility
- Might induce overwhelming feelings of drowsiness
- May induce nausea or diarrhea
Does CBD Lower Blood Pressure?
Until CBD is fully legalized and approved for more wide-scale research, it will be difficult to concretely pin down all the ways it affects the human body.
However, a decent body of research has begun to demonstrate that CBD, in fact, does have an effect on blood pressure — so long as your high blood pressure is caused by stress and stress-related factors.
While it’s not certain what the exact mechanism by which CBD can lower blood pressure is, it is thought to potentially reduce the effect of stress-induced hypertension by opening up blood vessels and reducing the amount of cortisol released by one’s body.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, kicks the body’s fight or flight response into gear, and vasoconstriction (the shrinking of blood vessels that can contribute to high blood pressure) are two common factors that contribute to an individual’s cardiovascular health.
In addition to direct cardiovascular effects, CBD has many indirect benefits which may make it helpful for individuals suffering from stress-induced hypertension.
CBD’s benefits as a non-prescription anti-anxiety treatment have long been advertised, as CBD has been shown to affect the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can play a role in anxiety disorders.
Sufferers of anxiety frequently experience an increase in heart rate with their symptoms, which can have an impact on cardiovascular health and increase one’s risk for high blood pressure.
Furthermore, CBD is also a promising treatment for inflammation in the body, the decrease in which has been associated with better cardiovascular health.
Finally, CBD can also have a very positive effect on an individual’s sleep habits, and is often claimed as an effective non-prescription remedy for insomnia. Lack of sleep has long been associated with poorer health outcomes, and certainly with an increase in stress and poor heart health.
How much does CBD lower blood pressure?
The exact difference in blood pressure that CBD can cause depends on the root cause of high blood pressure and the individual in question.
Those who experience high levels of stress and suffer from high blood pressure as a result might find significant drops result from CBD use. CBD may help those with mild hypertension fall back to a more healthy range (120/80).
Blood pressure issues that are caused by other factors, like poor diet, genetics, etc., may not be directly impacted by CBD use, at least not significantly.
It’s not necessarily a good idea to rely solely on CBD to manage high blood pressure, but for some, CBD works to attack the root of the problem.
For others, CBD can help manage discomfort and anxiety, both of which may make the symptoms of hypertension less bothersome.
Does CBD affect heart rate?
CBD does not generally affect heart rate long-term, but if stress or anxiety is the cause of a heightened heart rate, it might be a solution.
In most cases, CBD has minimal effects on a person’s average heart rate. If anything, it’s most likely to lower heart rate rather than increase it, but everyone (and every body) is different.
If you’re concerned about your heart rate, CBD can help you feel more at peace. Still, it doesn’t replace medications that are necessary for long-term heart health.
Does smoking CBD lower blood pressure?
Studies show that CBD does indeed have the potential to lower blood pressure, but more research into this area is needed before we have a definitive answer.
If you’re managing high blood pressure, it’s not a bad idea to give CBD a try, although smoking it isn’t the healthiest option. Always confirm that it’s safe to include CBD in your routine with your doctor, though, as some prescription medications can be negated by CBD or otherwise interfere with it.
Does CBD Oil Interact With Blood Pressure Medications?
CBD oil can interact with some blood pressure and other prescription medications.
Even if it doesn’t cause dangerous effects when the two mix, they may make each other less effective. This is a real threat to those who rely on medications to keep them healthy and safe from more serious complications.
Not all medications are cause for concern, so it’s crucial that you speak with your doctor about your unique situation before adding CBD to your routine.
Though CBD is an amazing supplement and life tool, it’s certainly not worth risking your health over.
There may be alternative ways to incorporate CBD into your life that are less likely to cause problems, but it’s first necessary to have that conversation with a healthcare professional you trust.
CBD and Blood Thinners
Although CBD is not federally regulated as a medication, its medication interactions should be approached with the same amount of caution as any other substance.
Similarly to grapefruit juice, CBD can affect metabolization of certain medications by hogging up limited amounts of the enzymes that break down many medications, thereby blocking other drugs from being metabolized. This often leaves an excess of that drug in your body — sometimes intensifying the intended effects.
The same applies to taking CBD alongside blood-thinning medications, or even medications which do not primarily function as blood thinners but which have blood thinning effects.
Although severe side effects to CBD are extremely rare, there is still a lot we don’t know about taking CBD along with blood thinners.
For that reason, if you are taking blood thinner medication, consider talking to a doctor about recommended doses of CBD, or if it is safe for you to take at all.
Does CBD Oil Thin Your Blood?
CBD has been shown to have mild anticoagulating effects, in a manner similar to blood thinners like warfarin. Additionally, the intensifying effect it can have for blood thinners may make it seem as though it is an especially potent anticoagulant.
In reality, CBD is not an incredibly effective blood thinner, and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed or over-the-counter blood thinners recommended by a doctor.
However, some caution should still be observed when using CBD alongside blood thinning medications like ibuprofen or warfarin.
Choosing the Right CBD Product for You
When looking for natural CBD supplements to add to your health regimen, it can be hard to parse the wide world of CBD distributors and online guides.
CBD Facilitator aims to provide both excellent, high-quality CBD products, as well as insightful guides and advice to help you navigate the world of wellness. We recommend a large variety of CBD products to choose from — whether they be lotions, oils, edibles, or isolates — and they all come from reliable, trusted sources.
Which CBD Oil is Best for High Blood Pressure?
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is usually the best option for those with high blood pressure because it provides the most powerful experience possible.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains not just CBD, but other cannabinoids and terpenes (from the cannabis plant) that are essential parts of creating long-lasting and unique therapeutic effects.
High blood pressure is a complex issue that requires long-term treatment, so only the best products are worth your continuous financial support. Broad-spectrum products give you the most bang for your buck and contain no THC.
How much CBD should I take for blood pressure?
A good starting dosage of CBD for blood pressure might range anywhere from 40-50 mg all the way up to 100-200 mg, or perhaps even more. It really depends on the individual.
More severe symptoms might require higher dosages. Larger, taller individuals might also need stronger or more frequent doses than those who are smaller.
If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to start small and work your way up. Most CBD products come packaged in specific dosages or recommend one to start with, but if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution.
Taking too much CBD can make you feel nauseous, tired, and generally unwell, all of which are less than ideal when managing hypertension.
Conclusion
CBD can lower blood pressure, especially if your high blood pressure is caused by anxiety. If you are combining CBD with other drugs, especially blood thinners, speak to a doctor before starting a CBD regimen.
It is normal to have a lot of questions. But if you speak with a doctor, do your research, and get your CBD from a legitimate source, then you do not need to worry.
Check out our blog for more information, and if you believe CBD can help you, then be sure to purchase from our database. We personally test every product that we recommend, and can vouch for its purity and effectiveness.
