But Does Marijuana Affect Blood Pressure
Yes, but exactly how medical marijuana will impact blood pressure is still a topic demanding more research. Every impact on patient health revolves around the patient’s existing health problems.
A healthy person may find marijuana lowers their blood pressure. But for someone with heart issues, it could have the opposite effect and increase one’s blood pressure.
Is Thc Bad For Your Heart
Key takeaways:
- THC is a main component in marijuana, and use is increasing in the young and the old.
- THC may have some health benefits, but it also has risks.
- THC may specifically affect the heart in harmful ways, and some people may be at higher risk.
use is increasing in the United States and worldwide, particularly among older adults. It is becoming more widely available to people as both medical and recreational marijuana use have become legal in more states. However, marijuana is still in the most dangerous category of controlled substances in the U.S., alongside drugs like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. This makes research on marijuana challenging.
There are some known health benefits of using marijuana, as well as risks and side effects. When it comes to heart health in particular, there are risks associated with THC the main part in marijuana that gets you high.
Read on to learn about how THC affects heart health and if you might be at increased risk.
The Evidence Cannabis Lowers Blood Pressure
Given what we know about how the endocannabinoid system and how it impacts blood pressure, its likely that the cannabinoids present in cannabis will also have some effects. Because of this, there is great interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis for modulating blood pressure.
Anecdotally, many medical cannabis users report that cannabis has increased their cardiovascular health and well-being. Unfortunately, the actual research on this is somewhat limited and conflicted.
Some studies suggest that cannabis use can lower blood pressure and reduce risk of hypertension. For example, animal studies on rodents with high blood pressure found that activating the endocannabinoid system by adding cannabinoids reduced blood pressure, while blocking cannabinoid receptors increased blood pressure.
In one review of the literature, researchers reported that cannabis doesnt have an immediate impact, but can lead to longer term lowering of blood pressure. In these studies, while they found increased heart rate with use, they didnt see immediate changes in blood pressure. Still, this review found that chronic cannabis use was tied to lower blood pressure and heart rate overall.
While we might assume that these studies reflect impacts from THC, the primary cannabinoid in cannabis, its also important to note that cannabis contains many different compounds. Its possible some of the research is conflicted because different types of cannabis may have different effects.
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Cannabis And Its Impact On High Blood Pressure
Two things are rising at the same time in America: blood pressure and cannabis legalization. More states in America are legalizing cannabis because there is an increased amount of data on its benefits and medicinal properties. But hypertension is also increasing in America, with more people experiencing blood pressure issues yearly.
Does cannabis lower blood pressure? There are no definite answers to this question because there is so much to understand about the impact of cannabis on your blood pressure. So lets learn!
High blood pressure issues
The high blood pressure crisis in America is going through the roof, survey shows one in three adults in the U.S deal with hypertension. Do you know that high blood pressure contributes to cardiovascular disease if it is left unmanaged. A person could face the risk of stroke, heart failure, and heart attack. All of these risks explain why people are actively seeking solutions.
Unlike most health conditions, high blood pressure is caused by a variety of factors. Some contributing factors include
A poor diet
Physical inactivity, etc.
Now smoking a joint gives people a deep feeling of relaxation and calmness, which makes a lot of people wonder if it affects blood pressure. Can it lower blood pressure, or can it manage it?
Does marijuana have an impact on high blood pressure?
As mentioned earlier, the answer is multi-faceted because there are certain factors to consider. Some important factors include:
Concluding On Cannabis And Blood Pressure
The impact of cannabis on blood pressure has been studied. However, this research is quite limited, demanding more cannabis research to determine the acute effects of cannabis on heart rate and blood pressure.
While the long term effects are still unknown, some researchers have been making a lot of progress learning about the nervous system, hypertension, and other aspects of how this drug could potentially be problematic for patients.
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Medical Marijuana Status And Uses
There are two FDA-approved drugs that contain THC. These drugs treat nausea caused by chemotherapy for cancer and increase appetite in people who have severe weight loss from AIDS, according to MedlinePlus.
So far, 36 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have approved medical marijuana. Previous research suggests it can help relieve pain, some symptoms of HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis, nausea, and vomiting. Medical marijuana may also stimulate appetite, notes the National Conference on State Legislatures.
Some people turn to marijuana to reduce anxiety or stress, both of which can cause direct and indirect increases in blood pressure.
As a general rule, I would not prescribe marijuana to lower blood pressure, Dr. Kloner says. There are well-proven lifestyle modifications as well as medicines which lower blood pressure and have been shown to reduce . These include eating a low-sodium diet, engaging in regular physical activityespecially aerobic exercise like brisk walkingdrinking alcohol only in moderation, and not smoking.
If you use marijuana to treat a medical condition, you may want to weigh the benefits and potential riskslike a possible increase in blood pressurewith your doctor.
Other Effects Of Weed On Blood Pressure
There may be other effects of marijuana on blood pressure that health practitioners have yet to discover. All potential effects depend on the individual’s existing health problems, especially co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Can people without these conditions safely indulge in marijuana? A healthy individual’s body may appear as a well-oiled machine, but Bone disputes that analogy, pointing out that, “Unlike a car, where we replace the brakes or tires, the heart never gets a vacation and the blood vessels need to keep working forever. And the nervous system, which directs the show like a conductor, is on duty 24/7.”
Moderation, then, may be key in integrating a cannabis regimen into your healthcare plan. Consult with your physician before you begin using cannabis or CBD products and discuss any medications you are currently taking.
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Medical Marijuana For High Blood Pressure: The Results
When you searched on Google, you probably found many different articles saying that medical marijuana helps reduce blood pressure.
But, most of this research is done on rats, which doesnt necessarily translate to humans.
Youll find this surprising, but Ive found in my patients that medical marijuana doesnt impact their blood pressure levels.
In my patients with high blood pressure, I didnt observe a change in their blood pressure even after using medical marijuana regularly for a span of about a year.
Patients that were on prescription medications for high blood pressure had to continue to take these to help manage their blood pressure levels.
While I didnt see an improvement in blood pressure levels in my patients, I also didnt see their blood pressure levels get worse with the use of medical marijuana.
Basically, it seems like medical marijuana doesnt impact blood pressure levels in humans, even though the research seems to say otherwise.
But, in general, Im careful in recommending medical marijuana to patients with certain conditions, like those who have had heart attacks or strokes, patients who have known heart or coronary artery disease, and also patients who have any sort of kidney damage.
Robert I hope that helps. Im glad you asked me the question because it comes up quite frequently during my patient visits.
With Gratitude,
Horny Goat Weed Benefits
Does horny goat weed work in treating any of the issues listed above? Its hard to say definitively. But many do suggest positive potential in the herb. Its a smart idea to ensure this supplement is right for you by talking with your physician. Documented benefits include:
One cause of erectile dysfunction is a high protein lev phosphodiesterase type 5 , which interferes with your bodys ability to produce nitric oxide and cGMP. During aging, these components show functional decay.
Icariin can suppress the levels of PDE5, allowing blood to go precisely where its supposed to. Besides, horny goat weeds possible blood-thinning properties make it an enticing option for those combating erectile dysfunction.
The studies that support this come from the test tube and animal tests. Researchers found that rats treated with an extract of horny goat weed over weeks showed improved erectile function. In test tubes, another study found that icariin is effective in inhibiting PDE5.
Icariin can also enhance the growth of the hearts smooth muscles, which helps blood flow to the penis. It may show a viable treatment for those with diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction.
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Dong Quai Extract: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage
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How To Access Medical Marijuana Legally
The federal law still lists marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. According to them, the drug has a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use currently. However, the medical use of marijuana is legal in 33 US states. You can buy high-potency cannabis products from licensed dispensaries in your state. And, for that, you require a doctors recommendation.
Now, with telemedicine technology, you can talk to medical marijuana doctors New York without visiting a clinic. The process is 100 percent online and involves the following steps-
- Sign up an account
- Receive MMJ recs via email
Fda Warning Letters And Lawsuits
If a CBD company is making unverified health claims, the FDA will send a warning letter . You can check online to see whether a company has been the recipient of such a letter, as well as whether its been involved in any lawsuits. If you see that a company has received one, they may be best to avoid.
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Risk Factors For Cannabis And Blood Pressure
Cannabis and its effects on the cardiovascular system remain unclear. Findings support both an increasing as well as a lowering effect on blood pressure. Randomized prospective trials are needed to answer many questions surrounding the therapeutic use of cannabis.
Those who are already using cannabis should also exercise caution in stopping the medication, as a sudden withdrawal from cannabis use could trigger increased blood pressure in some.
Because of these serious risk factors, anyone considering cannabis particularly anyone who already has issues with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should be cautious and always check with their doctor before starting any cannabis regimen.
What Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure Can Medical Marijuana Treat
When you have elevated blood pressure, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
Hypertension can also lead to anxiety, stress and depression. Certain high blood pressure medications can have side effects marijuana can help with as well, such as muscle cramps, sleep disturbances and tremors. Cannabis can also help to reduce nausea.
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Marijuana Strains Good For High Blood Pressure
There are many different types of available. But, some are best for high blood pressure. They are:
Blue Dream
Some patients with high blood pressure respond very well to the popular Blue Dream strain, which is known for its relaxation properties.
Green Crack
With 20% THC, this strain is perfect for day use and those that need to control their blood pressure in the morning.
Sour Diesel
Another popular strain, Sour Diesel is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety, two conditions associated with high blood pressure.
Northern Lights
This cannabis strain is great for relaxing you and removing body pain and muscle tension, allowing blood flow in the body to move freely.
Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a marijuana strain that is great for relaxation and stress relief, allowing your blood pressure to lower properly.
How Cannabis Impacts Blood Pressure
Cannabis works primarily by modulating a system in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system. This system includes chemicals naturally produced by the human body called endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, which are activated by endocannabinoids, and enzymes which clear the endocannabinoids from the body. This system is believed to be responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance in a wide range of bodily functions, including mood, sleep, energy, hunger, and pain response.
The chemicals in cannabis, called cannabinoids, are also able to trigger these cannabinoid receptors, and thus modulate many of the functions that the endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating.
Studies have revealed that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in cardiovascular activity. In animal studies looking at these cardiac factors, researchers have noted that activation of this system can cause significant changes in heart rate, blood vessel constriction,inflammation, oxidation, and blood pressure both increasing and decreasing blood pressure in different contexts.
In cardiovascular disease states we generally see an upregulation of the endocannabinoid system, so researchers believe that the bodys endocannabinoids play a role in the progression of cardiovascular disease.
In particular, there are studies that show an association between an overactive endocannabinoid system and maladies like arterial, pulmonary and portal hypertension.
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Does Marijuana Lower Or Raise Blood Pressure
To answer this question, we should focus on two of the primary cannabinoids present in cannabis: cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol . Both may exert an influence on blood pressure levels.
Dr. Bonni Goldstein, a medical adviser to Weedmaps and the director of Canna-Centers in Lawndale, California, outlined the potential effects of THC on blood pressure:
THC can affect blood pressure depending on the dose, the route of administration, a person’s experience with THC, and a person’s underlying health. Healthy volunteers that took THC had an increase in heart rate and decrease in blood pressure. In studies where people used THC while lying down, they had elevated blood pressure. When they stood up, their blood pressure dropped and they experienced low blood pressure.
These sudden drops in blood pressure, also known as white outs or green outs, may indeed be linked to cannabis use. Dr. Melanie Bone, a board-certified OB-GYN and cannabis specialist who practices in West Palm Beach, Florida, told Weedmaps that “cannabis may cause a drop in blood pressure on standing known as postural hypotension.” This type of drop in blood pressure is not desirable, as it can cause vertigo and even fainting. So, when we talk about “lowering blood pressure,” we do not necessarily consider that effect beneficial to health.
Yep Eating Marijuana Does Anyway
I’m in the hospital receiving my third round of 94 hrs of continuous chemotherapy to battle stage 4 Diffused Large B /Cell Lymphoma. I talked to my doctor about using cannabis for pain management and to help me sleep. He was not only accepting of it, but preferred this method over harsh pharmaceuticals. I am discrete, not because I don’t want to share simply because it seems appropriate at this time and location. My husband made some canna- rice crispy treats, and I ate a couple right before, probably 10 minutes before the NA came to do my vitals. When I was admitted this afternoon, before I ate my treats, I was 113 / something. Now I’m 91/67So, I do think it does. Since this is my third cycle, my third hospitalization, I’ve been aware of this trend and been keeping mental notes. I Now I see that it is absolutely true. My blood pressure lowers, not that it needs to, when I eat cannabis.
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Cannabis And Stroke Or Heart Attack
As far as serious adverse risks, a UC San Francisco longitudinal Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study analyzing data from 3,617 African American and Caucasian adults over a 15 year period found there was no long-term causal link between cannabis consumption and the risk of heart attack or stroke.
However, there are a limited number of animal studies and human case reports that suggest a link between acute intoxication and stroke or heart attack. But, these findings have been called into question by a 2006 report published in the Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology Journal: Despite the drugs extreme popularity, reports of cannabis-related stroke and myocardial infarction are so rare as to still be reportable.
Further, human case reports often dont take into account that in these rare events, people may have consumed cannabis in conjunction with alcohol, tobacco, or stimulants contemporaneously or shortly before the incident.
Nonetheless, a Harvard Medical School study concluded that for an hour after consuming cannabis , the odds of suffering a heart attack increases by five times. Risk returns to normal within two hours. Notably, sex carries a comparable risk increase. This begs the question: does combining cannabis and sex exponentially increase ones chances of a heart attack? Were eagerly awaiting a follow-up study from Harvard to answer this question.