How Does Marijauna Affect Blood Pressure?
Many question the relationship between marijuana and blood pressure. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term blood pressure is referring to the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of a person’s arteries. A normal person who is healthy and not suffering from obesity, weight issues, or other underlying medical conditions would have a blood pressure level less than or around 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when this amount of pressure is higher than it should be- really forcing the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the entire body to work overtime. Our bodies are our sanctuary and a well-oiled engine that is working constantly without breaks, taking care of it should be everyone’s number one priority.
We already know that smoking tobacco raises blood pressure, but what does the research say now about the correlation between weed and blood pressure? Hold your breath, data with Cannabidiol (CBD) usage is showing that lowering blood pressure levels is realistic. However, immediately after consuming marijuana your blood pressure can both spike and decrease depending on circumstances. The dose, the route of administration, a person’s past experience with cannabis, and their underlying health conditions are all factors. It’s easy to say any combustion releases dangerous carcinogens that are not healthy and one of the main causes for the initial elevation of blood pressure.
On the other hand, increasing numbers of people are experiencing hypotension, which is low blood pressure, during or after their high. There are many factors to this as well, but that requires more scientific data to prove. More often than not, the majority of people are experiencing the hunger sensation and making poor dietary choices which could potentially increase one’s chances for high blood pressure.
It’s all about lifestyle and food choices. As data is being collected, there has been an observation of people feeling light headed or dizzy when getting up to quickly. Some medical professionals and other experts are suggesting that healthy people who use a specific strain of marijuana are experiencing low blood pressure. This is just my opinion, but I think it’s safer to assume that smoking marijuana is better for you than smoking a “cancer stick”.
Is Hemp Good For High Blood Pressure?
While news and controversial information is still floating about, there are more than just animal studies that have shown the marijuana cannabinoid – CBD, which is found more in hemp than your traditional strains, could potentially reduce blood pressure. According to MedlinePlus, Cannabidiol (CBD) is being used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy) and much more. Some say that CBD doses of up to 300 mg daily for six (6) months have correlated with low blood pressure, which opposes that weed and high blood pressure are directly correlated.
What Strains Are Good For High Blood Pressure?
Does marijuana interact with blood pressure medication? As with any drug, a chemical imbalance to your body will always produce a reaction. Always listen to your medical provider and consider what he/she tells you. However, if you are considering the use of marijuana for high blood pressure, try hybrids with higher CBD content. If you are unsure, you can always ask your budtender for the COA/information on the product. Here are some strain options or recommendations:
- Charlotte’s Web
It has unique and proprietary genetics with anywhere from 10-15% CBD content. Some have noted that it helps with stress, pain, anxiety, etc. Consumers reported feeling relaxed, uplifted, and an improved mood.
- Green Crack
It is useful in treating depression but is also used to maintain an all-day, relaxed feeling. Consumers have said it helped them with fighting fatigue, stress, and depression. It is sativa-dominant, with a THC content of 16% and CBD content of 12%.
A sativa marijuana strain with flavor features that range from earthy musk, to sweet mango, to a hint of berries and even dark chocolate. It clocks in at a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio with 14-17% THC and 8-16% CBD. Strains are always grower dependent, but you can trust that if it’s Harlequin then it’s CBD rich!