There has been a discussion going on for much time about medical marijuana and its benefits for treating hypertension. Medical marijuana is a safe and regular solution for some ailments, and studies have shown copious amounts of medical marijuana benefits for the body. However, research is still underway to unlock medical marijuana’s true potential. Go through this article to explore some of the best cannabis strains for blood pressure.
What is High Blood Pressure or Hypertension?
Contents
Hypertension is just a different title for high blood pressure. It raises the pressure of blood in the arteries and decreases the blood flow. Arteries are useful to carry blood from the heart across the body. Hypertension causes the blood to press against course walls. High blood pressure takes years to develop, and thus described as a silent killer.
If the pressure is high enough that reduces blood flow, this may cause serious medical problems, including coronary artery disease. If high blood pressure is left untreated, high blood pressure can also prompt stroke, hypertensive coronary illness, kidney disease, and aortic aneurysm.
The blood pressure must be under a systolic value of 140 mmHg and under a diastolic value of 90 mmHg to consider it normal. However, lifestyle and dietary changes can cause high blood pressure and the risk of complications much of the time. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you can find pharmaceutical drugs like Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers to lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers work by preventing the effects of adrenaline (hormone epinephrine).
High blood pressure is a cardiovascular disease that happens when the blood pressure in arteries rises continuously.
How cannabis affects blood pressure?
Smoked cannabis may raise the risk of cardiovascular failure by 4.8 times for the first hour after smoking. In some cases, cannabis has been embroiled in an uncommon condition called cannabis arteritis, although there have just been many cases. Arteritis is irritation and sores in the arteries leading to Necrosis.
There have just been less than 100 cases archived, so the connection to cannabis is not clear. However, any individual with arthritis or Buerger’s disease, which relates to cigarette smoking, should carefully observe blood pressure when utilizing medicinal marijuana.
Heavy exercise could cause serious problems like high blood pressure and pulse. After that, there’s a risk of cardiac issues. That’s why someone who might be in excellent well-being will occasionally go into a cardiac arrest after running a long-distance race. Besides, that’s why those vulnerable to heart attack have to take care of their physical activities as the condition is a silent killer.
Pulse will return to typical in the minutes after the stimulus; however, this happens much slower in those with known or obscure cardiovascular conditions. Pulse and blood pressure may stay raised for a more extended timeframe in these persons, leading to cardiac issues and heart attack from smoking weed. Several studies hint that the danger of heart attack is many times higher in the hour after smoking cannabis.
Furthermore, researchers at Harvard Medical School shows that the risk of cardiac events increases five times after smoking marijuana and returns to ordinary within 5 hours. The risk could stay raised if use continues, or conversely, resilience may instead set in.
The increased risk of cardiac events is mostly theoretical. There have been a couple of researches that explore the effect of marijuana usage. A study from the University of California CARDIA observed no long-term connection between cannabis usage and cardiovascular issues. Therefore, users anxious about unfavorable outcomes on high blood pressure and heart disease should monitor and consult their doctors about medicinal marijuana usage.
Does Smoking Weed Lower Blood Pressure?
After getting temporary blood pressure, it may consequently decrease when you smoke cannabis. There might be a net decrease in blood pressure after some time when resistance to the drug’s effects set in with repeated use. The initial hypotensive effect may even be after smoking marijuana.
Some studies even demonstrate if you ingest marijuana in a standing position, the initial high blood pressure might drop, and one experiences just a drop in blood pressure. Anandamide, the body’s fatty acid neurotransmitter, causes the blood vessels to unwind, reducing blood vessel pressure. However, when we look at whether cannabis alters blood pressure, the image is more chaotic.
The risk of having a coronary episode is increased five times during the first hour after smoking weed but then drops 1.7 times during the following hour. The risk recovers to normal after two to three hours.
Although some elements like CBD and Anandamide may bring down blood pressure, vaporizing and smoking might have different effects. Therefore, various strains may dramatically alter blood pressure. Sativa strains are more energetic and may indicate an initial acceleration for high blood pressure.
Indica strains are more relaxing and may prevent high blood pressure. If one has concerns regarding blood pressure, they should closely monitor their blood pressure when using marijuana to make sure it doesn’t rise. The effect is varied for different individuals.
Medical Marijuana for High Blood Pressure
Over an extended period, it seems that cannabis might help lowering blood pressure. Shortly after exercise, there’s a surge in blood pressure and a potential increase in cardiac events. Nevertheless, following that first period, there is a decrease in blood pressure and an overall blood pressure decline with activity. Cannabis works the same way.
Nevertheless, because of the absence of knowledge on the subject, you should take care of the blood pressure. One can also learn what impacts various strains (Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid) have on your blood pressure.
Research shows that almost 19% of Canadians have hypertension. Research also shows that those that used marijuana day by day and stopped had raised blood pressure. That might be because of withdrawal or increased uneasiness, which plays a move in hypertension, or it could imply that the plant was keeping blood pressure low.
Living a healthy lifestyle can assist with reducing hypertension through the heart and blood vessels. If you don’t gain control of your blood pressure, you will have higher chances of cardiovascular failure or stroke, .and other medical problems.
Short-term Effects
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased pulse
- Dizziness
Long-term effects
- Decreased blood pressure
- Relaxing
What’s Best – THC or CBD?
With all this at the top of the priority list, you’ll currently need to realize whether to utilize Sativa or Indica for high blood pressure. As with numerous elements of medical cannabis, this is a zone that is mostly under-studied.
Research on THC-dominant strains
This study focused on high THC marijuana in patients with glaucoma who were at risk of losing their eyesight because of rising intra-visual pressure. Initially, the study participants saw a stamped improvement in their blood pressure. After a little while, their systolic and diastolic pressure fell, implying that the THC in cannabis may bring down blood pressure. As Sativa has a higher THC content than Indica, it means it could bring down blood pressure within minutes of utilizing it.
Another research that exerts a different way looks at the increase in blood pressure among those who suddenly stop using cannabis. Those who wished to suspend their regular cannabis usage discovered that their blood pressure increased by more than 20mmHg, which is the condition that carries the most considerable risk. The research presumed that those who need to quit using cannabis should ensure there’s no severe rise in blood pressure.
Research on CBD-dominant strains
Not-so-surprisingly, there’s more extensive research exploring the influences of CBD on blood pressure. It recognized how CBD-predominant weed strains often involve Indica-dominant strains and make a vital contribution to hypertension. If CBD provides a vasodilating effect, it signifies your heart isn’t having to siphon as hard against the vessels’ walls to carry blood around your body. As a consequence, blood pressure lowers.
Further research has distinguished how CBD can produce bradycardia in animals. Bradycardia is a situation wherein your pulse decreases below the average range for a grown-up. Unless you’re in a hypotensive mood, your blood pressure lowers typically as well. Nevertheless, it’s essential that while this can expect low blood pressure, utilizing CBD until you become too bradycardic may also help your body try to neutralize by increasing your blood pressure again.
More studies establish the advantages of Indica as compared to Sativa for high blood pressure. It appears that Indica is the better choice in this case. Indica usually has a higher CBD value than Sativa strains, and it has the most significant therapeutic advantage in treating health problems such as high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hypertension That Medical Marijuana Treats
- Blurred vision
- Nausea vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle cramps
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
Consuming Marijuana for High Blood Pressure
After you choose your strain, the following thing to consider is your method of use. How you consume marijuana can decide the physical and mental benefits you’ll experience since every technique provides a host of effects. There are three basic methods of consumption: inward breath, oral, and topical.
Inward breath:
- Smoking
- Vaporization
Oral:
- Tinctures
- Digestible Oils
- Edibles
Topical:
- With topical, you get the full cannabis extract. When activated, the cannabinoids are absorbed into your skin.
Using CBD Oil for Blood Pressure
If you take it in moderate to high dosage, it can help you reduce blood pressure. So, if you select CBD oil, its best to buy a strain that has high CBD as it can assist with presenting the following advantages:
- Relaxation is vital for reducing hypertension.
- Be it meditation, nature hiking, yoga, soothing music, or anything else that helps to expel the everyday stresses of life, CBD helps in all forms.
- A solid diet, lots of water, and fresh foods reduce salt intake. All of these mixes well with some high-grade CBD strains
— NORML Research – Medical Marijuana and Hypertension
— Endocannabinoids working at cannabinoid-1 receptors
Top 5 Best Cannabis Strains For Blood Pressure
#1 – Northern Lights Feminized
Northern Lights Feminized Strain Information:
- Seedbank: ILGM
- Sex: Feminized
- THC Content: 18%
- CBD Content: <1%
- Assortment: Mostly Sativa
- Strain Genetics: Afghani + Thai
- Flowering Type: Photoperiod
- Flowering Time: 9 weeks
- Medical Conditions: Depression, Pain, Stress
- Flavor: Citrus, Skunky, Pine, Sweet, Lemon
- Effect: Relaxed, Euphoric, Happy, Sleepy
- Yield: 16 oz/ft3
Northern Light is one of the most effective marijuana strains and consistently won the Cannabis Cup in 1989, 1990, and 1992. It is right now obtainable in Feminized, Non-Feminized, and Auto-Flowering prototypes. This strain is award-winning Indica-dominant cannabis. This cannabis strain is among the most famous strains of all time, and a genuine Indica cherished for its resinous buds and fast flowering.
Northern Lights, a descendant of Indigenous Afghani and Thai landrace strains, has given birth to many well-known hybrids like Shiva Skunk and Super Silver Haze. You will feel pungently sweet and spicy fragrances from the crystal-covered purplish buds of the Northern Lights. The psychoactive effects of Northern Lights settle in fast throughout the body, easing the muscles and calming the mind. Many patients use it to relieve depression, insomnia, chronic pain, tension, and other mental health issues.
#2 – Blue Dream
Blue Dream Strain Information:
- Seedbank: ILGM
- Sex: Feminized
- Assortment: Mostly Sativa
- Strain Genetics: Blueberry (Indica) + Super Silver Haze (Sativa)
- Flowering Type: Photoperiod
- Flowering Time: 9 weeks
- Medical Conditions: Pain help during Neuropathy
- Taste/Flavor: Berry, Sweet, and Vanilla
- Effect: Creative, Happy, Energetic, and Powerful
- Plant Height: Tall
- THC Content: 21%
- CBD Content: <1%
- Yield: 21 oz/ft3
Blue Dream is altogether different than most strains in fragrance and taste. You can purchase high-quality Blue Dream seeds from the ILGM seed bank. It’s world-famous and the best seed bank that we love and recommend to everybody. This strain was created by crossing Blueberry and Super Silver Haze. If you make a list of top strains on the planet, Blue Dream will naturally have its place in it as an easy-going euphoric marijuana strain cherished by many medical and recreational users.
It has a 2% CBD, enough to get medical benefits. If you have chronic diseases, this is your go-to high-grade marijuana. Smoking the Blue Dream Strain won’t make you lazy or couch-locked. The high THC proportion in this strain does miracles for individuals who have chronic pain and aches. Individuals who suffer from migraines, anxiety, menstrual cramps, PTSD, depression, headaches, and other mental health issues can also use this marijuana strain to get help.
#3 – Super Sour Diesel
Super Sour Diesel Strain Information:
- Seedbank: ILGM
- Genetic Lineage: Super Silver Haze x Sour Diesel
- THC level: 18% to 24%
- Climate: Warm atmosphere
- Flowering Period: 9 to 11 weeks
- Yield: 300 g/m2/400 to g/plant
- Flavors: Citrus, Diesel, Spicy, Sweet
- Effects: Cerebral, Energizing, Euphoria, Happy
- Medical usage: Depression, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Loss of Appetite, Migraines, ADD/ADHD, Chronic Pain
This marijuana strain comes with 85% Sativa and 15% Indica genetics. It’s an intense cross between Super Silver Haze and Sour Diesel. With high THC content up to 24%, it delivers quick relief in stress and pain. Beginners should start with a low dosage as it renders strong cerebral effects. Apart from that, the buds have a pleasant smell, with a blend of diesel and pine.
Due to the Sativa dominance in this cannabis strain, this marijuana is suitable for morning and daytime use. It knocks out stress and pain while encouraging creativity and happiness. Besides, it produces strong cerebral effects, which might be overpowering to many patients. You can feel the results of this strain upon your first use itself.
#4 – Green Crack
Green Crack Strain Information:
- Seedbank: ILGM
- Sex: Feminized
- Assortment: Indica/Sativa
- Flowering Type: Photoperiod
- Flowering Time: 10 weeks
- Medical Use: Epilepsy, Seizures, and Fatigue
- Taste/Flavor: Earthy, Citrus, Sweet, and Pine
- Effect: Energetic, Creative, Happy, and Relaxed
- Plant Height: Tall
- THC Content: 22%
- CBD Content: <1%
- Yield: 20 oz/ft3
Green Crack is a hybrid strain with 40% Indica and 60% genetics, providing a balanced high and burst of happiness. The best thing about the Green Crack strain is that it won’t make the user couch-locked. Furthermore, smoking it won’t make your reactions slow and you’ll feel positive euphoria all around. Moreover, this strain can also manage pain, stress, and uneasiness very well. If you experience anxiety after using Green Crack, make sure you take the right dosage to eliminate any adverse effects.
#5 – Purple Kush
Purple Kush Strain Information:
- Seed Bank: ILGM
- Genetics: Indica-dominant (75%)
- Parents: Hindu Kush, Purple Afghani
- THC: High
- CBD: Low
- Yield: 5-9 oz/ft3
- Flavor: Grape, Hashish, Earthy, Spicy
- Effect: Relaxing, Couch-lock, Euphoric
Purple Kush grows with neon-green nugs and purple undertones accompanied by rich purple and orange hairs. These gorgeous nugs are frosted with beautiful, white trichomes and sticky resin. Besides, it is perfect for treating insomnia and dull pain identified with disease and fibromyalgia. The strain’s sedative effects help treat depression, nausea, and loss of appetite. This Kush cannabis strain is Indica-dominant hybrid marijuana. You can easily find it in many dispensaries.
Furthermore, this purple marijuana is well-known for purple leaves and dense buds. Moreover, this kush is potent, delivering a high THC content of up to 17%. Beginners should be aware of the dose to abstain from overwhelming couchlock and sedation. This marijuana strain is suitable for evening and nighttime medicinal and recreational use because of its sedative properties.
In A Nutshell
The long-lasting effects of cannabis usage on blood pressure are unpredictable. After an hour of use, there is a slight rise in blood pressure and pulse. During the following hour, there is a slight rise in the risk of cardiac events, similar to the increased risk of exercise. After some time, blood pressure may come back to normal value or perhaps below the base value.
High blood pressure could decrease blood flow in blood vessels and increase the risk of developing heart failure. The best approach for those worried about blood pressure is to record several blood pressure readings before using, immediately after using, and several hours after using marijuana. Thus, you can make sure that it isn’t causing heart disease or high blood pressure by seeing what strains and dosage of intake may lower blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Question
What kind of cannabis is suitable for high blood pressure?
While CBD is available in various forms, oil or tincture is likely to be the best option for high blood pressure rather than a topical or consumable. In addition, oils have a higher bioavailability, which indicates a higher absorption rate for increased efficacy.
Why does marijuana make your heart beat faster?
This is due to the numerous effects cannabis has on the cardiovascular system, including increasing resting heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and making the heartbeat more forceful. According to research, the risk of a heart attack is several times higher an hour after using marijuana than it would be otherwise.
Does cannabis lower blood pressure?
Regular cannabis usage reduces blood pressure in elders suffering from hypertension. For example, a cardiovascular safety study in older persons with hypertension who use medical cannabis discovered a “significant drop” in 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
What does weed do to your brain?
THC, the primary psychoactive element, activates the area of your brain that reacts to pleasure, such as food and sex. This causes a neurotransmitter called dopamine, giving you a pleasant, relaxed sensation.
Can smoke weed aid in stroke and high blood pressure?
Cannabis can momentarily raise blood pressure and pulse rate, thus increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke; however, this is practically never seen with therapeutic cannabis.
Does CBD help with high blood pressure?
A single dosage of CBD, according to the study, lowers resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress, particularly cold stress, notably in the post-test intervals. This might be due to CBD’s anxiolytic and analgesic properties and any potential direct cardiovascular effects.
Do edibles affect your blood pressure?
Cannabinoids like THC in edibles can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which might be dangerous if you already have underlying illnesses.
Is it advisable to take CBD with your regular blood pressure medicine?
No, it is not advisable. If you want to use CBD to treat your hypertension, the most severe possible risk is the interaction of CBD with other high blood pressure medications. For example, if you are currently on high blood pressure medication, taking CBD in conjunction with it may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
However, we recommend you ask your physician before taking CBD with BP medicine. Please do not take it without the recommendations of your practitioner.
What doses of CBD would help me combat my blood pressure?
It depends, but generally, some people report an “entourage effect,” suggesting that the cannabinoids function better together than alone. For example, CBD oils can be taken orally or used topically. It is commonly dosed at 10 mg-50 mg orally or topically twice a day for high blood pressure.
Does Hemp Help Blood pressure?
Yes, at least most researchers say so. The hemp seed oil has a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which is further helpful for hypertensive patients in decreasing their blood pressure (high blood pressure). Research suggests using omega-3 fatty acid supplements and blood pressure medication to reduce blood pressure. Linoleic acid is abundant in hemp seed oil.
