Will Cannabis Raise or Lower Blood Pressure?
Reports on marijuana’s effects on blood pressure vary. However, most experts agree cannabis raises blood pressure.
Various studies have found that THC increases systolic blood pressure while the short-term effects are occurring. [2] If consumed through the lungs (i.e., smoking or vaping), these effects are immediate. If consumed through other methods (i.e., ingestion through edibles), these effects may take an hour or so to become present.
Of course, such research is only concerned with the initial effects of marijuana. Other research has found that long-term marijuana use decreases overall blood pressure. [3] In other words, if you use cannabis regularly, your blood pressure will be lower than average when you’re not under the influence of it.
Even more so, this research largely looks at cannabis with high levels of THC. The truth is this plant is made up of over 100 other cannabinoids. Since going through each cannabinoid’s effects on blood pressure is impossible, we’ve laid out some of the most popular and what research tells us:
What are CBD’s Effects on Blood Pressure?
As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD has become one of the most popular chemical compounds on the market. And unlike THC, your bottle of CBD oil may improve blood pressure.
Admittedly, some studies indicate CBD does not affect blood pressure. [4] However, others show that CBD may help to lower blood pressure in individuals who are stressed. [5]
The latter argument is largely because stressed individuals tend to have higher blood pressure levels. If CBD can reduce stress, as studies indicate, then it would have a natural effect on lowering blood pressure. [6]
What are Delta-8 THC’s Effects on Blood Pressure?
With its federally legal status in the United States, delta-8 THC has also garnered a lot of popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, research into delta-8 is minimal, and we don’t have much to work with.
One animal study found that it can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. More specifically, this may be due to a vasoconstrictive effect, which causes the arteries to narrow and tighten. [7]
This isn’t surprising because delta-8 is an analog for delta-9 THC and, therefore, has a similar chemical makeup.
What are CBG’s Effects on Blood Pressure?
While you’re likely not going to find high-CBG cannabis on the market, you will find varying CBG extract products, including oils and topicals. As CBD has similar effects on the body, it comes as no surprise that research has found that CBG lowers blood pressure in mice. [8]
What are CBN’s Effects on Blood Pressure?
Cannabinol (CBN) is an interesting cannabinoid. Like CBG, you’re more likely to find CBN-concentrated products than high-CBN flowers. However, if your cannabis isn’t stored properly, the naturally occurring THC may evolve into CBN. [9] This causes what many report as a sluggish high.
Currently, there is no research into CBN and blood pressure. However, CBN’s effects are somewhat similar to THC. More specifically, reports indicate CBN is about 25% as effective as THC. [10] This means it may cause mild psychoactivity in some individuals and holds the potential to increase blood pressure moderately.
