What is the effect of Cannabis on Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

From the Guidelines

Cannabis use can have a significant impact on blood pressure, and individuals with hypertension should exercise caution when using cannabis, especially when combined with blood pressure medications. The effects of cannabis on blood pressure can be complex, with initial increases in blood pressure and heart rate followed by decreases in blood pressure during prolonged use 1. However, for people with hypertension, this effect could potentially be dangerous, especially when combined with blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers.

Key Considerations

• The THC in cannabis activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the initial spike in blood pressure and heart rate 1.
• Regular cannabis users may develop tolerance to these cardiovascular effects, but those with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension should exercise caution.
• The method of consumption also matters—smoking cannabis may pose additional cardiovascular risks compared to other methods due to combustion byproducts.
• If you use cannabis and have blood pressure concerns, monitor your blood pressure regularly, consider discussing with your healthcare provider, and be aware of potential drug interactions with any blood pressure medications you're taking.

Lifestyle Modifications

To manage blood pressure, lifestyle modifications are crucial, including:

• Salt reduction
• Healthy diet, such as the DASH diet
• Moderation of alcohol consumption
• Weight reduction
• Smoking cessation
• Regular physical activity
• Reducing stress and inducing mindfulness 2.

Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer will be ended here.

From the Research

Effect of Cannabis on Blood Pressure

• The effect of cannabis on blood pressure is complex and may vary depending on the individual and the context of use 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• Some studies suggest that cannabis use may be associated with increased blood pressure, particularly in heavy users 6, 7.
• However, other studies have found that cannabis use may be associated with reduced blood pressure in certain populations, such as older adults with hypertension 4.
• The acute physiological effects of marijuana include a substantial dose-dependent increase in heart rate, generally associated with a mild increase in blood pressure 5.
• Tolerance develops to the acute effects of marijuana smoking and delta9-tetrahydrocannibol (THC) over several days to a few weeks 5.
• Abrupt cessation of heavy cannabis use may cause clinically significant increases in blood pressure in a subset of users 3.

Studies on Cannabis and Blood Pressure

• A 2011 study found that blood pressure increased significantly during periods of cannabis abstinence compared with periods of cannabis use 3.
• A 2021 study found that cannabis treatment for 3 months was associated with a reduction in 24-hours systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in older adults with hypertension 4.
• A 2002 review found that the acute physiological effects of marijuana include a substantial dose-dependent increase in heart rate, generally associated with a mild increase in blood pressure 5.
• A 2019 study found that current marijuana users had a higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure than never users, driven by heavy use 6.
• A 2016 study found a modest association between recent cannabis use and increased systolic blood pressure in a nationally representative sample of US adults 7.