The Effects of Cannabis on Blood Pressure: What the Science Actually Says

Consuming cannabis will typically lead to a temporary increase in both heart rate and Blood Pressure. This is because THC binds to CB1 receptors located in the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a sympathomimetic response that simulates the ‘fight or flight’ effect.

Because of this, it is always worth understanding how cannabis may affect your body and choosing products with clear, reliable information. At Canna City, UK customers can explore premium, lab-tested cannabis products with discreet delivery and accurate product details.

The Immediate Response: A Temporary Spike

Important acute cardiovascular Effects include:

The above phase is critical for individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease. However, a normal, healthy adult should experience no significant issues from the acute phase.

Short-term vs. Long term: a tale of two hemodynamics

Effects of different routes of administration

Not all methods of consuming cannabis are equal when it comes to its hemodynamic effects.

• Smoking/vaping. The fastest and greatest hemodynamic response occurs through inhalation, peaking at 10-15 minutes post-consumption. Smoking also exposes the user to carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts which independently stress the cardiovascular system.
• Edibles/oils. Consumption through oral means (edibles/oil) results in a delayed, yet extended hemodynamic response. Peak changes occur 30-90 minutes post-consumption. Based upon its Effects on Blood Pressure during acute phases, oral ingestion appears to pose less risk compared to smoking/vaping.
• Tinctures/sublingually. Situated somewhere between edibles/oil, and smoked/vaped cannabis is sublingual tinctures. They offer quicker absorption rates compared to ingested products, but do not expose the user to combustion byproducts.

Who may want to be more mindful of their consumption

There are specific populations that are significantly more vulnerable to adverse hemodynamic responses:

• Older adults. Due to aging diminishing baroreceptor reflexive function, Older adults are more susceptible to sudden spikes/Blood Pressure fluctuations.
• Individuals with diagnosed hypertension. When consuming cannabis, hypertensive individuals run the risk of elevating their Blood pressures to levels that would require medical intervention.
• Patients taking antihypertensives. Cannabis may enhance the Effects of antihypertensive medication leading to excessive decreases in Blood Pressure.
• History of cardiac arrhythmias/previous myocardial infarction. Any individual with a previous history of cardiac arrhythmias, or previous mi, experiences increased myocardial oxygen demand secondary to the acute tachycardia induced by cannabis.

CBD – another variable to consider

A recent study conducted by JCI Insight demonstrated that administration of CBD resulted in reduced resting Blood Pressure and decreased BP responses under stressful conditions. Therefore, products with high CBD content and low THC content continue to gain relevance among health conscious cannabis users who desire the medicinal benefits of cannabis while

Why Product Quality Matters

The relationship between cannabis and blood pressure is context-dependent. The quality of the product, the composition of cannabinoids, and the dose each impact how much you will be exposed to from each type of product. As such, lab tested products allow consumers to make educated choices regarding ratios of THC/CBD and the method(s) they choose for consuming these types of products. This is exactly what Canna City does — go to our catalogue to see the many options available.