Does cannabis affect blood pressure?

The association of the effects of cannabis on blood pressure is the subject of ongoing medical and scientific research. This becomes particularly relevant in the context of the increasing use of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes worldwide. Blood pressure, which reflects the force with which blood acts on the walls of the arteries, is considered a key indicator of cardiovascular health. Maintaining normal blood pressure levels is important, as both high and low blood pressure can lead to serious complications for the body.

Cannabis and blood pressure

Cannabis contains more than a hundred different compounds, but the two most studied are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, including blood pressure.

The link between cannabis use and blood pressure is complex and not fully understood. Some studies suggest that cannabis may have both short- and long-term effects on blood pressure.

Short term effects

Studies show that the direct effects of cannabis use can cause an increase in heart rate, which in turn temporarily raises blood pressure. This temporary increase can pose a risk for people with already high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions.

However, there is a phenomenon known as Marijuana-induced Postural Hypotension. This refers to a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up, which can cause dizziness or even loss of consciousness. This may be due to the dilation of blood vessels caused by THC, leading to a drop in blood pressure.

Long term effects

There is conflicting information regarding the long-term use of cannabis. Some studies indicate that regular cannabis users may have slightly lower blood pressure levels than non-users. At the same time, other studies have found no significant long-term changes in blood pressure in people who use cannabis.

It is also important to note that long-term cannabis use can have other immediate effects on cardiovascular health. For example, smoking cannabis exposes the lungs to tar and other harmful substances, which can lead to problems such as pneumonia and chronic bronchitis, which in turn can affect blood pressure.

Clinical studies and evidence

Several clinical studies have been conducted to examine the effects of cannabis on blood pressure. One of them, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed that cannabidiol (CBD) was able to lower resting blood pressure and reduce stress-induced blood pressure elevation in healthy volunteers. However, the authors highlighted the need for further studies to elucidate the mechanisms of these effects.

On the other hand, a cross-sectional study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found a potential link between marijuana use and an increased risk of hypertension-related mortality. However, the researchers acknowledged that their findings were observational, and more research is needed to confirm these results.

In addition, studies have shown that using cannabis in combination with certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs, may alter their effectiveness. This emphasizes the importance of discussing cannabis use with a doctor, especially for those taking medications.

Cannabis strains and blood pressure

There is growing interest in understanding the effects of different varieties of cannabis on blood pressure. The main types of cannabis are Sativa and Indica. It is assumed that they have different effects on the body due to their different THC and CBD content. However, it remains unclear exactly how these different strains may affect blood pressure.

Examination of statistical data

A study published in the Journal of Hypertension, conducted in a large group of people aged 20-59 years, found that cannabis use was associated with a nearly threefold increase in the risk of hypertension-related death. However, the authors noted that more research is needed to establish causality and explore the physiologic mechanisms that may be involved.

Similarly, a study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that cannabis use was associated with increased heart rate but not with increased blood pressure in the short term. However, after examining the long-term effects of cannabis use, an increased risk of hypertension was found. The authors suggested that the contribution of cannabis to cardiovascular disease may be underestimated, especially in young people.

In contrast, a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found no significant association between cannabis use and the risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke. However, they did note that regular cannabis users had a slightly higher risk of hospitalization due to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).

Moreover, a large epidemiologic study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found no evidence that cannabis use increased the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease. They concluded that although cannabis use does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, more research is needed on the increasing use of cannabis.

It is important to note that many of these studies are based on self-reported cannabis use by participants, which may be subject to reporting bias and recall bias. This points to the need for further research using more accurate measures of cannabis use and its impact on cardiovascular health.

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