Compare the best CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure

How CBD Helps With High Blood Pressure

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis plant extract shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, antioxidant, and antianxiety properties⁽¹⁾.

These properties may help manage some risk factors associated with high blood pressure like stress, anxiety disorders, depression⁽²⁾, obesity, and chronic conditions⁽³⁾.

Studies show that CBD oil may decrease the cardiovascular system’s response to stress, which may also help in reducing blood pressure⁽⁴⁾.

CBD engages the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps modulate the brain’s neurotransmitters and regulate the body’s pain and inflammatory responses.

The ECS receptors prevent excess neuronal activity by modulating how neurotransmitters are released in the brain. 

The decrease in neuronal activity reduces anxiety and depression⁽⁵⁾, risk factors for high blood pressure.

CBD oil may help manage obesity, another high blood pressure risk factor, by engaging the CB2 receptors in the ECS. CB2 receptors play a role in limiting inflammation and weight gain, thus promoting anti-obesity effects⁽⁶⁾.

A 2020 study mentioned that cannabis administration with elevated THC levels may help alleviate the symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)⁽⁷⁾. NAFLD is associated with a high cholesterol diet, which may increase high blood pressure risk.

The study was performed on mice that were fed a high-cholesterol diet. Additional research is needed to determine CBD’s antioxidant effects on cholesterol levels in humans.

CBD may also help alleviate inflammation caused by chronic conditions like kidney disease and diabetes⁽⁸⁾ that increase high blood pressure risk.

However, according to researchers, evidence for using natural or nonsynthetic cannabinoids for managing symptoms is limited⁽⁹⁾.

Medical experts advise clinicians to be aware of potential health risks of nonsynthetic cannabinoids and weigh those risks against substantiated, albeit limited, benefits of cannabis. This advice may also extend to using CBD oil for high blood pressure.

Hypertension or high blood pressure happens when a consistently high force of blood flows through your blood vessels. The more blood pumped, and the narrower the arteries, the higher the pressure becomes.

Blood pressure is measured by reading your systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) pressure levels. These levels are stated in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

The American Heart Association’s 2017 guidelines state that⁽¹⁰⁾:

• Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at normal levels is less than 120 mm Hg. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at normal levels is less than 80 mm Hg.
• SBP at elevated levels is at 120-129 mm Hg, while DBP is less than 80 mm Hg.
• High blood pressure levels have SBP at 130 mm Hg or higher and DBP at 80 mm Hg or higher.

High blood pressure is considered a “silent killer” because this condition does not usually display any apparent symptoms. However, high blood pressure is often associated with risk factors like stress and poor lifestyle choices.

Because high blood pressure is often symptomless, you may be experiencing high blood pressure for years without noticing it⁽¹¹⁾. One way to determine if you are at risk of high blood pressure is to have a routine checkup with a doctor.

When high blood pressure is left unmanaged, it may cause additional health risks like stroke or heart attack.

High blood pressure may either be primary or secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause and may gradually develop over time. Secondary hypertension is caused by underlying conditions and may appear abruptly.

Some conditions that may lead to secondary hypertension include⁽¹²⁾:

• Sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid problems
• Congenital disabilities with blood vessels
• Medications, like over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and birth control pills
• Illegal drugs, like amphetamines and cocaine

Although high blood pressure may show no signs or symptoms, several risk factors may increase your likelihood of experiencing this condition, including⁽¹³⁾:

• Age – There is an increased risk for high blood pressure with older age.
• Family history – Some families may have historical cases of high blood pressure among members.
• Being obese or overweight – Increased weight requires more blood to supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues, which may increase the pressure on the artery walls.
• Physical inactivity – Inactive individuals have higher heart rates, requiring the heart to work more and push harder on the arteries. Physical inactivity may also lead to weight increase.
• High salt intake – Too much salt or sodium in the body causes the body to retain more fluid, thus increasing blood pressure.
• Insufficient potassium – Potassium balances the salt in the body. A lack of potassium can cause sodium buildup in the blood.
• Too much alcohol – Heavy drinking may cause heart disease and affect blood pressure.
• Stress – Increased stress levels may cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. Habits formed due to stress, such as increased food or alcohol intake, may further increase blood pressure.
• Chronic conditions – Diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea are some conditions that may increase the risk for high blood pressure.
• High cholesterol levels – Cholesterol plaque may form along the arteries, narrowing the passage and straining the heart to pump harder⁽¹⁴⁾.

Uses and Benefits of CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure

CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits include antidepressive and anxiolytic (antianxiety) effects. A 2019 study on adult patients with anxiety and sleep complaints showed that CBD may help decrease anxiety and improve sleep scores⁽¹⁵⁾.

Another study mentioned that the oral administration of CBD, together with routine psychiatric care, may reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)⁽¹⁶⁾.

A study in Future Medicinal Chemistry mentioned that CBD may provide anti-inflammatory benefits⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Inflammation is associated with elevated blood pressure levels⁽¹⁸⁾. Eliminating inflammation may help relieve high blood pressure.

In a randomized crossover study published in 2017, researchers led by Khalid A. Jadoon mentioned that a single dose of cannabidiol in capsule form may reduce blood pressure⁽¹⁹⁾.

Jadoon’s study involved nine healthy male volunteers, each given 600mg CBD or placebo in capsule form. GW Pharmaceuticals provided the capsules for the study.

CBD Dosage for High Blood Pressure

There is currently no specific dosage for high blood pressure. However, individuals starting to use CBD are recommended to take lower doses initially⁽²⁰⁾.

A review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research published in 2020 mentioned that CBD doses and formulations varied across clinical trials and observations of patients with various symptoms⁽²¹⁾.

Another research involving human clinical data and relevant animal studies mentioned that humans may tolerate high dosage levels of up to 1,500 mg of CBD per day⁽²²⁾.

Since there is no standard dosage guide for CBD, intake may vary individually. Several factors, such as health conditions, stress levels, diet, exercise, and genetics⁽²³⁾, must be considered before deciding how much CBD to take.

Consult a doctor or professional health worker about your condition or potential risk factors for high blood pressure before considering taking CBD oil.

How to Take CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure

You may choose from a variety of high-quality CBD products to help reduce the symptoms of high blood pressure. Some of the typical product types are the following:

• Use a dropper or oromucosal spray to administer CBD oil or CBD tinctures sublingually (under the tongue).

Sublingual administration allows CBD oil to bypass the digestive tract and directly enter the bloodstream.

CBD oil can be mixed with a carrier oil such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), hemp seed or hemp oil, and olive oil.

• CBD capsules are ingested orally. They pass through the digestive tract and are absorbed by the liver before spreading throughout the body.
• CBD edibles are also taken orally. Similar to capsules, edibles are absorbed by the liver after passing through the digestive tract. Some edibles include gummies, candies, and chews.
• Topicals are applied to the skin. This method is usually adequate for skin issues or joint pains. CBD delivered through this method is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Examples include CBD creams, lotions, salves, and balms.
• Similar to topicals, CBD transdermal patches are applied to the skin. However, transdermal products release cannabinoids that are absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Vaping is a method to release CBD oil through inhalation into the lungs. Vaping may be considered the fastest way to deliver CBD into the body⁽²⁴⁾.

Before considering vapes as a method to deliver CBD, know that vaping has potential risks associated with lung disease⁽²⁵⁾. Consult with a doctor about your condition before smoking or vaping CBD.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With High Blood Pressure?

Onset times for CBD products vary, depending on the product type, method of use, CBD dosage, frequency of intake, and the individual’s body or health condition. 

CBD tinctures applied sublingually may take about 15 minutes to an hour before taking effect. CBD enters the bloodstream under the tongue and bypasses the digestive tract, allowing for faster absorption.

Capsules and edibles may take about three hours to take effect when consumed with a full stomach. If taken on an empty stomach, onset is generally around an hour⁽²⁶⁾.

CBD topicals are mainly applied to the skin to help with skin conditions and joint pains. This product type does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. The time required for the effects of cannabidiol to take place may vary depending on the skin’s thickness.

CBD vapes are administered by inhalation and may take a few seconds to several minutes before taking effect.

Individuals are cautioned when vaping as this method is reported to cause lung damage⁽²⁷⁾. Inform your physician about your condition before considering using vapes.

How Long Will CBD Help With High Blood Pressure?

Different forms of CBD have a varying duration of effectiveness depending on the product type.

A 2018 systematic review published in Frontiers of Pharmacology stated that CBD half-life for oromucosal sprays at 5mg to 20mg doses is around 1.4 and 10.9 hours⁽²⁸⁾.

Half-life, which depends on dose and route of administration, determines the time for a drug’s concentration or quantity in the body to be reduced by 50%.

CBD edibles and capsules may last for about 6 to 12 hours⁽²⁹⁾. 

In a 2018 review, CBD delivered through an oromucosal spray was observed to have a half-life of two to five days after chronic oral administration⁽³⁰⁾.

Vapes usually last around two or three hours. This short duration may be appropriate for acute conditions⁽³¹⁾.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for High Blood Pressure

CBD may cause fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and diarrhea⁽³²⁾.

Some CBD products have a grapefruit warning, meaning CBD may prevent other drugs from being broken down and absorbed by the body. 

For example, taking CBD with nifedipine (Procardia and Adalat CC) to lower blood pressure may be harmful to the body⁽³³⁾. 

Grapefruit juice can block the activity of CYP3A4 intestinal enzymes. Thus, instead of being metabolized, a larger quantity of the drug enters the system and remains in the body longer. 

The severity of the interaction between CBD and the drugs taken alongside it can vary depending on the individual, the drug, and the amount of grapefruit juice consumed.

Is CBD Safe to Use for High Blood Pressure?

A 2017 study on using CBD oil to help reduce blood pressure stated that CBD was well tolerated among the subjects composed of healthy male volunteers. The volunteers also reported no adverse reactions to CBD⁽³⁴⁾.

The researchers also mentioned that further research is needed to determine whether CBD has a role in treating cardiovascular disorders like hypertension.

Is CBD Oil Better Than Conventional Treatments for High Blood Pressure?

While some studies support CBD’s potential to help reduce blood pressure, the results are often limited despite some positive outcomes.

Researchers still advise further studies to ascertain if CBD oil is better than other treatment methods.

Alternatively, some simple lifestyle changes may be effective in managing and controlling your blood pressure. 

Doctors usually recommend the following activities⁽³⁵⁾:

• Eat a well-balanced and heart-healthy meal containing less salt.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit or reduce your alcohol intake.

Doctors may also prescribe the following medication to treat high blood pressure⁽³⁶⁾:

• Diuretics – Also called water pills, they help the kidneys remove sodium and water from the body.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) – These medications relax the blood vessels to improve blood flow by blocking a natural chemical that causes the vessels to narrow.
• Calcium channel blockers – These medications help relax the blood vessel muscles and slow down the heart rate.

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp-based CBD products from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substances list and legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp.

Marijuana-based CBD products and supplements may contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and may likely be prohibited by law⁽³⁷⁾.

To date, Epidiolex is the only CBD-based medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy⁽³⁸⁾.

Review your state’s laws and check a product’s CBD and THC content to know whether using CBD is legal in your area.

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure

CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant and is extracted using CO2, hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction methods. After extraction, CBD oil may appear as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids and compounds from the hemp plant, including THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Combining these compounds may further improve the purported health benefits of cannabis to promote wellness⁽³⁹⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains cannabinoids also found in full-spectrum CBD oil. However, broad-spectrum CBD does not contain THC. If you prefer CBD without THC and its psychoactive effects, broad-spectrum CBD may be an excellent option.

CBD isolates contain pure CBD only. No other compounds are added to this product.

Some individuals may prefer non-GMO CBD products extracted from organic hemp and grown in American farms in states like Colorado, Kentucky, California, and Texas. 

Third-party lab testing also checks for the presence of contaminants or pesticides that may harm consumers. Reputable CBD brands must be transparent by posting the analysis results on their website.