Is Cannabis Good for High Blood Pressure?

If you have high blood pressure or other heart complications, then you might be hesitant about using cannabis - and rightfully so. 

While weed contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for heart health, there is some research that indicates weed may increase blood pressure.

However, different strains of weed may affect blood pressure differently. For this reason, it’s important to know the best strains for hypertension. 

In this guide, we will discuss how weed impacts blood pressure. You’ll also learn about the best strain for high blood pressure.

How Does Weed Affect Blood Pressure?

Cannabis - like other herbs - contains powerful antioxidant compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which can support a healthy heart.

Specifically, reducing inflammation in the body can make it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout the body, meaning that your heart is less likely to give out because it doesn’t have to work as hard.

However, some research shows that weed increases blood pressure, which can put even more stress on your cardiovascular system and potentially increase your risk of heart disease. 

According to one study, there was a modest association between recent cannabis use and systolic blood pressure among a sample of adults in the United States.

Additionally, research published by Harvard Medical School indicated that marijuana users had a higher risk of death related to blood pressure than non-users. The article also stated that in addition to increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure may lead to heart failure and kidney disease. 

However, another study found that cannabis use reduces blood pressure in older adults. The study authors noted that cannabis treatment of three months was linked to a reduction in 24 hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure three hour after cannabis administration.  

One study even found that a single dose of CBD reduces resting blood pressure as well as the blood pressure increase to stress, which usually leads to an increase in blood pressure. 

These findings are unique because they suggest that weed may be able to help control the stress response - as well as the increase in blood pressure that usually accompanies it. 

As you can see, it can be hard to know whether or not to use weed if you have high blood pressure, due to the conflicting research. 

So, should you use weed if you have heart problems? The answer can only be made by your doctor as every person is different. Be sure to discuss with them before using if you have concerns. 

Best Strain for Blood Pressure 

If your doctor clears you to use cannabis, then keep in mind that the strain you use is important as different strains may have different effects on your blood pressure. 

Research shows that you should use Indica or Sativa for high blood pressure - and the reason why may depend on the amount of THC each strain has. 

CBD-dominant strains are also great for high blood pressure because CBD has a more therapeutic effect on heart health, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Here are some of the best weed strains for high blood pressure:

• Wedding cake: also known as Pink Cookies, this Indica-dominant strain of weed works as a calming agent to reduce anxiety and control the stress response, which may include reducing blood pressure.
• Miracle Alien Cookies: also known as MAC, this strain of weed that is known for producing happy, relaxing, uplifting, creative, and euphoric feelings. It’s commonly used to stimulate appetite and reduce pain, depression, insomnia, and stress. 
• Garlic Breath: this Indica-dominant strain of weed has a slight garlic flavor and is known for promoting a calming feeling that helps control stress and ease racing thoughts. This strain is ideal for using at night as it helps promote sleep and reduces anxiety.
• Member Berry: this Indica-dominant strain of weed is known for providing physical relaxation to ease muscle soreness and alleviating pain. It also helps soothe the mind and provides a euphoric high that can help reduce stress. 
• Tuna Kush: sure to help you find relief for whatever ails you, this strain of weed is hard to find, so stock up while you can! It’s best used for medicinal purposes, such as supporting heart health, reducing anxiety and pain, and helping you sleep. 

Finals Thoughts 

Because the evidence is conflicting on whether or not you should use cannabis if you have high blood pressure (or if you’re worried about how weed affects blood pressure), be sure to talk to your doctor first. 

If cleared to use weed, then opt for an Indica-dominant strain, which have relaxing effects and may be higher in beneficial CBD compounds. 

You can shop for the best strains of weed for high blood pressure here.