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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound that may help reduce some factors in high blood pressure, such as stress, anxiety, and sleep quality issues.
There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may help lower blood pressure.
Doctors may prescribe medications for people with high blood pressure. If someone takes blood pressure medications and uses CBD products, they must inform their doctor.
What does the research say?
A 2023 study found that CBD can lower blood pressure in individuals with treated or untreated high blood pressure. The researchers also noted a lack of serious side effects and said the lower blood pressure occurred after 2.5 weeks of CBD administration.
A 2020 study found that CBD may have vasodilatory effects in human and rat arteries. The authors suggest that CBD may improve flow because it widens blood vessels.
Another study found that a single dose of CBD
Additionally, a 2021 study assessed the effects of medical cannabis on individuals with high blood pressure. They observed a reduction in blood pressure after three months of use. However, it is important to note that there is no information on whether CBD was a part of this study.
A person should not use CBD to replace prescribed high blood pressure medications. They need to consult a doctor if they take this medication and wish to add CBD to their treatment plan.
CBD
People should only take CBD for high blood pressure under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
The following table compares the products in this article on CBD content, type, and more.
| Price | CBD content | CBD type | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte’s Web | $59.99 | 510 mg per bottle | full-spectrum | • 30 mL • 100 mL |
| Joy Organics Gummies | from $39.95 | from 300 mg per jar | broad-spectrum | 30 gummies |
| Joy Organics Tincture | from $44.95 | 450 mg per bottle | broad-spectrum | 30 mL |
| NuLeaf | from $49 | from 300 mg per jar | full-spectrum | • 60 softgels • 120 softgels |
| CBDfx | from $54.99 | 1,500 mg per jar | broad-spectrum | 60 gummies |
We selected these CBD products for blood pressure based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
To find suitable quality CBD for high blood pressure, a person can look for information on:
- Independent third-party lab testing: Check that independent labs have reviewed the products to ensure they correctly state the CBD and THC content and do not contain high levels of pollutants. Some companies will post their certificates of analysis (COAs) on their websites.
- Extraction method: Manufacturers tend to use high-pressure carbon dioxide gas, chemical solvents, or both to remove CBD from plants. Choosing CBD produced without chemical solvents may be preferable.
- Where it was grown: Some states, such as Colorado, Oregon, and Kentucky, have active programs supporting and testing hemp, which can help people access more information and better-quality products.
- THC content: THC is the compound in cannabis that makes people feel “high,” and CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC have a more complicated legal status. People who want to avoid any chance of intoxication or inter-state purchase problems may prefer products made with lower concentrations of THC. CBD isolate products should not contain any THC.
The
- interactions with other medications
- drowsiness or sedation, if the individual is taking medications that treat anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders
- an increased risk of diarrhea and a loss of appetite
- mood changes, such as irritability and agitation
- liver injury
- low blood pressure
A
A person can test positive on a drug test for THC, an active ingredient in cannabis.
Learn more about the dosages and side effects of CBD.
CBD and pregnancy
The
There is not enough research into how CBD may affect a developing fetus. However,
More research is necessary to investigate the potential risks of CBD use during pregnancy.
Some other natural ways to lower blood pressure include:
- Exercising regularly: Regular physical activity may help manage high blood pressure and strengthen the heart.
- Learning to deal with stress: People who experience stress may be likelier to have a less healthy diet and drink more alcohol. These dietary factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
- Maintaining a moderate weight: Research suggests that having obesity contributes to
65–78% of cases of high blood pressure. - Eating dark chocolate: A
2020 review concludes that dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure. However, researchers need to conduct more studies to investigate this link. - Reducing sodium intake: A
2019 review linked a higher salt intake with high blood pressure and heart disease. People may wish to check nutritional labels for sodium content before consuming a product.
There is no particular type of CBD for lowering blood pressure; further research into the effects of CBD is necessary.
However, the blood absorbs some types of CBD faster than others. How people consume CBD has a significant effect on how quickly the body absorbs it:
- Capsules and gummies pass through the digestive tract and take 30 minutes to 1 hour to absorb.
- CBD oils, tinctures, and sprays administered under the tongue typically work in 15–20 minutes.
- CBD creams and ointments primarily address localized pain, such as swelling or sore muscles, so they would not be an effective choice for people seeking to manage blood pressure.
Learn the difference between CBD oils and tinctures here.
It is important to note that many studies on CBD and blood pressure use high doses of around 600 mg. People should not take these doses without consulting a healthcare professional. Additionally, most research investigates the effect of CBD on mild hypertension. More research is necessary on how it affects other grades of blood pressure.
Some over-the-counter products contain CBD, while some
The
- interactions with other medications a person may be taking
- damage to the liver
- potential risks to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- side effects such as drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues, and mood changes
To use CBD safely, start with a small dose. Increase the dose gradually until the desired effect is achieved while remaining alert for signs of side effects.
A person should discuss CBD with their doctor before using it.
If people believe they have high blood pressure, they should speak with a doctor. They should not take CBD without checking with a healthcare professional first.
According to the
If these lifestyle changes are ineffective, doctors may recommend the following medications:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: These can reduce the narrowing of blood vessels.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers: They perform the same job as those above and stop the blood vessels from narrowing so much.
- Calcium channel blockers: These help relax blood vessels by limiting the amount of calcium that can get through to the blood vessels and heart.
- Diuretics: These reduce the amount of fluid in the blood by removing excess water and sodium. A person does not usually take these alone for high blood pressure. They typically use them alongside other blood pressure medications.
- Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers help slow the heart rate, resulting in the heart pumping less blood through the blood vessels. These are not always the first line of treatment; a person may receive them as a backup option or if they have other conditions.
People with hypertension do not usually have any symptoms, so those with a higher risk may need regular screening.
Healthcare professionals can suggest a treatment plan to help prevent or treat hypertension. For example, they may prescribe medications to help treat hypertension.
A person should consult a doctor before taking any CBD products, as the interaction between these products and certain medications can cause serious side effects.
People who experience side effects from CBD products should stop using them and seek medical help immediately.
CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system throughout the body and other receptors, such as serotonin receptors. Research has found that CBD enhanced connectivity in parts of the brain in a resting state and supported cognitive activity.
However, according to the FDA, further research into the effects of CBD is necessary, including the effects on the developing brain.
No. Many studies show that CBD is safe and non-addictive. CBD does not produce the ‘high’ feeling associated with cannabis.
CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids, chemical messengers found naturally in the cannabis plant. One of the most important differences is that CBD is not an intoxicating compound, but THC is, and drug tests can identify it.
As there are many studies indicating that CBD may lower blood pressure, a person with low blood pressure may wish to be cautious. These individuals need to consult a doctor before taking CBD in any form.
No research suggests how much CBD a person must take to lower blood pressure. Studies into CBD and blood pressure frequently use high doses of CBD. A person should consult with a healthcare professional before taking such a high dose.
Hypertension does not usually cause any symptoms. A person might not know that they have it unless they receive a diagnosis.
There are various medical treatments available. There is also evidence to suggest that products containing CBD may help, but a person should not stop using high blood pressure medication without consulting a doctor first.
A person who uses blood pressure medications should also consult a doctor before using any CBD products.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.