Cannabis, hypertension and blood pressure: what does research say?

Which are the effects of Cannabis on hypertension? The Study “Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Cannabinoids” demonstrates how only shortly after the consumption of cannabis, occasional users could manifest a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. 

With cannabis consumption we mean the intake of the whole flower; according to the researchers the spike of increase would verify within fifteen minutes after having vaporized it, smoked it or taken it in other ways.

The conclusion of the study points out how those using cannabis regularly, could develop a form of intolerance to the mentioned effects, manifesting a decrease of heart rate and blood pressure after having consumed it.

Cannabis and cardiovascular system

In spite of the quantity of information circulating on the Web, we do not have sure evidence on the cardiovascular risk factors  related to the consumption of Cannabis.

The study “Marijuana use, diet, body mass index, and cardiovascular risk factors” analysed data collected among 3 617 young adults, who participated for 15 years in the study on the development of risks for the coronary artery in young adults.

Out of 3617 participants in the study, 38% stated to never have used Cannabis.
According to the researchers, what emerged from the study is that among the interviewed there is no perception of a correlation between the use of cannabis and the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

Moreover, the interviewed individuals feared to run cardiovascular risks rather through high-calorie diets and smoking tobacco, than through the use of cannabis.

The role of the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system controls emotional and physiological states, like stress, anxiety, pain and inflammations.

When we talk about the endocannabinoid system, we talk about a network of receptors present in the entire body and which follows the same circuits of the central nervous system.

Cannabinoids are produced in nature only by Cannabis and the human body and by some animal organisms and interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Although research on the role of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in relation to blood pressure is still almost completely to be studied, we have some evidence on how these can play a very important role.

In fact, according to the study “Endogenous cannabinoid mediate hypotension after experimental myocardial infarction”, conducted in 2001, which analysed their role after a myocardial stroke, endocannabinoids contribute to the reduction of blood pressure.