Does Smoking Weed Lower Blood Pressure?

Marijuana use may lead to low blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may also cause disruptions in the blood flow to the organs, as well as an abnormal heart rate, heart attacks, or heart failure in patients with a higher propensity for the onset of these ailments. Marijuana might also cause reduced blood flow to the feet and legs (known as cannabis arteritis) or a rush of blood to the head after standing quickly.

The THC in weed in particular can decrease the smoker’s blood pressure because it is a vasodilator — this means that it causes the blood vessels in the body to expand. When their blood vessels expand, the marijuana user’s blood pressure can drop. Their heart will then start beating faster to compensate for the low pressure.

Some scientists believe that the body’s endocannabinoid system helps regulate blood pressure. More research will be needed before we know if the cannabinoids in marijuana can help normalize the user’s blood pressure.

Marijuana use has also been associated with spikes in blood pressure. However, this study on the long-term effects of marijuana on cardiovascular risk factors found that the link between marijuana use and cardiovascular risk was likely due to correlation, not causation. This may be because marijuana users tend to drink more alcohol and engage in other unhealthy behaviours.

A study from Harvard Medical School found that smoking marijuana increased the user’s risk of having a heart attack within the hour by five times. The risk returned to normal after two hours. It is important to note that this risk increase is comparable to the risk of having a heart attack after sex or strenuous exercise. It is also much less risky for young, healthy smokers.

People who have blood pressure disorders or who are taking drugs, herbs, or supplements to lower their blood pressure are advised to be cautious if using marijuana.

While marijuana has been known to lower blood pressure, there has not been sufficient research into the potential use of medical marijuana as a cure for high blood pressure. Some people believe that the blood pressure-reducing effects of marijuana, combined with its ability to relieve stress and chronic pain, could make it an effective treatment for high blood pressure. Further study is needed.

People who use cannabis excessively should exercise caution before attempting to quit ‘cold turkey.’ A study found that a person’s blood pressure can increase significantly after he or she abruptly stops using cannabis every day. Heavy cannabis users are advised to monitor their blood pressure while attempting to stop or reduce marijuana use.

Medical study in this area is limited. Studies often focus on THC and neglect the potential effects of other cannabinoids. There is little to no research on the difference that various consumption methods (for example joints, edibles, etc.) might have on blood pressure.