Can CBD Lower Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure your physician will advise you on your next steps. This might include a daily prescription, daily blood pressure monitoring, nutritional changes, and lifestyle changes. As you explore ways to manage your high blood pressure, you may begin to explore CBD for anxiety, stress, and overall high blood pressure.
Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.
What is CBD?
CBD oil is derived from a strain of the cannabis plant that is naturally low in the intoxicating compound THC. THC and CBD are two of over 100 active compounds in the cannabis plant. THC is best known for its intoxicating effects while CBD is one of the compounds with the most celebrated wellness benefits.
While marijuana contains CBD, CBD products that contain 0.3% of THC or less are legal in all 50 states. However, your school, employer, or extracurricular activity may prohibit its use. Some strains of CBD, such as Holmes Organics, have the THC completely removed during processing to ensure 0.0% THC.
What are CBD side effects?
CBD oil side effects are rare. However, you can have a negative reaction to anything you consume, apply topically, or inhale. Always consult your physician before adding dietary supplements to your routine and pay close attention to how you feel. Some side effects are rapid, while some occur gradually over time.
There are currently zero reports of a CBD overdose. While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses, of 20,000 milligrams or more per serving, side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Low-blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Negative interaction with prescription medications
What is high blood pressure?
If your blood pressure is high your physician will likely, amongst other things, have you monitor your blood pressure at home. Monitoring your blood pressure at home is easy to do yourself with a digital cuff. While significantly more expensive than a standard blood pressure monitor, smart monitors track your results and can automatically send them to your physician—or alert your physician per their designated parameters.
One of the many reasons to track your blood pressure at home is because it may be lower at home. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so taking it at the same time once or twice per day helps to provide a more accurate average. Also, if going to the doctor gives you anxiety you may be experiencing what is called White Coat Syndrome Hypertension. In other words, you may not have high blood pressure at all.
The American College of Cardiology’s high blood pressure categories are as follows: (ACC)
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
- Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;
- Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;
- Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;
- Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.
Your physician may prescribe medication and suggest lifestyle and nutritional changes as early as Stage 1 Systolic.
When to contact a doctor regarding blood pressure?
In addition to your annual physical, you should seek medical treatment as advised—and any time you experience an emergent, rapid, or gradual change in your health. This includes having your blood pressure checked during times of high stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of factors that can lead to high blood pressure, including stress and anxiety. Your body produces a surge of cortisol when you're in a stressful situation. This is your body’s natural “fight or flight” response. When your cortisol hormone increases, it may temporarily increase your blood pressure by causing your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow. When your anxiety and stress subside your blood pressure may decrease.
However, if your anxiety and stress are ongoing your body may continue to produce more cortisol. This keeps your sympathetic nervous system in fight or flight mode, which may lead to high blood pressure.
Common causes of high blood pressure include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Certain defects you're born with (congenital) in blood vessels
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers, and some prescription drugs
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
Can I take CBD oil if I have high blood pressure?
It is essential to confirm with your physician and/or pharmacist before you begin taking CBD. While side effects are rare, it can negatively interact with other prescription medications. This includes the blood thinner Warfarin.
How much does CBD lower blood pressure?
There is no guarantee that CBD will lower your blood pressure. For informational purposes only, one study found that cortisol levels were drastically reduced by taking 300 to 600 mg of CBD. A variety of studies targeting hypertension and heart disease found conflicting results. Sometimes numbers dropped more than the placebo, sometimes they didn’t.
Can CBD lower blood pressure?
If stress and anxiety are likely the cause of your high blood pressure, it’s an option to discuss with your physician. However, there is no guarantee that it will.
Does CBD lower heart rate?
We cannot say for sure. It is essential to discuss the cause of your accelerated heart rate with your physician and follow their treatment plan.
Can I take CBD oil if I have low blood pressure?
While we hear most about those struggling with high blood pressure, you may be struggling with the opposite. If that is the case, discuss any nutritional changes with your physician. This includes using CBD oil or any other nutritional supplements.
Which CBD is best for high blood pressure?
Regardless of your wellness goals or whether you are searching for full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate cannabinoids, we suggest the same criteria:
- USDA-Certified Organic
- Third-Party lab tested
- Access to third-party certificate of analysis
- Processed from US-grown hemp flowers
- Pure with no toxic additives or fillers
- Clearly stated milligrams per serving
Holmes Organics meets the criteria above and has a wide range of CBD products to meet your needs. We have also added a new Delta 9 THC Gummy for those who prefer a mild to moderate buzz!