Blood pressure consists of two numbers, systolic and diastolic. Cannabis is thought to reduce blood pressure due to the dilation of the peripheral vessels, this is more pronouned in the diastolic number.
drpersaud
Here’s an article we posted a bit back with some good info. Looks like studies have shown that cannabis decreases blood preassure slightly.
gabriella
There are few direct double-blind, placebo controlled studies on the issue, but there is plentiful evidence about the effects of marijuana on cardiovascular measures. For a complete review and explanation of potential cardiovascular side effects and risks, I invite you to review the NY state marijuana program website at https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/
but also https://www.ncsm.nl/english/marijuana-blood-pressure-hypertension.
In summary, short term effects of marijuana on blood pressure include: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and possible orthostatic intolerance (dizziness with postural changes). Long term effects of marijuana on blood pressure include decreased blood pressure and relaxation.
jennifernp
I agree with Dr. Park that the direct effects of cannabis on blood pressure are of minimal physiologic significance. For patients in an anxiety state who are responding with elevated pulse and blood pressure I would expect the emotional relaxation that cannabis can provide would help them return to a more normal level. For patients with hypertension under treatment with pharmaceutical medications there is no contraindication to using medicinal cannabis, and I would recommend, at least in the beginning, to use a home blood pressure device to monitor their response to confirm this is the case. But neither would I discontinue anti-hypertensives in favor of cannabis without first reviewing the matter with your physician.
drelkind
