"Does it raise bp?"
Hello,
I agree with Dr. Lew, THC does increase blood pressure in the short term and is also dependent on the dose of THC taken. I’d also like to add that studies also suggest that prolonged administration of THC, in both humans and experimental animals, actually results in lowering of both blood pressure and heart rate. Animal studies suggest that this may be due to a reduction in adrenergic tone, which is also how beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, work as anti-hypertensives.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2228270/#R11
Furthermore, a study published last year found that a 600mg dose of CBD reduced blood pressure while resting, as well as when under physical or mental stress.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/#B7
However, as Dr. Lew mentioned, patients with cardiovascular risk factors should exercise extra caution — especially so when first introduced to cannabis — which is another reason we always recommend that patients start low and go slow.
Another way to mitigate risk would be by using high CBD strains or high CBD containing products.
Please consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist before starting any cannabis regimen.
drkim
Hello,
I agree with Dr. Lew. I’d also like to add that studies suggest that prolonged administration of THC, in both humans and experimental animals, actually results in lowering of both blood pressure and heart rate. Animal studies suggest that this may be due to a reduction in adrenergic tone, which is also how beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, work as anti-hypertensives.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2228270/#R11
A study published last year found that a 600mg dose of CBD reduced blood pressure while resting, as well as when under physical or mental stress.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/#B7
However, as Dr. Lew mentioned, patients with cardiovascular risk factors should exercise extra caution — especially so when first introduced to cannabis — which is another reason we always recommend that patients start low and go slow.
Another way to mitigate risk would be by using high CBD strains or high CBD containing products.
Please consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist before starting any cannabis regimen.
drkim