Patient Education ►
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Cannabis and Hypertension
Studies have shown that cannabis acts on the numerous CB-1 and CB-2 receptors that line arterial blood vessels , veins , and capillaries . These receptors help maintain and balance blood pressure . Some of the very first research done in this area came in 1976 from The Glaucoma Clinic of Howard University Hospital , Washington , DC . The study found that a relatively small amount of smoked cannabis ( at 2.8 % concentration ) produced a substantial reduction in intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients . The study also demonstrated an overall lowering of blood pressure . 3 The study confirmed that THC acts as a vasodilator , thereby lowering blood pressure , in some cases significantly so .
Later studies confirmed that the endocannabinoid anandamide ( commonly known as “ the body ’ s own THC ”) has a significant impact on regulating blood pressure . In 2009 , a Nottingham Medical School , UK , studied injected hypertensive and non-hypertensive rats with anandamide . The hypertensive rats showed a substantial reduction in blood pressure as a result of vasodilation , while the non-hypertensive rats showed no change . Many people are deficient in anandamide and other endocannabinoids , or what has come to be known as “ Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome .” Cannabis can serve as a natural supplement to overcome such deficiencies .
Which Strain ( s ) To Choose ?
As studies have shown , it doesn ’ t take much THC to lower high blood pressure . Therefore , more isn ’ t always better . In fact , consuming the typical recreational high-THC strains may not be such a great choice for hypertension . While moderate THC consumption reduces stress and anxiety , excess THC can induce anxiety , perhaps even paranoia . Go with strains that are moderate in THC that contain some CBD . Generally , Indicas are relaxing and , therefore , suitable for evening and bedtime use . Sativas tend to be elevating and , therefore , good for daytime use .
Peter Kershaw is a Patient Caregiver , an organic cannabis cultivation consultant , and extraction consultant . Contact him at
pkershaw . email @ gmail . com or text to 417-230-4445 . As with all writers within these pages , if you ’ ve benefited from Peter ’ s articles , please let him and all writers know . They appreciate your thoughts .
Notice : The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice , diagnosis or treatment , but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience . The content is for general informational purposes only .