Do you lower your blood pressure by using marijuana daily?

Discover the many benefits of cannabis. It seems that the plant could potentially help lower blood pressure.

The journal Nature: Scientific Reports recently published a study that examined over 91,000 subjects. The study concluded that current and lifetime cannabis use is associated with reduced blood pressure levels. Research shows this result applies to all users, with a more significant impact on women.

French researcher Alexandre Vallée led a study titled “Association between cannabis use and blood pressure levels according to comorbidities and socioeconomic status”. The study acknowledges the conflicting results on cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. Vallée also notes the narrow population scope of previous research and the paucity of studies examining the effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health between the sexes.

Investigating the relationship between cannabis and blood pressure

The study was based on information from the UK Biobank. This initiative collects data from many adults to study, prevent, diagnose and treat chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

This research involved recruiting 156,959 UK Biobank volunteers who had provided information about their cannabis use and had blood pressure measurements taken. The study excluded 65,798 people due to incomplete data and unclassified variables.

People taking antihypertensive or antidepressant medications and a history of previous cardiovascular events were also excluded. The remaining participants whose data were used in the study included a variety of individuals with different cannabis use patterns and blood pressure levels.

At the assessment center, the participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured twice either with an automated sphygmomanometer or manually. When the automated method fails, they often use a blood pressure monitor, an inflatable cuff, and a stethoscope. The study used a rigorous approach to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.

{The systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the arteries during the heartbeat. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.}

The study used a self-report questionnaire to document participants’ cannabis use and to ask about their cumulative lifetime use. Those who reported never using cannabis were classified as a control group, while those who disclosed use, even a long time ago, were considered cannabis users. This approach made it easier to distinguish between users and non-users, allowing the researchers to draw accurate conclusions from the data.

The study used a variety of questions to discriminate between cannabis users, including frequency of use and when they last used cannabis. This classification process involved dividing users into specific categories based on their consumption level, such as: B. daily users, weekly but not daily users, monthly but not weekly users and those who used cannabis less than once a month.

Researchers further grouped users into subcategories based on their current or past cannabis use status. This method allowed for a more detailed analysis of cannabis users and their potential effects on blood pressure.

No easy answers.

According to the researcher, previous studies have shown a more robust correlation between cannabis use and systolic blood pressure than diastolic blood pressure. However, the link between cannabis and blood pressure remains ambiguous, with no clear consensus found.

Among other things, the study highlights the potential influence of cannabinoid content. Recent research has found that CBD can lower blood pressure and induce vasorelaxation in the arteries. Similarly, THC has also been linked to vasorelaxation, but its effect on blood vessels varies depending on whether they are central or peripheral arteries, with conflicting results across studies.

According to the study, stopping cannabis use suddenly was associated with increased blood pressure. The study also found that alcohol consumption can affect the relationship between cannabis use and systolic blood pressure. However, more research is needed to fully understand the pharmacokinetic interactions between the two.

The study’s applicability was limited to middle-aged British subjects, making it difficult to extrapolate the results to other age groups or ethnicities. Additionally, the study did not collect information about cannabis use in the 30 days prior to the survey, making it difficult to distinguish between short-term and long-term associations between cannabis and blood pressure. The study also didn’t measure THC or CBD levels, or explore different consumption methods.

Although some questions remain unanswered about the relationship between cannabis and blood pressure, the study’s large sample size from the UK biobank cohort was a significant benefit.

However, the subtle differences in blood pressure observed between heavy cannabis users and never users, and between current cannabis users and never users, are too insignificant to implement cannabis blood pressure guidelines in clinical settings. As a result, further longitudinal studies in the general population and in hypertensive patients are needed to investigate the potential of cannabis for medical use in lowering blood pressure.

Diploma

After carefully examining the study on cannabis use and blood pressure, it becomes clear that the relationship between the two is complex and multifaceted. While some evidence suggests that cannabis use may be associated with lower blood pressure, particularly among women and heavy users, other factors such as age, ethnicity, and alcohol consumption may also play a role. Additionally, the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use cannot be ignored, especially in those with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.

Despite the inconclusive nature of current research, one thing is certain: the study of cannabis and its effects on the human body is still in its infancy, and there is still much to learn. As more states and countries legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, we must continue to conduct rigorous scientific research to better understand its potential benefits and risks.

Finally, the cannabis and blood pressure study is a reminder that complex health questions often have no simple answers. As we continue to explore the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, we must do so with an open mind, critical eye, and a commitment to scientific rigor and compassion for all who may be affected.

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