CBD for Blood Pressure: Evidence-Based Benefits and Uses

Finding natural remedies to manage health issues is a growing trend. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical that comes from the cannabis plant and is known for its potential benefits in many ailments, from pain, anxiety, and possibly high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you may want to know more about how natural blood pressure remedies like CBD can help. Read on to discover how CBD might support blood pressure, according to current research.

Understanding blood pressure

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries during and in between heartbeats. When you look at your blood pressure reading, the top number (systolic) measures the pressure during the heartbeat, and the bottom number (diastolic) measures the pressure in between beats.

Your blood pressure varies throughout the day; it may go up during intense exercise and go down when you sleep. These fluctuations are normal. However, when the force of blood is consistently too high, it can damage the delicate blood vessels.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a chronic disease in which the blood pressure is consistently too high. People with high blood pressure are at greater risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and eye problems due to blood vessel damage.

More than a billion adults have high blood pressure, yet only about 20% have it under control. High blood pressure develops without causing symptoms, silently damaging your arteries. Visits to your doctor for routine checkups are the best way to stay on top of your blood pressure for an early diagnosis and treatment plan.

Doctors recommend lifestyle changes and may prescribe medication to help lower blood pressure. However, some people may seek out extra support with natural blood pressure remedies like CBD supplements.

Can CBD help lower blood pressure?

CBD is one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plants, including marijuana and hemp. Unlike the other well-known cannabis compound — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, meaning it doesn’t get you high. Both hemp and marijuana plants contain CBD and THC. However, the CBD and THC content differ significantly. The hemp plant has much lower levels of THC, and the marijuana plant has higher levels of THC. Legally, hemp-derived CBD products must have less than 0.3% of THC.

Though it doesn’t have the same mind-altering effects as THC, CBD interacts with the same body system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a cell-signaling system that regulates a number of physiological processes including mood, pain, appetite, and immunity. It also supports the body’s stress response.

It’s not fully understood how CBD may lower blood pressure, but researchers suggest it may help by reducing stress and anxiety and improving blood vessel health.

A 2017 study published in JCI Insight found that a single dose of 600 milligrams of CBD reduced resting blood pressure and blunted the pre- and post-stress blood pressure response in a group of healthy volunteers. Though this study seems to show that CBD may support healthy blood pressure during times of stress, it was a small study with only 9 male participants. More research is needed to better understand how CBD may influence blood pressure.

A more recent study published in 2023 in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy discovered that supplementing with CBD capsules for five weeks lowered blood pressure better than a placebo in a group of people with hypertension. They also took bloodwork for this study and found that CBD supplements lowered serum levels of catestatin, a peptide that regulates the cardiac system and blood pressure. Though some promising results are observed for people with high blood pressure, this also was a small study with 54 participants, and more research is needed to confirm the results.

On the other hand, animal studies fail to show that CBD lowers blood pressure despite having positive effects on cardiovascular health. Findings in animal studies don’t always correspond with human outcomes, but it’s a good indicator that high-quality and long-term clinical trials are needed before making claims that CBD lowers blood pressure.

Best forms of CBD for blood pressure

CBD comes in many forms, including capsules, liquid, and edibles. There’s no best form of CBD for blood pressure since the scientific evidence to support any potential benefits is limited.

Some formulations such as CBD tinctures and sprays used under the tongue absorb better than CBD capsules, which may improve effectiveness. Research suggests that water-soluble CBD supplements are more bioavailable than CBD oil-based supplements, but taking either type of CBD capsule with foods containing fats improves absorption.

If you want to avoid products with THC, look for supplements labeled as broad-spectrum CBD, indicating it has no THC. By comparison, products labeled full-spectrum CBD have some THC, but less than 0.3%. CBD isolate products contain pure CBD, so no THC or any other cannabinoid.

How much CBD should I use?

Currently, there’s no specific amount of CBD to use for blood pressure, and the most effective dose for any health condition is unclear since studies use varying doses.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a CBD dosage of up to 200 milligrams a day taken over 13 weeks is likely safe for most people when used under the direction of a medical provider.

If you're considering CBD supplements to support your medical treatment for high blood pressure, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.

Safety and side effects

When taken as directed by your doctor, CBD supplements are likely safe. However, they can cause side effects such as:

• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea

CBD supplements are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals since it’s unknown how CBD affects a baby. People with liver disease also need to talk to their doctor about CBD supplements before adding them to their routine, since they may affect liver blood tests.

You should also take caution if you use any prescription medications. CBD may affect how the body metabolizes drugs, making them more or less effective.

Should you try CBD for blood pressure?

If you’re looking for alternative blood pressure management options, you may consider CBD supplements. However, you should talk to your doctor before adding CBD to your usual routine. High blood pressure is a condition that requires medical monitoring and management by a health professional.

CBD supplements may interact with your medications or negatively affect your blood pressure. Furthermore, CBD supplements aren’t tested and monitored like prescription drugs and it's up to the maker of the supplement to ensure their product is safe and of high quality.

In any case, dietary supplements aren’t a suitable replacement for medical treatment for high blood pressure.

When to speak to your doctor

You should speak to your doctor about CBD for blood pressure before purchasing or trying the dietary supplement. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance on whether it’s safe for you to take the supplement, as well as make recommendations on the dosage.

Your doctor can monitor your blood pressure while you’re taking the supplement and adjust your treatment plan as needed. They can also discuss other lifestyle changes that may help lower blood pressure naturally, such as stress management, regular exercise, and proper nutrition.