Hypertension & Medical Marijuana

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated above the normal range of 100–140 mmHg when the heart pushes blood and 60–90 mmHg between pulses. 

"We all have those days when you feel like you're against the world, every little thing goes wrong and your blood pressure is up. And you feel like punching somebody!"

-- Josh Turner, Country Singer, inspired by High Blood Pressure to write a song.

Hypertension - Scientific Basis for Medical Marijuana

Medical Cannabis is commonly indicated in the treatment of high blood pressure. 

Many research studies have found that the body's own endocannabinoid system plays an important role in controlling blood pressure  The human endocannabinoid system is a group of receptors located in the brain that regulates many bodily functions, such as appetite, blood and eye pressure, sleep, pain sensitivity and many others. 

Animal studies have demonstrated that endoCannabinoids interact with brain receptors that controlled body functions, including  heart contraction and blood pressure.  Medical Marijuana contains Cannabinoids that are now known to mimic the function of human endoCannabinoids.  

These basic discoveries offer a solid scientific basis for Medical Cannabis treatment of many disorders, including high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders.   The administration of synthetic Cannabinoids have also been shown to lower blood pressure without cardiotoxicity.

Facts And Figures

• 70 million American adults have high blood pressure -  1 of every 3 adults!!
• half of people with high blood pressure are untreated
• High blood pressure cost is $46 billion each annum (US)
• High blood pressure contributes to the death of 360,000 Americans yearly (2013)
• High blood pressure is a treatable condition
• Medical Marijuana is commonly indicated in California for high blood pressure

--  Source, www.cdc.gov, in part.

MMJDOCTORONLINE Notes:  It is important that a licensed medical Marijuana Doctor be consulted before taking any medication.  While Medical Cannabis works for many, THC should not be indicated for everyone with Hypertension.  It is also very important to take the right dose and the right form of Medical Marijuana.  For more information, contact one of our Medical Marijuana Doctors for a Marijuana Consultation.

Research Breakthroughs - Medical Cannabis & Hypertension

Cannabinoids Lower Hypertension
Endocannabinoids acting at cannabinoid-1 receptors regulate cardiovascular function in hypertension

"We conclude that endoCannabinoids tonically suppress cardiac contractility in hypertension. Targeting the endocannabinoid system offers novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of hypertension."

EndoCannabinoids - Powerful in Regulation of Blood Pressure

Cannabinoids Powerful in Regulation of Hypertension

"Cannabinoids and their endogenous and synthetic analogs exert powerful hypotensive and cardiodepressant effects by complex mechanisms involving direct and indirect effects on myocardium and vasculature."

Scientific Basis for Cannabis Therapy in Vascular Disease and Hypertension

Endocannabinoids and vascular function

"Cannabinoids have significant and complex effects on the vascular system that are not explained by a single mechanism or a single site of action."

Side Effects of Medical Marijuana

Adverse cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular effects of marijuana inhalation: what cardiologists need to know

"The potential for increased use of marijuana in the changing legal landscape suggests the need for the community to intensify research regarding the safety of marijuana use."

Further Reading

Endocannabinoids as cardiovascular modulators

Towards a therapeutic use of selective CB2 cannabinoid receptor ligands for atherosclerosis. Low dose oral cannabinoid therapy reduces progression of atherosclerosis in mice.