CBD and blood pressure
CBD is a natural molecule of plant origin that has a wide range of effects on human health, one of which is directly related to blood pressure, or more specifically, the reduction of blood pressure.
While research on most diseases is still limited to animals, a very important human study looked at the effects of CBD on blood pressure.
These are innovative, placebo-controlled, 2017 m. Research were the first to investigate whether CBD lowers blood pressure in humans and were inspired by previous pre-clinical studies that suggested that CBD offers multiple cardiovascular benefits.
Nine healthy male volunteers took part in the study and were given either a 600 mg dose of CBD or a placebo.
The results showed that participants taking a 600 mg dose of CBD had the following results:
- Reduced resting systolic blood pressure ( -6 mmHg; P <0.05)
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced stroke volume (-8 ml; P <0.05)
- Supports heart function
The data also showed that participants who were given a dose of CBD got the following results:
- Reduced blood pressure before and after stress (-5 mmHg; P <0.05)
- Increased heart rate (+10 bpm; P <0.01)
- Reduced stroke volume (-13 ml; P <0.01)
Finally, in response to cold stress, volunteers given 600 mg of CBD had the following results:
- Reduced blood pressure ( -6 mmHg; P <0.01)
- Increased heart rate (+7 bpm; P <0.05)
- Reduced total peripheral resistance
The researchers concluded that a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure, but also reduced the increase in blood pressure associated with stressful situations.
How much CBD should I take to lower my blood pressure?
The study participants received a relatively high single dose of CBD (600 mg), which for most people could be considered a very expensive treatment method.
On the safety side , 2011 m. In the Scientific Review high doses of CBD are reported to be well tolerated in humans (up to 1500 mg per day) and 2017 m. Follow-up survey also confirmed this statement.
High blood pressure is a very serious medical condition, so if you plan to implement CBD in your regimen, the doses need to be higher compared to less debilitating conditions such as anxiety or insomnia.
People respond differently to CBD, mainly due to differences in age, general health and genetics. Because of these differences, finding the perfect dose of CBD is a personal quest that usually requires some tweaking.
For this condition, it’s better to start with an intermediate dose (about 60 mg of CBD per day) and see how you react. This dose can also be met by consuming two 30 mg CBD capsules per day.
It is highly recommended to keep a „CBD log” to help you keep track of your daily intake and the exact effects of different CBD doses.
Why some people need more time to experience the benefits of CBD
Some people feel the effects of CBD immediately, while others don’t seem to notice any difference.
There is still an ongoing debate as to why this is the case, and there are no definitive answers yet.
One of the main hypotheses is a deficiency in the endocannabinoid system.
The beneficial effect of CBD (and all other cannabinoids) is to „lure” cells of the endocannabinoid system .
Imagine CBD molecules as keys that, when they enter the „lock” (receptor) of a particular cell, trigger a specific response in that cell.
The endocannabinoid system is a vast collection of different cells located throughout the body, which is why CBD can help with so many different conditions and disorders.
Due to age differences, unique genetics, general health and many other complex factors, some people have a „dysfunctional” endocannabinoid system.
This means that cells of the endocannabinoid system that are not functioning properly will not respond in the same way as cells of the endocannabinoid system that are functioning properly.
The theory also suggests that the endocannabinoid system can be „rebooted” by continuously exposing your cells to cannabinoids such as CBD. This process usually takes several weeks.
Possible side effects of CBD
As well as the percentage of people who do not experience CBD relief, some individuals tend to have adverse effects from CBD.
It’s also likely due to age, general health, personal chemistry and genetic differences.
Fortunately, most of the possible side effects of CBD are not too serious and can only be considered as an inconvenience:
- Fatigue (especially at high doses)
- Irritability (also at high doses)
- Nausea