Does weed increase blood pressure
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The Impact of Cannabis on Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Review
Acute Effects of Cannabis on Blood Pressure
Immediate Increase in Blood Pressure
Several studies have documented that acute cannabis use can lead to an immediate increase in blood pressure. This effect is primarily attributed to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in elevated heart rate and blood pressure shortly after consumption1 6 8. For instance, one study found that recently active cannabis use was associated with a modest increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP)1.
Orthostatic Hypotension
In contrast to the initial increase in blood pressure, cannabis use can also cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. This occurs due to decreased vascular resistance, which can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness1 6 7.
Long-Term Effects and Withdrawal
Blood Pressure During Withdrawal
Abrupt cessation of heavy cannabis use has been shown to cause significant increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect was particularly pronounced in a subset of users, with some experiencing increases of up to 22.8 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 12.3 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure during periods of abstinence2. This suggests that individuals attempting to quit heavy cannabis use should monitor their blood pressure closely, especially if they have preexisting hypertension.
Long-Term Use and Blood Pressure
The long-term effects of cannabis on blood pressure are less clear. Some studies have found no significant association between long-term cannabis use and increased blood pressure or hypertension. For example, a study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) found no significant trend in prevalent hypertension among middle-aged adults with a history of monthly cannabis use for more than one year4. Similarly, another study concluded that the associations between marijuana use and systolic blood pressure disappeared after adjusting for confounding factors like alcohol use5.
Cardiovascular Risks
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Despite the mixed findings on long-term blood pressure, there is substantial evidence linking cannabis use to an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events. Cannabis use has been associated with arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and even sudden death, particularly in young and middle-aged adults1 6 7 8. The risk of myocardial infarction is notably higher in the hour following cannabis use, with studies indicating a 4.8-fold increase in risk during this period9.
Potential Mechanisms
The cardiovascular effects of cannabis are mediated by the autonomic nervous system and the human cannabinoid receptor system. Activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors by THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, plays a significant role in these effects. Interestingly, blocking these receptors with a CB1 receptor antagonist like rimonabant can attenuate the hypotensive effects of cannabis, suggesting a complex interaction between cannabis and blood pressure regulation10.
Conclusion
In summary, cannabis use has a multifaceted impact on blood pressure. Acute use can lead to an immediate increase in blood pressure, followed by potential orthostatic hypotension. Long-term effects are less clear, with some studies showing no significant association with hypertension. However, abrupt cessation of heavy use can cause significant increases in blood pressure. Additionally, cannabis use is linked to an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events. Given these findings, individuals, especially those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, should exercise caution when using cannabis. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of cannabis use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cannabis use and blood pressure levels: United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2012
Recent cannabis use is modestly associated with increased blood pressure in a large, nationally representative sample of US adults.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalIncreased Blood Pressure After Abrupt Cessation of Daily Cannabis Use
Abrupt cessation of heavy cannabis use may cause significant increases in blood pressure in a subset of users, requiring monitoring for those reducing or quitting frequent use.
Non-RCTBlood Pressure and Marijuana Use: Results from a Decade of NHANES Data.
Current marijuana users, particularly heavy users, have a higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure than never users.
Observational StudyTrends in Cannabis Use, Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Middle-Aged Adults: Findings from NHANES, 2009-2018, Corroon, et al.
A history of monthly cannabis use for more than one year was not independently associated with increased blood pressure or prevalent hypertension in middle-aged US adults.
Observational StudyMarijuana use, diet, body mass index, and cardiovascular risk factors (from the CARDIA study).
Marijuana use is associated with unhealthy behaviors like high caloric diet, tobacco smoking, and other illicit drug use, which have long-term detrimental effects on health.
Observational Study
Highly CitedCardiovascular Consequences of Marijuana Use
Marijuana use may increase heart rate and blood pressure, and may trigger cardiovascular events, but current data on its association with cardiovascular disease outcomes is limited.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedRole of cannabis in cardiovascular disorders.
Cannabis consumption may cause arrhythmia, increase the risk of myocardial infarction, and increase blood pressure, with potential risks compounded by cigarette smoking and excessive physical activity.
Highly CitedCannabis use and acute coronary syndrome
Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome and chronic cardiovascular disease, but the exact mechanism remains unclear.
Systematic ReviewMarijuana Use and Cardiovascular Disease
Marijuana use increases heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand, potentially triggering myocardial infarctions in young male patients.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant attenuates the hypotensive effect of smoked marijuana in male smokers.
CB1 receptors play a role in mediating the hypotensive effects of cannabis smoking in male smokers, with rimonabant attenuating this effect.
RCT