While for years Cannabis, popularly known as Pot, has long been associated with being an illegal drug, recent years have seen a reduction in the amount of law enforcement on the material, which has in turn opened up a broader study and exploration of how Cannabis sativa, the source of marijuana in terms of flora, can be used. One of these uses comes from the active extract, cannabidiol or CBD. Unlike the other active ingredient, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not the altered-state producing aspect of the Cannabis plant. Instead, CBD has become a primary source of health benefits, one of those being the reduction of blood pressure.
Which CBD is best for high blood pressure? Hypertension and high blood pressure are both serious health issues, both being related to cardiovascular problems, a heart working too hard to function properly, and loss of energy and capability to function properly as a result. Many times, high blood pressure ends up being a chronic result of weight management issues, clogged arteries, poor diet, lack of exercise, and a weak heart or heart disease.
CBD has been seen as one of a number of possible natural solutions for reducing high blood pressure. In particular, CBD products have been measured and confirmed as useful in widening blood vessels in the human circulatory system. This is a big advantage for those with high blood pressure because, with a greater flow through, blood pressure is reduced and the heart strains less to push volume through the body’s arteries and veins. Both in a 2017 and a 2020 study, researchers realized a consistent ability to reduce blood pressure, regardless of whether the subject was active and under induced stress or calm and resting. The results are not set in stone and, as most researchers commonly state, additional research needs to be applied.
In response to questions about the efficacy of CBD as a health benefit product, the federal Food & Drug Administration has staked a conservative position on the topic, noting that CBD can trigger reactions with other medicines being taken, will cause the subject to become drowsy, may result in negative digestive system issues, can cause mood changes, and may produce liver injury. The first point regarding interaction with other medicines was confirmed in the 2017 study, which noted a significant impact on blood concentration due to CBD presence. In this regard, the independent study and the FDA are consistent that any patient should consult with their doctor first before starting CBD when already on a blood pressure medicine.
Here are some of the highest rated CBD products available that are recommended for blood pressure control and relief. All of these have confirmed results with regards to reducing stress and the effects of hypertension.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
Dubbed with a familiar child’s book name for those who remember the story from the 1980s and earlier, Charlotte’s Web provides a consumer 17mg of CBD in each serving, and it comes in a variety of candy-style or lemon flavors (mint chocolate, orange blossom, olive oil, etc.). The product is marketed with a direct positive impact on improving one’s sleep as well as reducing stress reactions. Charlotte’s Web is also recommended for inflammation after heavy exercise activity as well.
Joy Organics CBD
Distributed in a chewy gummy form versus a liquid or tincture, Joy Organics provides a fully vegan option for CBD intake at 10mg in each gummy. The level of TCH present is so small in the Joy Organics gummy, the company practically markets it as THC-free, ergo no “high” feeling effects, even minimally. Instead, gummies are purely health supplements in content only. The product is available in two different flavors, either green apple or strawberry lemonade. In terms of expected effects, Joy Organics indicates their gummies will improve regular sleep, reduce stress levels, and help with exercise inflammation as well.
Lazarus Naturals
Sold in a capsule form, the Lazarus Natural CBD product provides a consumer with 25 mg of CBD in each capsule, which is marketed to impact and improve relaxation, while reducing the negative side effects of anxiety or stress. Servings depend on the number of capsules consumed, but the company suggests people start with one or two capsules and then work their way up slowly to a maximum of 200 mg, depending on what is needed for a given situation. The company does warn to check with a doctor first before taking this product when eating grapefruit as it can produce side effects. Additionally, if a person does realize other side effects, stop consuming the capsules completely.
All CBD product makers will note that their product is not a complete solution for reducing blood pressure effects and hypertension. Instead, CBD should be used in combination with a number of other treatments to combine a solid and ongoing reduction of blood pressure and improvement of health. That includes:
- Starting and continuing regular exercise at least three times a week for at least an hour a session.
- Developing mental strategies for avoiding or reducing stress reactions via meditation, breathing, separation and recovery time, and confidence-building.
- Applying weight management to reduce weight and work on the cardiovascular system’s function.
- Eating foods that help contribute to blood pressure reduction, like dark chocolate and reducing salt intake where possible. Vegetables and fresh food are ideal in this regard versus staying away from processed foods that use sodium as a preservative.
No particular CBD format is perfect for everyone, which is why it is produced in multiple forms. Some forms work faster than others, which should be considered as well. Solid forms of CBD like CBD gummies take up to an hour to digest. Oils and tinctures work faster, usually about 15 to 20 minutes, and creams work on directly applied locations topically, which is really for spot treatment of inflammation on joints and similar.
