Cannabis and Hypertension:
Is there any correlation?
There is a growing community that believes that cannabis can cause an increase in blood pressure to dangerous levels. There is also a populace of stoners who believe the exact opposite. So what is the truth? Does cannabis cause Hypertension?
Understanding Hypertension & Side Effects
Hypertension is the medical term given to patients who suffer from high blood pressure. Approximately one out of three adults suffer from Hypertension. This equates to roughly 65 million adults nationwide who suffer from Hypertension. High blood pressure forces excess pressure against the artery walls which can create long-term problems such as strokes and even death. Over time, the increased pressure can cause a wide range of problems. Small bulges, called aneurysms, may form in blood vessels. When suffering from Hypertension, the heart can become enlarged. Naturally, this increases the danger of premature heart failure. Damage to blood vessels caused by Hypertension in the kidneys can also cause acute kidney failure. Due to the blood vessels in the eyes being smaller than the rest of the body’s blood vessels, the eyes are especially susceptible to damage. This means that Hypertension can lead to long-term vision problems and even complete blindness.
What Causes Hypertension?
There are a number of factors that can lead to high blood pressure. The most evident cause of Hypertension is a terrible diet. Things such as too much salt, not enough potassium can increase blood pressure. Additionally, excessive amounts of alcohol have all been found to increase the risk of Hypertension. Stress as well as a sedentary lifestyle can both increase the danger of developing high blood pressure. Hypertension is also prevalent in patients who are overweight or obese. There is also a biological connection between Hypertension and a family history of high blood pressure. It is also worth noting that more African-Americans (primarily men over the age of 40) are more susceptible to contracting Hypertension. This is likely due to the overindulgence of salty foods (i.e. ‘soul food.’)
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, which is often referred to as the ‘ECS,’ is the system within the human body that is responsible for the distribution and digestion of cannabis. The endocannabinoid system is also found in many other common mammals and even a few amphibians. The ECS consists of a network of nodes known as receptors designed to react to the many cannabinoids found in everyday cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system is also responsible for the regulation of many bodily functions. Thanks to a study of cannabis conducted sometime in the mid-1980s, researchers discovered the human body’s endocannabinoid system. The team discovered 2 types of cannabinoid receptors, respectively known as CB1 and CB2. The former is responsible for the neurological effects brought on by the ingestion of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. The latter is responsible for distributing the effects of CBD throughout the body. The nodes of endocannabinoids that create the framework of the endocannabinoid system are located throughout the entire human body. If Hypertension is caused by cannabis, it would undoubtedly have to interest with the body’s ECS. However, most consumers don’t believe there is a proper correlation between cannabis and high blood pressure.
The Perception of Cannabis & Blood Pressure
Most consumers believe that the consumption of cannabis has a catch-22 effect on regulating the body’s blood pressure. Upon ingesting cannabis, a slew of physiological effects can take place. It is commonly accepted that cannabis consumption has the ability to lower blood pressure. However, the paranoia experienced by some cannabis consumers can become the catalyst to increasing blood pressure. More often than not, cannabis will assist in the reduction of inflammation throughout the body. This, in turn, can help regulate blood pressure. This means that there is a stronger chance that cannabis does not cause Hypertension, but can assist in alleviating the ailment by assisting with the regulation of blood pressure.