Does smoking weed affect your blood pressure?
Sometimes people smoke weed, hoping to slow down and relax a bit. But instead of the expected calm, some experience a spike in pulse, tachycardia, and slight dizziness, and they begin to worry about hypertension or other heart problems. It’s worth understanding whether does weed affect blood pressure, whether it can raise or lower it, and when it’s time to talk to a doctor, especially if you already have cardiovascular disease.
Why do people associate weed and blood pressure?
Popular searches like “weed and blood pressure” indicate that users are concerned about the connection between their use and their body’s response. This is understandable, as cannabis affects the tone of arteries and vessels, as well as the subjective perception of heart rate. Some people experience a mild reaction, while others experience a pronounced one, which is why opinions online regarding cannabis and blood pressure vary so much.
What is blood pressure and why is it important?
Blood pressure is the force with which blood presses against the walls of blood vessels. Its stability is important, as too high a level increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, while too low a level causes weakness and blurred vision. Any substance that affects heart rate and arterial function can alter these parameters.
Short-term effects: Does weed raise blood pressure?
Many people wonder, “Does weed raise blood pressure after use? In fact, some people experience temporary increases in blood pressure. The same applies to the question of whether “Does cannabis raise blood pressure?” This is usually related to dosage, low tolerance, and emotional state. In particular, if a person has been stressed, the sensations become more intense.
Why does your heart rate increase after smoking?
The main mechanism is activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This results in increased palpitations, increased body warmth, and hot flashes.
Anxiety, panic, and blood pressure spikes
Sometimes, instead of relaxation, anxiety or a panic reaction occurs. This can lead to the sensation that your blood pressure is jumping, even if, objectively, it is not critical.
Can weed lower your blood pressure?
There are also opposite cases. In particular, users seek an answer to the question “Does cannabis lower blood pressure?” because they experience relaxation after the initial peak. Cannabis can indeed slightly dilate blood vessels, so the answer to the question of whether weed lowers blood pressure may be yes. However, those prone to low blood pressure may experience weakness or sudden dizziness.
Relaxation, vasodilation, and sudden falls
Vasodilation causes the feeling of wobbly legs. Characterised by an unsteady gait, a desire to sit down, and sometimes the need to literally stroke the wall with your hand to maintain balance.
Long-term use and the risk of hypertension
When discussing the question “Does weed lower blood pressure over the long term?” various studies are cited. Their results are contradictory, as there is evidence linking frequent use with the risk of hypertension, but diet, cholesterol levels, obesity, habits, and lifestyle all play a significant role.
Weed, tobacco, lifestyle, and heart health
When a person mixes cannabis with tobacco, it is the nicotine that increases the effects on blood vessels. Sedentary lifestyle, overeating, and impaired metabolism put strain on the heart.
Who should be especially careful with weed and blood pressure?
People with hypertension, arrhythmia, diabetes, obesity, or a history of stroke or heart attack should not experiment without consulting a doctor. Weed is not a substitute for medical treatment, especially if you are unsure whether smoking weed increases blood pressure.
How to make weed use safer for your heart
Avoid large doses, don’t combine it with alcohol or stimulants, don’t consume it on an empty stomach, and monitor your blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor. CBD-containing products are also worth considering.
When should you see a doctor about blood pressure and weed?
Very low blood pressure, severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or recurring dizziness are all reasons to seek medical attention.
