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CBD shouldn’t be your sole solution for lowering blood pressure, but some research suggests it might help. Here are the details, plus products worth exploring.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health concerns like a heart attack or stroke. But because hypertension doesn’t typically cause symptoms, many people who have it don’t even know. That’s why it’s so important to regularly check your blood pressure.
If you have hypertension, you may have heard that cannabidiol (CBD) can help lower blood pressure.
CBD is one of the active compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it doesn’t have intoxicating properties that produce a “high.” Instead, much focus is on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Here’s what the research says, plus tips for finding a few products to explore.
There’s some evidence that CBD products could help lower blood pressure, but the research is still emerging and existing studies are small.
A 2017 study of 9 male participants found that a single dose of CBD in healthy participants lowered blood pressure for people at rest and those who were under stress.
Another 2017 study in mice found that CBD significantly reduced stress-induced increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
But a 2020 study in rats found that CBD was not effective in lowering blood pressure, though it did have an antioxidant effect. Another 2020 study with both rats and humans was more promising, with results demonstrating that CBD could reduce blood pressure in people who were stressed.
A small 2020 study of 26 healthy males found that CBD significantly reduced blood pressure at rest after a single dose and in response to stress after single and repeated doses (CBD was given orally).
More recent research from 2023 looked at the effects of oral CBD on 70 participants with mild to moderate high blood pressure. The placebo-controlled study found that oral ingestion of CBD reduced blood pressure in the study participants with no serious side effects.
Researchers acknowledge the potential benefits of CBD for cardiovascular disorders but note that additional studies are needed to fully understand CBD’s effects.
Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledge the potential benefits of CBD.
CBD is generally well-tolerated, with a good safety profile and no effects that might suggest the potential for misuse or dependence.
The FDA does note that more research is needed. It points out that there are many unanswered questions about CBD’s safety. Furthermore, it notes that some CBD products are inaccurately labeled and of questionable quality.
If you do decide to try CBD, know that some people experience side effects, including:
Research from 2012 on cannabinoids and anxiety suggests that some cannabinoids may have a biphasic effect, meaning they produce different effects depending on the dose you take.
For high blood pressure specifically, a 2011 study found that THC alone or in combination with CBD sometimes resulted in an increase in blood pressure — and sometimes in a decrease.
Finally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that CBD may interact with some medications, including those used for hypertension. If you’re considering using CBD to help manage high blood pressure, talk with a doctor first.
While CBD comes in many forms, the best option for high blood pressure is likely an oil or tincture rather than a topical or edible.
Oils tend to offer higher bioavailability, which means a greater absorption rate for more effectiveness. Sublingual products (those you apply under the tongue) also have a full-body effect.
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This full-spectrum CBD oil is a high potency formula with up to 17 milligrams (mg) of CBD and other cannabinoids per serving.
CBDistillery is also a reputable brand, and all of its products are made using non-GMO hemp that was grown in the United States and is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.
As a tincture, this product can be used sublingually for the most rapid full-body effect.
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These lightly flavored gummies are made with organic, broad-spectrum CBD and no artificial sweeteners. Each gummy has 25 mg of CBD, which makes them a more potent choice.
Ingested CBD often has a longer onset, because it must pass through the digestive tract before effects become noticeable. That can take between 30 minutes to several hours, depending on factors like metabolism and when you last ate. So it’s not our first pick for lowering blood pressure.
However, CBD gummies are easy to dose, discreet, and portable, which can make them more appealing to some people. If you plan to make CBD a part of your daily routine for long term use to try to manage blood pressure along with other methods, it could be a suitable option.
The CBD may have an accumulative effect with daily consumption to help manage blood pressure over time.
If you’re interested in other ingestible CBD types, you could also explore CBD capsules, which won’t contain the added sugar that gummies usually do.
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While there’s no research to suggest that topical CBD can reduce blood pressure, there can be anti-stress benefits to CBD, as well as soothing aromatherapy baths.
Stress management is an important consideration when you’re managing high blood pressure.
This CBD bath bomb from CBDfx has 200 mg of CBD isolate — totally free of THC. They’re also made without harsh dyes that could irritate your skin or leave stains in your bathtub.
We also like the variety of relaxing scents, such as lemongrass and chamomile.
The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products the same way they do supplements and medications, which means consumers must be careful about the brands they use.
To find a quality CBD product, it’s important to check for a few things:
Avoid purchasing CBD products that don’t have a certificate of analysis (COA). A current COA means a product has been tested for safety and purity by a third-party lab.
Many brands make these reports available via a QR code on the product packaging or on the website.
When you review the COA, check to see if the amount of CBD and THC that the lab found matches what’s being advertised. Also, look at the contaminant testing results to be sure there aren’t unsafe levels of pesticides, heavy metals, or molds.
If a CBD company is making unverified health claims, the FDA will send a warning letter. You can check online to see whether a company has been the recipient of such a letter, as well as whether it’s been involved in any lawsuits.
If you see that a company has received one, it may be a good idea to avoid it.
Look for customer feedback on both the company and the product you’re considering to get an idea of its effectiveness. Keep in mind, though, that some brands may:
Always check out the website of any brand you’re interested in. Some brands will be very upfront about where they get their CBD from, as well as how they make their products. These are the brands you’ll want to buy from.
Shopping online makes it easy to find a huge variety of CBD products on various websites, but Amazon isn’t one of them. The company prohibits the sale of CBD, so any products listed there are most likely hempseed products. Hemp seed does not contain CBD.
Don’t rely on CBD alone to lower blood pressure. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to figure out what’s best for you. Depending on your blood pressure readings, you may be recommended medication.
There are also home remedies that can help manage the condition. A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is important, along with managing weight and exercising regularly. Following a low sodium diet may also be advised.
Stress management is also key. Things like meditation, massage, yoga, and even deep breathing are worth exploring to reduce stress.
Finally, smoking can have an effect on blood pressure. Chemicals in tobacco smoke are damaging to tissues in the body and harden the walls of blood vessels. Alcohol can also raise blood pressure, so limiting your intake can help.
According to data from 2012, CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be able to reduce certain risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure. There’s also some evidence that CBD may have other cardiovascular benefits.
A 2020 study in humans and rats found that CBD may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol by relaxing arterial walls.
One small study from 2021 found that heart rate variability (HRV) improved modestly after participants ingested CBD. Many health professionals consider HRV when looking at cardiovascular health conditions.
More research is needed to understand the potential cardiovascular benefits of CBD.
Since hypertension is often a silent condition, you may not have symptoms until the condition has become more severe. At that point, symptoms may include:
If you’re experiencing these kinds of symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Since hypertension is often a silent condition, you may not have symptoms until the condition has become more severe. At that point, symptoms may include:
If you’re experiencing these kinds of symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
There are two kinds of hypertension:
There are two kinds of hypertension:
CBD is available in a few different types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
While full-spectrum and broad-spectrum both contain other compounds from the cannabis plant — like flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids — full-spectrum CBD is the only type that contains some THC (usually less than 0.3 percent).
CBD isolate is pure CBD. But it’s important to know that any type of CBD may contain trace amounts of THC that could show up on a drug test.
CBD is available in a few different types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
While full-spectrum and broad-spectrum both contain other compounds from the cannabis plant — like flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids — full-spectrum CBD is the only type that contains some THC (usually less than 0.3 percent).
CBD isolate is pure CBD. But it’s important to know that any type of CBD may contain trace amounts of THC that could show up on a drug test.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that helps regulate processes in the body. Cannabinoids bind to the receptors in the same manner as endocannabinoids, which occur naturally in the body.
While our understanding of the ECS is still unfolding, we know it’s made of three components:
At this time, researchers believe the primary role of the ECS is maintaining homeostasis in the body. The ECS is linked to a number of bodily processes, including:
While THC can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, researchers don’t yet understand how CBD interacts with the ECS.
One theory is that CBD prevents endocannabinoids from being broken down, giving them a greater effect on the body. Another theory is that CBD binds to a receptor that researchers haven’t identified yet.
Research from 2011 suggests taking both THC and CBD, along with the other compounds in the cannabis plant, may be more effective than using a single cannabinoid alone. This theory is called the entourage effect, and it’s why some people say full-spectrum CBD works better than broad-spectrum or isolate.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that helps regulate processes in the body. Cannabinoids bind to the receptors in the same manner as endocannabinoids, which occur naturally in the body.
While our understanding of the ECS is still unfolding, we know it’s made of three components:
At this time, researchers believe the primary role of the ECS is maintaining homeostasis in the body. The ECS is linked to a number of bodily processes, including:
While THC can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, researchers don’t yet understand how CBD interacts with the ECS.
One theory is that CBD prevents endocannabinoids from being broken down, giving them a greater effect on the body. Another theory is that CBD binds to a receptor that researchers haven’t identified yet.
Research from 2011 suggests taking both THC and CBD, along with the other compounds in the cannabis plant, may be more effective than using a single cannabinoid alone. This theory is called the entourage effect, and it’s why some people say full-spectrum CBD works better than broad-spectrum or isolate.
Before trying CBD to help manage high blood pressure, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional. Regular checkups are also a good idea, as symptoms of high blood pressure don’t often begin until the condition is more severe.
If you’re noticing symptoms or you can’t remember the last time your blood pressure was taken, it’s a good idea to talk with a medical professional.
High blood pressure can cause several unwanted complications, and you may not notice it until it has become more severe.
But there are treatment options that can help — many medications and lifestyle changes. There’s also some evidence that CBD may be another option worth exploring. Before you do, reach out to a doctor to discuss all your options.
Last medically reviewed on January 31, 2024
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jan 31, 2024
Written By
Jessica Timmons
Edited By
Catherine Conelly
Medically Reviewed By
Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
Copy Edited By
Jamie Elmer
Aug 25, 2023
Written By
Jessica Timmons
Edited By
Steph Coelho
Copy Edited By
Jamie Elmer
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CBD for Blood Pressure: Does It Have an Effect? – Healthline
