Wondering if CBD hypertension is a beneficial combination for your health? High blood pressure is a common problem that affects millions of people. In this article, we will see together how CBD can impact your blood pressure and what you need to know before using it.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol , commonly known as CBD , is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Discovered in the 1940s, CBD has gained popularity due to its potential therapeutic benefits without the psychotropic effects associated with THC . Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ), CBD does not cause a feeling of euphoria or "high." It works by interacting with the human body's endocannabinoid system , which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions such as sleep , pain , appetite, and immune response.
Since the legalization of CBD in many European countries in 2017, the market has grown exponentially. Between 2017 and 2024, sales of CBD products in Europe increased by more than 400%, reaching a turnover of more than 1 billion euros. CBD is now available in various forms: oils , capsules, creams, e-liquids for electronic cigarettes, and much more. This growing popularity is explained by the testimonies of many users who report benefits on stress , anxiety , chronic pain, and potentially on hypertension.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no visible symptoms, but it significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. Normal pressure is usually less than 120/80 mmHg. When this pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg, it is called hypertension.
According to data from the World Health Organization, by 2025, nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide will suffer from hypertension, an increase of 15% compared to 2015. In France , this condition affects approximately 30% of the adult population, which represents nearly 17 million people. Risk factors include age, heredity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in salt, and chronic stress. Hypertension is responsible for approximately 13% of annual deaths worldwide, making its management a major public health issue.
How does CBD impact your blood pressure?
CBD ’s potential to influence blood pressure has caught the attention of the scientific community. CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system , which plays a role in regulating blood pressure. One way CBD may affect blood pressure is by reducing stress and anxiety , two factors that can cause high blood pressure spikes. Additionally, CBD has vasodilatory properties, meaning it can help widen blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing pressure on arterial walls.
Studies, such as one published in 2023 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, have shown that CBD can reduce blood pressure at rest and during stressful situations. In this study, nine healthy volunteers were given a single dose of 600 mg of CBD, which resulted in significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. While these results are promising, it’s important to note that high doses of CBD were used, and the long-term effects require further research.
Is CBD effective in reducing high blood pressure?
The question of CBD’s effectiveness for hypertension is complex. While some preliminary studies suggest a beneficial effect, there is no medical consensus yet. Large-scale clinical trials are rare, and most research has been conducted on small samples or animal models. Additionally, the exact mechanisms by which CBD might reduce blood pressure are not fully understood.
It is also important to consider the bioavailability of CBD, that is, the proportion that reaches the bloodstream and exerts an active effect. The bioavailability of oral CBD is low, around 6%, due to the first-pass effect through the liver. This means that quite high doses may be needed to observe a significant effect on blood pressure. In 2025, the recommendations of health professionals emphasize that CBD should not replace prescribed antihypertensive treatments, but can be considered as a supplement, always under medical supervision.
Precautions to Take Before Using CBD for Hypertension
Using CBD to manage blood pressure should be approached with caution. First, CBD may interact with medications commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These interactions can alter the effectiveness of the medications or increase the risk of side effects. For example, CBD may inhibit the action of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are responsible for metabolizing many medications, which can result in higher-than-expected concentrations of the medication in the blood.
Second, the effects of CBD can vary depending on the dose, frequency of use, and the form of the product (oil, capsule, etc.). Side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or gastrointestinal upset may occur. About 10% of users report mild to moderate side effects. Therefore, it is essential to start with a low dose, such as 5 mg per day, and gradually increase if necessary.
Finally, the quality of CBD products on the market can vary widely. A 2022 study found that 30% of products tested did not contain the advertised concentrations of CBD, and some contained detectable levels of THC above the legal limit of 0.2%. It’s crucial to purchase products from reputable suppliers that offer third-party lab testing to ensure purity and quality.
How to choose the right CBD product?
With so many products available, it can be difficult to select the most suitable CBD product to manage hypertension. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Product Type: Full-spectrum CBD oils contain other cannabinoids and terpenes that can work synergistically with CBD, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This can potentially increase the effectiveness of the product.
- Concentration: CBD oils come in different concentrations, typically from 5% to 30%. For hypertension, it is recommended to start with a medium concentration (10%) and adjust based on individual response.
- Certifications: Make sure the product is certified and tested by an independent lab. Look for tests that confirm CBD content, the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants.
- Method of administration: Sublingual oils allow for faster absorption than capsules, with an average bioavailability of 13-19%. For faster action, inhalation via a vaporizer can be considered, but this may not be suitable for everyone.
- Price: A quality product has a cost. Beware of offers that are too tempting. In 2025, the average price of a 10 ml CBD oil at 10% is around 70 euros.
Alternatives to CBD for Managing Hypertension
Besides CBD , there are several natural approaches to help control high blood pressure:
- Balanced diet: Adopting the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet can reduce blood pressure by 8 to 14 mmHg. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limits salt intake to less than 1500 mg per day.
- Regular physical exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, can lower blood pressure by 5 to 8 mmHg.
- Stress management: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or cardiac coherence can reduce blood pressure by decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption: Limiting alcohol to less than two drinks per day for men and one drink for women, and quitting smoking, can significantly improve cardiovascular health.
- Dietary supplements: Some supplements such as potassium, magnesium, or garlic have shown moderate effects on reducing blood pressure.
The Future of CBD and Hypertension Research
Research into CBD and hypertension is booming, with many clinical trials underway or planned. Scientists are particularly interested in understanding how CBD can fit into existing treatment protocols, and whether it can offer additional benefits over conventional therapies. By 2025, the global budget for cannabinoid research reached $1.2 billion, reflecting the growing interest in this field.
Areas of exploration include studying combinations of CBD with other natural compounds, the impact on different populations (e.g., the elderly or those with comorbidities), and developing specific pharmaceutical formulations to optimize absorption and efficacy. Regulators are also beginning to consider incorporating CBD into official recommendations, provided there is sufficient scientific evidence.
