Does CBD or hemp oil help against high blood pressure?
Hemp has always carried a hint of the forbidden in our society, as its cultivation was prohibited for many years. The plant was often grown illegally by some people solely for its intoxicating effects. This effect is caused by the compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is present in varying strengths in different hemp varieties.
What is hemp oil?
Hemp oil - or more precisely, hemp seed oil - is the oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is the oil extracted from the green leaves. CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is primarily found in fiber hemp and, unlike the aforementioned THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), has no psychoactive effects.
While hemp seed oil is available in many stores, the CBD oils offered by drugstores have recently been removed from their range. Although CBD does not have intoxicating effects and hemp products must not exceed a THC content of 0.2 percent, the legal status of cannabis products outside of medical applications is still precarious.
Does hemp or CBD oil help against high blood pressure?
On the internet and with dubious providers, there are descriptions of true miracle effects that CBD oil is said to have on health. The reduction of blood pressure is repeatedly advertised. Some providers are active in relevant forums and groups, promoting their products with grand promises. We have researched the effects on blood pressure for a long time, with the following result:
Currently, there is hardly any scientific evidence for a blood pressure-lowering effect of hemp and CBD oil.
However, there are some small initial studies that may indicate a possible effect. A partial study published in February 2023 was able to show a reduction in blood pressure among the 54 participants. The participants had Grade 1 hypertension, which had either not been medically treated or was treated with ACE inhibitors or ACE inhibitors with calcium channel blockers or thiazidediuretics. However, this partial study also has limitations. The researchers point out that it is uncertain whether the effect can be transferred to other CBD preparations than the one used in the study. It also does not allow conclusions about an effect on more severe hypertensive diseases. The number of participants is also quite small; blood pressure studies typically require significantly more subjects.
In June 2023, a study was published that found a blood pressure-lowering effect. However, this study had only 16 participants.
These studies are therefore the first glimmers of hope for a possible blood pressure-lowering effect. However, it is still far too little for a valid statement.
Everything is still being cooked very hot. On one hand, CBD is said to have an almost miraculous abundance of positive effects, but on the other hand, the legal side is apparently still a not completely clarified gray area.
Please discuss any potential intake of CBD with your doctor, as there are known interactions of medications with cannabis.
Sources:
- https://www.natur-kompendium.com/cbd-oel/
- https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/news/artikel/2019/04/26/rossmann-und-dm-nehmen-cbd-oele-aus-dem-sortiment
- https://www.bvl.bund.de/SharedDocs/Fokusmeldungen/01_lebensmittel/2019/2019_03_20_Cannabidiol.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332223001750
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37291376/
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (04/2024).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.
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