This article explores whether or not CBD can help with high blood pressure, or hypertension, any potential health benefits and risks, which products are available, and some alternatives to CBD.

Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.

Cannabis sativa, which people may refer to as marijuana or hemp, contains two main active ingredients.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has psychoactive properties, so people may experience euphoria. CBD, the other ingredient in marijuana, comes from hemp. CBD may contain small amounts of THC.

Blood pressure is the pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries. Arteries carry blood so that it can travel from the heart to other parts of the body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source state that it is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day. However, if an individual’s blood pressure levels are consistently high, they may have hypertension.

A person may not know that they have hypertension because those who have it do not typically experience any symptoms. As a result, healthcare professionals may recommend regularly checking blood pressure.

If a person does not receive diagnosis and treatment, hypertension may lead to other health conditions, such as:

• heart attack
• stroke
• chest pain

There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may help lower blood pressure.

Doctors may prescribe medications for people with high blood pressure. If an individual is taking blood pressure medications and uses CBD products, it is important for them to inform a doctor.

What does the research say?

Some research studies indicate that products containing CBD may help with lowering blood pressure.

A 2020 study found that CBD may have vasodilatory effects in human and rat arteries. The authors suggest that CBD may improve a person’s blood flow, as it widens their blood vessels.

Additionally, a 2017 studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of a single dose of CBD oil in healthy participants. The authors found that it lowered blood pressure in individuals who were at rest and those under stress.

According to the American Institute of Stress, stress may cause blood pressure to rise. This is due to the heart pumping faster and stress hormones constricting the blood vessels.

However, researchers need to conduct more studies to determine the effect of CBD on cardiovascular conditions.

Risks of CBD

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source states that there may be some potential risks when using CBD products. These may include:

• interactions with other medications
• drowsiness or sedation, if the individual is taking medications that treat anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders
• an increased risk of diarrhea and loss of appetite
• mood changes, such as irritability and agitation
• liver injury
• low blood pressure

A 2017 research studyTrusted Source found that taking CBD with antihypertensive medications may change the blood concentration of either substance. If an individual uses CBD and blood pressure medications, it is important for them to inform a doctor.

CBD and pregnancy

The FDATrusted Source does not recommend using CBD products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

There is not enough research into how CBD may affect a developing fetus. There is some evidenceTrusted Source, however, to suggest that high doses of CBD in pregnant test animals may affect a male fetus’s reproductive system.

That said, one 2021 study investigating the effects of CBD in pregnant mice found that daily doses of CBD were unlikely to accumulate in the mice and their fetuses.

There needs to be more research to investigate the potential risks of CBD use during pregnancy.

CBD products that may suit people with hypertension come in oils, gummies, tinctures or drops, and capsules. They can either be full-spectrum or broad-spectrum.

Full-spectrum products consist of naturally occurring cannabis plant extracts and up to 0.3% THCTrusted Source. Broad-spectrum CBD products have several cannabis plant compounds, but they are free of THC. However, sometimes, these may still contain traces of THC.

It is important to check a product’s label before making a purchase. Some products may contain up to 0.3% THC.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil

Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil contains 17 milligrams (mg) of CBD per 1-milliliter serving.

The company suggests storing the product at room temperature away from light.

It is available in different flavors: mint chocolate, lemon twist, orange blossom, and olive oil. However, if individuals are sensitive to flavors, they may consider mixing the oil into their favorite food or drink.

People with hypertension may consider using Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil. The company states that this product may help with:

• sleep quality
• stressful situations
• exercise-induced inflammation

Use code “HEALTH15” for 15% off.

Joy Organics CBD Gummies

Joy Organics CBD Gummies are vegan and contain 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per gummy.

According to laboratory reports, the company states that its gummies are free of THC, so people will not experience euphoria.

This product comes in strawberry lemonade and green apple flavors.

The company states that these gummies may:

• help with managing stress levels
• provide sleep support
• reduce exercise-induced inflammation

People can use these gummies in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.

Plus CBD Oil Softgels

Plus CBD Oil Softgels are third-party tested and contain 10 mg of CBD per tablet. This product is vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

The company states that this product may:

• improve sleep quality
• reduce everyday stress levels
• support a sense of calm or focus

The company states that people can use this product at any time of the day. Some may prefer to use one softgel in the morning and another one in the evening. However, others may prefer to use a softgel before going to bed.

This product may suit people with a delicate sense of taste or a sensitive stomach.

Use code “healthline25” for 25% off.

Joy Organics Organic CBD Tincture

This tincture comes in different concentrations and does not contain any flavors, artificial colors, or alcohol.

This product may:

• support physical and mental health
• promote a sense of calm
• help in stressful situations

The company states that this product contains less than 0.3% THC and is suitable for use during the day or night.

Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.

Lazarus Naturals Relaxation CBD Capsules

This product contains 25 mg of CBD per capsule.

The company states that this product may help relieve anxiety and stress symptoms, as it promotes relaxation and comfort.

The serving sizes range from 25–200 mg, and the company suggests starting with two capsules. Some people may feel that they need to increase the amount after 2 hours.

People who consume grapefruit should consult a doctor before taking these capsules.

The company recommends discontinuing the use of this product if a person experiences any unwanted side effects.

Some other natural ways to lower blood pressure include:

• Exercising regularly: The American Heart Association (AHA) states that regular physical activity may help control high blood pressure and strengthen the heart.
• Learning to deal with stress: Although researchers are still examining the link between stress and hypertension, the AHA notes that people who experience stress may be more likely to have a less healthy diet and drink more alcohol. These dietary factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Losing weight, if applicable: A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that people with overweight may have an increased risk of high blood pressure.
• Eating dark chocolate: A 2017 systematic reviewTrusted Source suggested that eating dark chocolate may cause a small, short-term decrease in a healthy adult’s blood pressure. However, researchers need to conduct more studies to investigate this link.
• Reducing sodium intake: A 2019 studyTrusted Source linked a higher salt intake with high blood pressure and heart disease. People may wish to check nutritional labels for sodium content before consuming a product.

People with hypertension do not usually have any symptoms, so those with a higher risk of it may need regular screening.

Healthcare professionals can suggest a treatment plan to help prevent or treat hypertension. For example, they may prescribe medications to help treat hypertension.

A person should consult a doctor before taking any products containing CBD, as the interaction between these products and certain medications can cause serious side effects.

People who experience side effects from CBD products should cease use and seek medical help immediately.

Hypertension does not usually cause any symptoms. A person might not know that they have it unless they receive a diagnosis of it.

There are various medical treatments available. There is also evidence to suggest that products containing CBD may help.

A person who uses blood pressure medications should consult a doctor before using any CBD products.