Approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 are affected by hypertension. While lifestyle modifications and medications are commonly employed to manage blood pressure, these methods may sometimes prove inadequate.
Research indicates that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide can both effectively reduce blood pressure.
Continue reading to discover how cannabis and Anandamide can help regulate blood pressure. To achieve a notable decrease in blood pressure, consider Kush Station Canada to buy Indica flower online.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways:
- Overview of Hypertension
- What is Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
- How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
- Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
- Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
- Buy Indica Cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways:
- Anandamide and THC from cannabis Indica strains may aid in lowering blood pressure by encouraging vasodilation.
- Inhaling THC leads to a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a reduction in intraocular pressure.
- cannabis can assist in alleviating stress and anxiety, which may contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Overview of Hypertension
A blood pressure measurement of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. If not addressed, hypertension can worsen over time. It arises when the pressure exerted by blood against the artery walls remains persistently high, necessitating the heart to work harder.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The first, the systolic pressure, reflects the pressure in the blood vessels during heartbeats. The second, the diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in the vessels as the heart rests between beats.
Doctors diagnose hypertension when systolic readings are ≥140 mmHg and diastolic readings are ≥90 mmHg on two separate occasions.
Types of Hypertension
- Primary hypertension: Develops gradually over many years. Plaque accumulation raises the risk of high blood pressure.
- Secondary hypertension: Emerges more abruptly than primary hypertension and may result from an underlying condition.
Treatment
Altering your lifestyle can be beneficial in managing high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may suggest various lifestyle modifications.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet with reduced salt intake
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Ensuring 9 hours of sleep each night
- Maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding smoking
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not sufficiently address high blood pressure. If they prove ineffective, your provider may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure.
The specific medication for hypertension is dependent on your health and the severity of your blood pressure. Typically, using two or more blood pressure medications is more effective than one.
Current scientific investigations are examining more natural methods for managing hypertension, with cannabis emerging as a key focus due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and anandamide.
What is Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are naturally occurring molecules produced by the body. They resemble cannabinoids but are synthesized within the body. Researchers have identified two primary endocannabinoids so far, one of which is anandamide (AEA).
Anandamide plays a role in regulating various bodily functions, including movement, memory, appetite, and pain perception. Our bodies synthesize AEA as needed, triggering nerve responses via the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a complex cell-signaling network that helps regulate sleep and mood, comprising lipid-based neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors.
How It Works?
When the body is out of balance, it releases endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide. This activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are integral components of the endocannabinoid system.
CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys, while CB2 receptors are present in peripheral tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and immune system.
Anandamide is crucial for restoring the body to homeostasis by interacting with these receptors.
How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
Research has examined anandamide, the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2, and plant-derived THC concerning hypertension. Findings suggest that each of these cannabinoids lowers blood pressure by promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
Anandamide and THC bind similarly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while the synthetic WIN55,212-2 shows a stronger preference for CB2 receptors. Studies indicate that both CB1 and CB2 receptors contribute to activating vasodilation.
Sativa strains and Indica plants contain cannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Relevant Research Findings
Both Nottingham and Washington, DC studies showed that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide can mutually lower blood pressure.
Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
Research from various institutions underscores a strong connection between psychological states and the onset of hypertension. Factors such as anxiety, depression, impatience, and hostility may predict hypertension risks. Negative emotional states can heighten the likelihood of high blood pressure over time.
Studies from the University of Texas indicate that individuals with a positive self-image and feelings of equality are less prone to hypertension.
Furthermore, research from Harvard University reveals that higher levels of curiosity and optimism diminish the chances of developing hypertension. These findings emphasize the psychological components that enhance cardiovascular health and deter hypertension.
Cannabis Flower for Managing Potential Predictors of Hypertension
Cannabis has emerged as a possible solution for anxiety and depression. Numerous patients report that these conditions prompted them to seek cannabis treatment. Many utilize cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, with 16% substituting benzodiazepines and 12% replacing antidepressants.
A significant 93.5% of users monitoring symptoms through a smartphone app noted reduced anxiety levels post-consumption. Another study indicated that 71.8% of users cut down on their prescription anxiety medications.
Bulk cannabis can also alleviate insomnia and chronic pain, leading to enhanced well-being and reduced blood pressure.
Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
Interested in managing your blood pressure with the calming and sedative effects of cannabis? Online dispensaries provide a variety of strains that can assist in lowering your blood pressure.
Buy Indica Cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
Research indicates a potential role for Indica cannabis strains in managing hypertension by influencing anandamide levels. While traditional therapies focus on pharmaceuticals, alternative options like cannabis deserve consideration. This alternative may have fewer side effects than standard medications. Maintain your blood pressure with Kush Station Canada’s selection of cannabis strains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does THC interact with the ECS?
THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, known for its psychoactive effects. Upon entering the body, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors, similar to endocannabinoids. Its potency is partly due to its ability to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This explains its strong impact—think of it as a high dose of Anandamide. Unlike Anandamide, which is rapidly broken down by the body, enzymes find it more challenging to metabolize THC, which is why THC’s effects can last for several hours, while Anandamide’s effects are short-lived.
Can I smoke cannabis while taking hypertension medications?
Cannabinoids can interact with various heart medications, including blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, and treatments for heart rhythm disorders. Consult your doctor regarding the appropriate usage and timing of cannabis consumption.
Can I use Sativa plants to manage hypertension?
Yes, Sativa strains can be used to manage blood pressure since this strain interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Indicas and Indica-dominant strains typically have a lower THC-to-CBD ratio, which promotes the activation of CB2 receptors. This activation benefits heart health, as the effects of CB2 receptor stimulation—such as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties—can counter some actions of CB1 receptor activity.
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