Almost half of all American adults have high blood pressure. What’s more, only about a quarter of those with high blood pressure have their condition under control. Doctors typically treat high blood pressure with prescription medications. Did you know that some research indicates cannabis may also help? The question then becomes, Indica or Sativa for high blood pressure? Let’s take a look.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is anything that falls below 120/80. If your top number consistently ranges between 130-139 and your bottom number between 80-89, you have “hypertension stage 1.” Numbers 140/90 and higher are stage 2.
While blood pressure varies throughout the day, consistently high numbers can be harmful to your health. They indicate an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and aneurysm. Doctors typically prescribe different medications such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers to help. Studies on cannabis show that the cannabinoids in cannabis may also help.
Indica or Sativa: Which Is Better for High Blood Pressure?
Cannabis generally falls into one of three categories – Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Many hybrids are Indica or Sativa dominant. Indicas are the ones known for their relaxing and sedative effects. Sativas, on the other hand, are more energizing.
When it comes to high blood pressure, studies show that cannabis can help. Which strains you choose may also matter. In addition to having more relaxant effects, Indica strains tend to be higher in CBD. Research has shown that CBD can have a positive effect on heart health. These effects include the potential for lowering high blood pressure.
One thing to note is that some research has shown that cannabis use may initially increase your blood pressure and heart rate before it decreases them. Over time, however, you may develop a tolerance to this, and continued use can lead to lowering your blood pressure immediately after use.
Strains for Reducing High Blood Pressure
So, Indica strains may be a better option for reducing blood pressure than Sativa. Now you may be wondering which ones are best. If you’re considering cannabis use for helping to treat your hypertension, here are a few that you might want to try:
- Ice Cream Cake
- Northern Lights
- Pennywise
- Purple Kush
These are just a small sampling of the Indica and Indica-dominant strains that can help lower high blood pressure, decreasing your risk for serious health complications. Keep in mind that if you do want to add cannabis to your treatment plan, you should speak with your doctor or a doctor that supports cannabis use first. Never stop taking your medications without professional medical advice.
Is Cannabis Right for Your High Blood Pressure?
The evidence shows that cannabis, Indica strains, in particular, can have a beneficial impact on individuals with high blood pressure. There is not a ton of research at the moment. We’ll need to see more studies to understand the full potential the plant may have. For now, you shouldn’t abandon your current medical treatment plan. You can, however, discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for your heart and overall health with a doctor who supports and is knowledgeable in the use of cannabis.