Hypertension

Hypertension is the condition wherein a patient’s blood pressure is deemed to be higher than normal. Hypertension is a contributing factor in many illnesses. The internal pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries and veins, called blood pressure, fluctuates with the rise and fall of physical activity. Normal blood pressure rates vary for different age and body types. High blood pressure is generally treated with weight reduction, stress management, and a reduction of salt and cholesterol in the diet.

Cannabis is known to reduce hypertension to normal levels with regular use and to maintain normal levels with continued use in some cases. Because of repeated threats by the federal government, only a few physicians have elected to recommend medical marijuana in cases of severe high blood pressure.

Recent research indicates that the body's internal cannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating blood pressure, but a full understanding of the exact mechanisms awaits further research.  Animal studies have demonstrated that annadamide and other endocannabinoids suppress hypertension. 

See: "Emerging Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Review of the Recent Scientific Literature 2000-2006" Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, www.NORML.org

Related sections: Cardiovascular Effects, Psychoactivity, Stress Reduction.