According to international researchers, it is estimated that about 1.4 billion adults globally aged 30–79 years old have high blood pressure (hypertension), which represents roughly 33% of the population in that age range.

Hypertension occurs when someone’s blood pressure is too high, typically above 140/90 mmHg. The condition is considered severe if the blood pressure is above 180/120 mmHg.  If left untreated, hypertension can cause serious health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

A team of academic and health researchers based in Split, Croatia, recently conducted a clinical trial that examined the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and how it impacts blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. The trial’s findings were published in the European Heart Journal.

“The trial was designed as a triple-blind randomized crossover trial. A total of 70 patients with primary hypertension were included. Exclusion criteria included the presence of significant comorbidities, smoking (tobacco and CBD), pregnancy, and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

Each patient who participated in the clinical trial was randomly assigned either cannabidiol or “placebo-matched capsules” for five weeks. Patients were then “crossed over to alternate therapy (CBD or placebo)” and assessed via regular visits, during which “venous blood samples were obtained from each patient.”

“After 5 weeks of CBD supplementation, 24h systolic and diastolic BP dropped for ~4 mmHg and ~3 mmHg, respectively. No such change was observed following 5-week course of placebo. The reduction in BP was accompanied by reduction in serum catestatin and urotensin-II levels.” the researchers found.

“The results of the HYPER-H21-4 trial indicate that chronic CBD supplementation leads to BP reduction. Sub-studies of the trial seem to intricate changes in sympathetic nervous system, endothelia and inflammation as mediators of the observed reduction. Yet, considering the multitude of CBD molecular targets, the relative contribution of these mechanisms remains elusive.” the researchers concluded.

The findings from the clinical trial in Croatia build on previous research, including recent research conducted by a team of investigators based in Brazil and affiliated with various health and academic research institutions who examined CBD use and how it may impact systolic blood pressure.

“Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after acute cannabidiol intake (SMD –1.06; 95%CI –2.01 to –0.11; p = 0.03), but no significant change in diastolic blood pressure (SMD –1.17; 95%CI –2.55 to 0.20; p = 0.09). Chronic administration promoted reductions of 7.01 mmHg in systolic and 4.55 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.” the Brazilian researchers found.