Taking Delta 8 with High Blood Pressure

With delta-8 THC becoming increasingly popular for those looking to experience the psychoactive properties of this hemp-derived compound, it is natural that people interested in giving it a shot want to know whether or not it is safe. Delta-8 THC can get you high, and aside from that, it offers properties that have the possibility to be beneficial, like CBD.

But does that mean that it is safe for everyone?

High blood pressure (hereinafter, BP) is a medical condition that affects around 116 million Americans (over 47%), and it can result in potentially fatal issues. So naturally, anyone suffering from high BP wants to ensure that using delta-8 THC will not interfere with their treatment or worsen symptoms of their ongoing medical conditions.

Hypertension, another name for high BP, is a medical state when technically, the force of your blood flowing is constantly too high.

Many factors may affect our BP, including our diet, stress, sleep, and many others. While it is natural for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day based on what we are doing, consistently high BP is potentially dangerous.

It is also considered one of the deadliest states due to the many complications that it can lead to diabetes, stroke, and some heart diseases. This is why those with high BP must take their treatment seriously and not engage in activities that can worsen things.

Risk Factors Associated with High Blood Pressure

We can divide risk factors for high BP into those that you can change, i.e., modifiable, and those that are not under your control. The first ones would include:

• Consumption of alcohol or tobacco;
• Lack of exercise;
• Unhealthy diet (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables);
• Being overweight or obese;
• Chronic stress.

Non-modifiable risks that may affect high blood pressure are family history, age over 65, and co-existing diabetes or kidney disease.

Hypertension Symptoms

Being often called a “silent killer,” hypertension can be easily mistaken for something else. Therefore, it is vital o check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have some of the following symptoms:

• Feelings of dizziness;
• Nosebleeds;
• Irregular heart rates;
• Chronic fatigue;
• Vision changes;
• Shortness of breath;
• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning;
• Buzzing in the ears;
• Chest pains;
• Muscle tremors.

Luckily, your blood pressure is checked each time you visit your doctor. It can be also easily monitored at home with the help of automated devices. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose this condition at an early stage so that you can treat it timely. 

What Can Happen if You Take Delta 8 when Having High Blood Pressure

As delta-8 THC has been federally legal only since 2018 (as stated in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), there is not so much research conducted so far to be sure of certain facts.

Delta-8 THC is usually hemp- or CBD-derived and is claimed to be less intoxicating and rather safer than delta-9 THC, the primary compound in marijuana. It is known for having fewer adverse effects in comparison to delta 9.

As it was mentioned above, there is little research to specify certain delta-8 THC side effects. But we are equipped with several studies that show some positive properties of delta-8 THC that can be incredibly useful, including its potential effects on mood, inflammation, anxiety, digestive disorders, and many more.

So, Is Taking Delta 8 Safe if You Have High Blood Pressure?

Another questions arise here: does delta 8 raise your blood pressure or vice versa does delta-8 lower blood pressure? Findings show that delta-8 usage may actually lower BP, which is also a common effect of delta-9 THC. Therefore, regular use of delta-8 THC may be able to sustain healthier blood pressure levels if it was abnormal before the consumption.

Furthermore, many users report that delta 8 helps them feel calmer, and as we have established earlier, high stress could contribute to hypertension. Therefore, delta 8 may help lower the stress levels that affect high blood pressure.

Is it Okay to Take Delta 8 with Blood Pressure Medications?

Many people suffering from high blood pressure are on BP medications. So, is it safe to combine delta-8 and blood pressure meds? That we do not know for sure. What we know is that delta-9 THC and CBD can affect certain medications, causing them to accumulate in the body with each dose. Therefore, before introducing any of delta 8, blood pressure medications should be reviewed by your doctor.

Factors That Can Determine Delta 8 Effects on Blood Pressure

Not all delta-8 THC products are created the same way: some may lower blood pressure more than others.

• Most notably, the potency of the product and the dosage determine how much delta-8 you are taking at a time, which will directly affect the immediate impact on your blood pressure.
• The delivery method also makes a difference. For instance, consuming edibles containing delta 8 can provide effects for many hours, during which blood pressure may stay lower than usual. Vapes offer faster effects but tend to be short in terms of the period compared to other methods, so keep this in mind.

Final Thoughts

There is no firm evidence that delta 8 can exacerbate symptoms of high BP. In fact, on the contrary, some studies suggest that it may lower it. Despite this, be aware that there is a possibility that it could interact with blood pressure medications. That means, once again, it is vital that you speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any products containing delta-8 to ensure that you can do so safely.