In yet another medical use of cannabis, a team of researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and its associated Soroka University Medical Center have found it to reduce blood pressure in older people.
The study is first of its kind to focus on the effect of cannabis on heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters in adults of 60 years of age and above with hypertension.
“In fact, older individuals is the fastest among all age groups for medical use of cannabis, yet evidence of medical cannabis for cardiovascular conditions is scarce,” said one of the associates involved in the study. Meanwhile, the study is a part of the ongoing clinical research effort to investigate how cannabis has actual physiological effects over time.
Sample group of Patients displayed remarkable change in blood pressure
In order to provide this, a group of patients were examined who were subject to blood pressure monitoring for 24 hours in an ambulatory setup, along with ECG, blood tests, and body measurements. These parameters were recorded both before and after three months of initiating cannabis therapy.
Interestingly, on completion of cannabis therapy, researchers found 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure values to have significantly reduced. In addition, the lowest blood pressure value occurred three after cannabis taken either orally, or via smoking or oil extracts.
Resultantly, both daytime and nighttime blood pressure of patients reduced, with significant change in nighttime blood pressure of patients.
“Nonetheless, cannabis research is in its nascent stages and Ben – Gurion University of the Negev is at the forefront evaluating its clinical use based on scientific research,” sated one of the senior research associates involved in the study from Ben- Gurion University of the Negev.
