Weed, or cannabis, is a plant that contains active compounds like THC and CBD that can affect the brain, heart, and blood vessels.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, and it changes throughout the day depending on what you are doing and how your body is responding.
Many people hear that cannabis makes you feel relaxed and assume it must lower blood pressure.
Other people have heard that weed can make your heart race and worry that it might raise blood pressure or trigger heart problems.
Both of those ideas contain a piece of the story, but neither gives the full picture by itself.
This article looks at what current research says about how cannabis use relates to blood pressure in the short term and over time, as well as how it fits into the broader conversation about heart and blood vessel health.
It is meant to explain the science in everyday language so adults in Oklahoma can have a clearer understanding of the potential risks and considerations around cannabis and cardiovascular health.
High Society is a state-licensed cannabis dispensary serving Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, with multiple locations you can find on our locations page.
This article is for educational purposes only, is intended for adults 21 and older in legal markets, and does not provide medical advice or recommend cannabis for any health condition.
Always talk with a licensed healthcare professional about your personal health, medications, and blood pressure questions before making decisions about cannabis use.
Quick Answer: Does Weed Raise Blood Pressure?
Short Answer in Plain English
Cannabis products that contain THC can temporarily raise heart rate and often raise blood pressure, especially in the first couple of hours after use and especially in newer or infrequent users.
In some people, cannabis can also cause blood pressure to drop when they stand up, which can lead to lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or even fainting.
Over the long term, large studies do not clearly show that weed causes chronic high blood pressure, but regular use has been linked to higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related problems in observational research.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
In the short term, THC-dominant cannabis often raises heart rate and can raise blood pressure, particularly when a person is sitting or lying down.
Cannabis can also contribute to orthostatic hypotension, which means blood pressure drops when a person stands up, sometimes causing dizziness or near-fainting.
Big population studies so far do not show a consistent link between long-term cannabis use and chronic hypertension, although some research has found small changes in systolic blood pressure.
Separate from blood pressure readings, growing evidence suggests that frequent cannabis use is associated with higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, especially in younger adults.
For adults 21+ in legal markets, this information is meant to support informed and responsible decisions and does not provide medical advice or recommend cannabis for any health condition.
How Cannabis Affects Blood Pressure and the Heart
The Endocannabinoid System 101
Your body has its own built-in cannabinoid network called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
The ECS includes naturally produced signaling molecules, their receptors, and the enzymes that build and break them down.
This system helps regulate many processes, including mood, appetite, pain perception, and how blood vessels and the heart respond to stress.
When it comes to the cardiovascular system, the ECS plays a role in controlling vascular tone, which is how tight or relaxed blood vessels are at any given time.
It also influences heart rate and how strongly the heart muscle contracts.
Through its effects on the nervous system, the ECS helps balance “fight-or-flight” responses with “rest-and-digest” responses.
Cannabis-derived cannabinoids like THC can activate some of the same receptors that your natural endocannabinoids use.
CB1 receptors, which are a major target of THC, are found in the brain, in nerve pathways that regulate the heart, and in blood vessel walls.
When THC activates CB1 receptors, it can increase sympathetic nervous system activity, which is the same system that responds to stress or excitement.
This sympathetic activation can lead to an increase in heart rate and changes in blood pressure, along with changes in how blood vessels constrict or relax.
THC vs. CBD: Different Compounds, Different Effects
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main intoxicating compound in many cannabis products.
THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain and in parts of the cardiovascular system.
Shortly after THC is consumed, many people show a noticeable increase in heart rate and a modest rise in blood pressure, especially at rest.
At the same time, THC can promote blood vessel relaxation in some settings, which is one reason why standing up suddenly after use can sometimes cause a drop in blood pressure.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that interacts with the ECS and other receptor systems in more indirect ways.
Small human studies suggest that CBD on its own has little effect on resting blood pressure or heart rate in healthy people.
Some research has found that CBD can blunt blood pressure spikes during stress tests in controlled settings, but the overall evidence is early and limited.
Based on current data, neither THC nor CBD should be viewed or promoted as a blood pressure treatment or as a replacement for medications that a healthcare provider has prescribed.
Routes of Use and Why They Matter
How someone uses cannabis changes how quickly these cardiovascular effects show up and how long they last.
When cannabis is inhaled by smoking or vaping, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs and reaches peak levels in minutes.
This fast delivery is why heart rate and blood pressure changes can show up very quickly after smoking or vaping.
The effects from inhaled cannabis usually begin to fade within a few hours, although this can vary by person and product.
When cannabis is taken by mouth in the form of edibles, capsules, or infused drinks, THC has to pass through the digestive system and liver before it enters the bloodstream.
This digestion and metabolism process means the onset is delayed, often 30 minutes to 2 hours or more, and the effects can last much longer.
Because edibles take longer to “kick in,” it is easier for people to accidentally take more than they intended while they are still waiting to feel the effects.
Most of the detailed cardiovascular research to date has focused on smoked cannabis, where smoke contains many of the same irritants and combustion products found in tobacco smoke.
Those smoke components can affect the lungs and blood vessels independently of THC itself.
For adults in Oklahoma who choose to use cannabis, it is important to understand that different product types and routes of use can lead to different timing and intensity of heart rate and blood pressure changes.
If you are looking for labeled potency information or want to see which formats are available near you, you can explore the menus at your nearest High Society location on our locations page or browse our current selection through our online ordering page.
Short-Term Effects: What Happens to Blood Pressure After You Use Weed?
Within Minutes to Hours: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Changes
In the first minutes to hours after using THC-dominant cannabis, many people experience a noticeable change in their cardiovascular system.
Studies in healthy adults show that heart rate often rises significantly compared to baseline shortly after THC exposure.
In practical terms, that means a person’s pulse can feel faster or more “pounding” than usual, even while they are sitting still.
Research also indicates a mild to moderate rise in blood pressure during this early phase, particularly in systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in a blood pressure reading.
These short-term changes have been observed both in laboratory settings and in real-world use, especially in people who are not regular cannabis users.
For some individuals, the combination of increased heart rate and higher blood pressure can be uncomfortable or anxiety-provoking, even if the changes are temporary.
The exact size of the change varies widely based on dose, THC concentration, individual sensitivity, and whether the person is sitting, lying down, or active.
Orthostatic Hypotension: Why You Might Feel Dizzy When You Stand
Orthostatic hypotension is a term used when blood pressure drops significantly as a person moves from lying or sitting to a standing position.
Under normal conditions, your body quickly tightens blood vessels and adjusts heart rate to keep enough blood flowing to your brain when you stand up.
Cannabis can interfere with this adjustment by relaxing blood vessels and changing how the nervous system responds to position changes.
Research has documented that after using cannabis, some people experience a noticeable drop in blood pressure when they stand up.
When this happens, a person may feel lightheaded, unsteady on their feet, or like the room is spinning.
In more pronounced cases, vision may dim, hearing may feel muffled, and the person may feel as if they are about to black out.
If the blood pressure drop is strong enough and the body does not compensate quickly, fainting can occur.
For some cannabis users, this pattern can feel like “I was fine when I was sitting, but as soon as I stood up, I got super dizzy and had to sit back down.”
These effects tend to be more common in people who are new to cannabis, are using higher doses, or are already on medications that affect blood pressure or heart rate.
Exercise, Heart Workload, and Timing
Several studies looking at cannabis and exercise have found that THC can increase heart rate at all levels of physical activity.
Cannabis use has also been associated with reduced exercise tolerance, meaning people may feel tired or winded sooner than they usually do at a given level of effort.
During physical exertion, blood pressure normally rises to meet the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients.
When cannabis is added into the mix, the combination of higher heart rate and elevated blood pressure can increase the workload on the heart.
This extra workload may be more concerning for people who already have heart disease, reduced blood flow to the heart, or other cardiovascular risk factors.
Because of these short-term effects, heavy exertion or intense workouts immediately after using cannabis may stress the heart more than the same activity would without THC on board.
For adults with any known heart or blood pressure concerns, timing cannabis use away from peak exercise or discussing these patterns with a healthcare provider can be an important part of staying safe.
Tolerance: Why Regular Users Don’t Always Feel the Same Rush
When cannabis is used repeatedly over days or weeks, many people develop tolerance to some of its effects.
Tolerance means the body becomes less responsive to the same dose of THC over time.
In frequent users, the same amount of THC that once caused a noticeable racing heartbeat and strong blood pressure changes may now cause a milder response.
Studies suggest that people who use cannabis regularly often show smaller acute changes in heart rate and blood pressure compared to people who are new to cannabis at similar doses.
However, tolerance to the “feeling” of cannabis does not mean that all cardiovascular effects disappear.
Some people increase their dose or switch to higher-THC products as their tolerance builds, which can keep cardiovascular strain in play.
In addition, even if a person does not subjectively feel their heart pounding as much, objective changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and vascular function can still be occurring in the background.
For these reasons, tolerance should not be assumed to completely remove cardiovascular risk, especially in people who use cannabis heavily or who have existing heart or blood vessel conditions.
If you are a regular cannabis user in Oklahoma and are curious about potency, dosing information, or product formats rather than just “how strong it feels,” you can review clearly labeled options through High Society’s online ordering page or visit one of our state-licensed locations listed on our locations page.
Long-Term Picture: Does Weed Cause High Blood Pressure?
Large National Surveys on Blood Pressure Levels
When researchers look at big national datasets, the story around cannabis and long-term blood pressure is more subtle than the short-term spike you see right after use.
One major analysis used U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005–2012 to compare people who used cannabis recently with those who did not.
In that study, “recently active” cannabis use was linked with a small increase in systolic blood pressure, roughly in the range of about 1–3 mmHg on average.
The same research did not find a meaningful change in diastolic blood pressure, which is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
Importantly, the study did not find a clear connection between lifetime cannabis use and diagnosed hypertension when other factors were taken into account.
More recent NHANES-style work focused on adults between 35 and 59 years old and came to a similar conclusion.
In that middle-aged group, researchers did not see a significant association between cannabis use and higher blood pressure overall.
Taken together, these large survey studies suggest that any average blood-pressure difference between cannabis users and non-users is small and not consistently tied to chronic hypertension.
If you are a medical cardholder in Oklahoma and want to understand product labels such as THC percentage while keeping your own blood pressure history in mind, you can always start by checking menus at your nearest High Society location on our locations page.
Heavy Use and “Lower BP” Findings: What They Actually Mean
Some newer population research has reported that people classified as lifetime heavy cannabis users had slightly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements on average.
In one 2023 analysis, this pattern appeared more clearly in women than in men.
At first glance, that might sound like heavy cannabis use is “good” for blood pressure, but the picture is almost certainly more complicated.
Heavy cannabis users in these datasets are often younger on average than non-users.
They may also be leaner, more active, or have different diets and lifestyle patterns that affect blood pressure independently of cannabis.
Another issue is that people with serious heart disease or very high cardiovascular risk are sometimes advised by their clinicians to avoid cannabis altogether.
If those higher-risk individuals skip cannabis, it can make the group of cannabis users look healthier on paper even when cannabis itself is not the reason.
Because of these confounding factors, the “lower BP” findings in heavy-use groups do not prove that cannabis lowers blood pressure.
They also do not mean cannabis should be used, promoted, or viewed as a blood pressure tool.
The safest interpretation right now is that real-world cannabis users are a diverse group, and their overall health picture reflects many variables beyond cannabis alone.
Hypertension Risk Over Time: What Longitudinal Studies Show
Beyond cross-sectional surveys, researchers have followed people over time to see whether cannabis use predicts future hypertension.
So far, long-term studies have not shown a consistent pattern where cannabis users are more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension than non-users after adjusting for age, weight, smoking, and other risk factors.
In some cohorts of older adults, researchers have not found a meaningful difference in average blood pressure or in the prevalence of hypertension when comparing those with a history of cannabis use to those who have never used it.
These findings do not mean cannabis has no cardiovascular impact, but they do suggest that, in the long run, its direct effect on resting blood pressure is probably modest.
Current evidence points to other factors—such as body weight, diet, physical activity, alcohol use, and genetics—playing a much larger role in whether a person develops chronic high blood pressure.
That said, cannabis research is still evolving, and scientists continue to study how patterns of use, product potency, and co-use with other substances might shape cardiovascular risk over decades.
If you decide, together with your healthcare provider, that cannabis fits into your life, you can explore clearly labeled options from High Society through our online ordering page or by visiting one of our licensed Oklahoma locations listed on the locations page.
Heart Risk vs. Blood Pressure Numbers: The Bigger Cardiovascular Picture
Heart Attack, Stroke, and Heart Failure Risk
Blood pressure is only one piece of the heart-health puzzle, and recent research has raised questions about cannabis and broader cardiovascular outcomes.
Large U.S. survey datasets have found that people who use cannabis daily or very frequently tend to have higher odds of heart attack and stroke compared with non-users, even after accounting for some traditional risk factors.
In these studies, the risk difference is not limited to older adults.
Some of the strongest signals have shown up in younger adults who would normally be at relatively low risk for heart attack or stroke.
Analyses using large medical-record networks, including TriNetX and similar databases, have reported that adults under 50 who use cannabis may have significantly higher rates of heart attack, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death compared with comparable non-users.
The exact numbers vary by study, but the overall trend is that more frequent cannabis exposure is associated with higher cardiovascular event rates.
These findings do not prove that cannabis directly causes these events, because observational research cannot fully separate cannabis use from all other lifestyle and health differences.
However, the consistency of these associations across multiple large datasets has been enough to get the attention of cardiology and public health organizations.
For adults who choose to use cannabis—especially those with existing cardiovascular risk factors—these patterns are important context when deciding how often and how heavily to consume.
Vascular Function and Arterial Stiffness
Some newer research has zoomed in on how cannabis might affect the blood vessels themselves, even when standard blood pressure readings look normal.
Arterial stiffness refers to how flexible or rigid your arteries are as blood pulses through them.
In general, stiffer arteries mean the heart has to work harder to push blood forward, and stiffness is linked with higher long-term cardiovascular risk.
Endothelial function describes how well the inner lining of blood vessels responds to signals to widen or narrow.
Healthy endothelium can relax vessels when more blood flow is needed and constrict them when less is needed.
Several recent studies have found that regular cannabis users may have greater arterial stiffness and reduced measures of vascular function compared with non-users.
In some cases, the degree of vascular impairment has been reported to be in a similar range to what is seen with tobacco smoking.
Other research has suggested that both smoked cannabis and THC edibles can be associated with a substantial reduction in vascular function, indicating that combustion byproducts are not the only factor.
These findings suggest that cannabis can influence blood vessel health in ways that do not always show up as obvious changes in resting blood pressure.
Over time, changes in arterial stiffness and endothelial function can contribute to the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, even if a person’s blood pressure readings look acceptable in the short term.
What Major Heart Organizations Say
Based on the current body of evidence, major heart organizations have taken a cautious stance on cannabis and cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association has expressed concern about potential cardiovascular harms related to cannabis use, especially when it is smoked or vaped.
Their scientific statements note that there is not enough high-quality evidence to recommend cannabis for any heart condition or blood-pressure problem.
They also highlight that cannabis can interact with the same systems and pathways that many heart and blood-pressure medicines use.
Clinicians are encouraged to ask patients about cannabis use in a non-judgmental way.
They are also encouraged to discuss possible risks such as heart attack, arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure, and to consider cannabis use when evaluating unexplained cardiovascular symptoms.
For Oklahoma adults who use cannabis and also see a cardiologist or primary-care provider, being open about your use and your typical product types can help your care team make safer, more informed decisions.
If you have questions about reading cannabis labels or understanding THC and CBD numbers—not about medical treatment—High Society’s team at our licensed locations listed on the locations page can help explain product details while always recommending that medical decisions stay between you and your healthcare provider.
What Makes Weed More or Less Likely to Affect Your Blood Pressure?
Dose and THC Potency
One of the biggest factors in cannabis-related blood pressure changes is how much THC a person consumes.
Higher THC doses tend to produce stronger activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the body that gears you up for action.
Stronger sympathetic activation is associated with bigger jumps in heart rate and more noticeable changes in blood pressure.
High-potency concentrates, dabs, and large edible doses can deliver a lot of THC in a short time, which may lead to more dramatic cardiovascular responses than smaller doses of lower-THC products.
Because of this, the same person may have a very different heart and blood-pressure experience with a micro-dose edible versus a high-THC concentrate session.
If you are choosing products in Oklahoma and want to compare THC percentages before you buy, you can review detailed menus through our online ordering page or at any High Society location listed on the locations page.
Route of Use: Smoking, Vaping, Edibles, and More
The way cannabis is consumed also shapes how quickly and how strongly blood pressure responds.
Inhaled methods like smoking and vaping deliver THC to the bloodstream quickly through the lungs.
This fast delivery produces a rapid onset of effects, which often includes a quick rise in heart rate and sharper peaks in blood pressure.
Edibles, capsules, and drinks go through the digestive system and liver before THC reaches the bloodstream.
Because of that, edibles have a slower onset and a longer duration.
The delayed timing makes it easier for people to underestimate how much they have taken and to inadvertently consume more before the first dose has fully kicked in.
From a cardiovascular standpoint, that can mean a slower, but sometimes more prolonged, period of elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Most of the detailed research linking cannabis to heart attacks and strokes has involved smoked cannabis, where smoke itself contains substances that can affect the cardiovascular system.
As more people use vapes, edibles, and other formats, researchers are actively studying how these newer routes compare in terms of heart and blood-vessel impact.
Frequency of Use and Tolerance
How often someone uses cannabis changes how their body responds over time.
People who are new to cannabis or who only use it occasionally are more likely to experience strong swings in heart rate and blood pressure from a given dose.
These users may also be more likely to experience anxiety or panic-like sensations when their heart rate and blood pressure increase.
Daily or long-term users often develop tolerance, meaning the same dose of THC causes smaller subjective effects and somewhat blunted heart-rate and blood-pressure responses.
However, frequent users also tend to gravitate toward higher doses or higher-potency products, which can keep cardiovascular strain in play.
Tolerance to the “high” does not guarantee that all cardiovascular changes are gone, especially at higher doses.
When thinking about heart and blood-pressure effects, both frequency of use and typical dose matter.
Age, Existing Conditions, and Life Stage
Individual health history plays a major role in how risky blood-pressure swings and heart-rate changes might be.
Groups that generally face higher cardiovascular risk include people with uncontrolled hypertension.
They also include people with a prior heart attack, angina, or known coronary artery disease.
History of stroke or transient ischemic attack is another important red flag.
Heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and significant heart-rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias are additional concerns.
Diabetes with autonomic neuropathy, which can blunt normal blood-pressure reflexes, can also increase risk when blood pressure shifts suddenly.
Older adults, especially those who are already unsteady on their feet or taking multiple blood-pressure medications, may be more vulnerable to dizziness and falls when blood pressure drops.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve major cardiovascular changes on their own, and research on cannabis in these life stages is limited, so caution is generally advised.
If you fall into any of these higher-risk categories, it is especially important to have an honest conversation with your healthcare provider before using cannabis, changing your dose, or trying new product types.
Medications and Other Substances
Cannabis is often used alongside many other substances, and combinations can affect blood pressure and heart function.
Blood-pressure medications and other heart drugs are designed to change how hard the heart works and how tight or relaxed blood vessels are.
Adding cannabis on top of these medications can, in some situations, increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low, which may show up as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Drugs such as nitrates and PDE-5 inhibitors are used to affect blood flow and vessel dilation.
When combined with cannabis-related blood-vessel changes, these medicines can carry a higher risk of dangerous blood pressure drops and chest discomfort.
Stimulants, high-caffeine energy drinks, and some decongestants can push heart rate and blood pressure in the opposite direction, adding extra strain when used around the same time as cannabis.
Because many common medications and substances interact with the same cardiovascular pathways that cannabis does, it is important to keep your healthcare provider informed about your cannabis use, your typical dose, and your product types.
Open communication gives your care team the best chance to spot potential conflicts and to advise you safely.
High Society cannot provide medical advice, but we can help you read product labels and understand potency information when you visit any of our Oklahoma locations on the locations page or browse our online ordering page.
Warning Signs: When Blood Pressure and Heart Symptoms Are an Emergency
Signs of Dangerous High Blood Pressure
Very high blood pressure can sometimes reach emergency levels, regardless of whether cannabis is involved.
A hypertensive crisis is generally defined as a blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, especially when symptoms are present.
Symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure can include a sudden, severe headache.
They can also include chest pain or tightness.
Shortness of breath, trouble catching your breath, or a feeling of heavy pressure in the chest are additional warning signs.
Sudden vision changes, confusion, or difficulty speaking can also occur.
Some people may feel severe back or abdominal pain, or sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
If you check your blood pressure and see a reading at or above 180/120 mmHg and you have any of these symptoms, it is considered a medical emergency.
The standard recommendation is to call 911 or your local emergency number rather than waiting to see if it goes away on its own.
These guidelines apply whether or not cannabis was used recently.
Signs of Dangerous Low Blood Pressure or Fainting Risk
Low blood pressure can also be dangerous, especially if it reduces blood flow to the brain.
A sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up can cause dizziness or a feeling that you might pass out.
You might notice that your vision dims, your ears ring, or the room seems to tilt or spin.
Your skin might become pale and clammy, and you might feel weak, nauseated, or confused.
If you start to feel this way, sit or lie down immediately.
If possible, lie flat and raise your legs to help blood flow back toward your head.
If symptoms do not improve quickly, or if you actually lose consciousness, it is important to seek urgent medical care.
If you are alone and feel close to fainting, calling 911 or your local emergency number is the safest choice.
Stroke and Heart Attack Red Flags
Stroke and heart attack are time-sensitive emergencies where minutes matter.
A simple way to remember stroke warning signs is the acronym FAST.
F stands for Face drooping, where one side of the face may sag or feel numb.
A stands for Arm weakness, where one arm may drift down when both are raised.
S stands for Speech difficulty, such as slurred or hard-to-understand speech.
T stands for Time to call 911, meaning you should seek emergency help right away if you notice any of these signs.
Heart attack signs can include chest pressure, squeezing, or pain in the center or left side of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Pain may also spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Other symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath, nausea, breaking out in a cold sweat, or feeling lightheaded.
If any of these symptoms appear—before, during, or after cannabis use—they should be treated like any other medical emergency.
Call 911 or your local emergency number and do not try to drive yourself to the hospital.
Cannabis-related impairment can make self-transport even riskier, so calling for professional help is especially important.
Safer-Use Tips for People Concerned About Blood Pressure
General Safety Guidelines
For adults who choose to use cannabis and are also thinking about blood pressure, a harm-reduction mindset is key.
A common safety phrase is “start low, go slow,” especially if you have any cardiovascular history.
This is also wise if you are taking heart or blood-pressure medications or are new to cannabis.
Using smaller doses and giving each dose time to take effect can reduce the chance of sudden, intense heart-rate and blood-pressure changes.
It is also a good idea to avoid combining cannabis with intense exercise or heavy lifting in the first few hours after use, when cardiovascular effects are strongest.
If you have questions about product potency or serving sizes—not medical treatment—our budtenders at High Society locations listed on the locations page can help explain labels and formats while reminding you to follow your doctor’s advice.
Standing, Hydration, and Daily Habits
If you are prone to dizziness, especially after using cannabis, getting up slowly can make a big difference.
When you move from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing, take a moment to pause and hold on to a stable surface.
Staying hydrated throughout the day can support overall circulation and reduce some lightheaded sensations for many people.
It is also wise to avoid large amounts of caffeine or energy drinks around the same time as cannabis, since these can raise heart rate and blood pressure on their own.
Mixing cannabis with tobacco adds additional cardiovascular stress from smoke and nicotine.
For people who are already thinking about heart and blood-vessel health, skipping tobacco is generally considered safer than combining it with cannabis.
Edible Safety and Dose Spacing
Edibles and other ingestible products have a delayed onset compared with inhaled cannabis.
It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours, or sometimes longer, before the full effect of an edible is felt.
Because of this delay, taking more too soon is one of the most common ways people end up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or physically uncomfortable.
From a blood-pressure and heart-rate perspective, stacking doses can mean a much stronger effect than intended when everything finally kicks in.
A simple safety rule is to wait at least a full 2 hours before considering another edible dose.
This spacing gives the first serving time to fully show its effects and reduces the chance of overshooting your comfort zone.
If you are trying a new edible product from High Society, you can always start with a lower portion than the maximum serving listed on the package and see how your body responds before having more.
Our online ordering page lists serving information for many products so you can plan ahead.
When in Doubt, Don’t Drive
Cannabis can impair reaction time, coordination, and judgment, even when you feel “okay” to yourself.
Blood-pressure changes, dizziness, or chest discomfort can make driving even more dangerous.
If you have recently used cannabis—especially if you feel lightheaded, your heart is racing, or you are experiencing any unusual symptoms—the safest choice is not to drive.
Arrange a ride, use a rideshare service, or wait until the effects have fully worn off.
Treat any concerning symptoms as health priorities first and transportation issues second.
High Society encourages all customers to use cannabis responsibly, follow Oklahoma law, and prioritize safety for themselves and others on the road.
Talking With Your Doctor About Weed and Blood Pressure
Why Transparency Matters
Your doctor can only give safe and accurate blood pressure guidance if they know about all the substances you use regularly.
That includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis products.
Because cannabis can influence heart rate, blood pressure, and how some medications are processed, it can affect decisions about which blood pressure medicines are used, the dosage, and how closely you should be monitored.
Being open about cannabis use gives your healthcare provider a more complete picture and helps them spot potential risks or interactions earlier.
This is especially important if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or if you take multiple medications.
If you are an Oklahoma medical cardholder who shops at High Society, you can pair honest conversations with your doctor with careful attention to labeled potency on the products you see in-store or through our online ordering page.
What to Share at Your Appointment
When you talk with your doctor, it helps to be as specific as you can about your cannabis use.
Let them know what types of products you typically use, such as flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, concentrates, or edibles.
If you know the approximate THC and CBD levels, share those numbers or show product labels or screenshots from menus like the ones on our online ordering page.
Tell your provider how often you use cannabis, whether that is once in a while, weekly, daily, or multiple times per day.
It is also helpful to describe when you tend to use, such as evenings only or throughout the day.
Be sure to mention any past episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest discomfort, racing heart, or other unusual symptoms that seemed to follow cannabis use.
If you shop at different High Society locations around Oklahoma, you can always reference products you have seen listed on our locations page so your doctor understands the range of items you encounter.
Questions Patients Might Ask
Many people are unsure how to bring up cannabis and blood pressure, so it can help to go in with a few prepared questions.
You might ask, “Given my blood pressure and heart history, is it safe for me to use cannabis at all?”
You can also ask, “If you think limited use might be acceptable, are there times of day that are safer or less risky than others for me personally?”
Another important question is, “Do any of my current medications interact with cannabis, including THC or CBD?”
Your doctor may not have every answer on the spot, but these questions signal that you are serious about safety and willing to work with them.
It is worth repeating that only a licensed healthcare provider who knows your medical history can give individualized medical advice about whether, when, or how you should use cannabis.
High Society does not provide medical advice, but we do encourage all Oklahoma medical cardholders to keep their doctor in the loop while they explore product options through our online ordering page or in person at one of our state-licensed locations listed on the locations page.
High Society’s Approach to Education and Responsible Cannabis Use
Who We Are: A Licensed Oklahoma Dispensary
High Society is a locally owned and operated cannabis dispensary serving Oklahoma City and surrounding communities.
We operate in full compliance with Oklahoma medical cannabis laws and regulations.
Our locations carry a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, and edibles.
We focus on product transparency, with clearly labeled THC and CBD percentages and other key details so adults can see what they are purchasing.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming, informative environment for Oklahoma medical cardholders and adult consumers who want to understand what is in the products they choose.
You can find the High Society store that is closest to you by visiting our locations page.
If you prefer to browse menus from home, you can view current offerings and place orders through our online ordering page.
How Our Team Supports Informed Choices
At High Society, our budtenders are here to help adults make sense of product labels, potency numbers, and different consumption methods.
They can explain the basic differences between product types like flower, vapes, edibles, and concentrates.
They can also talk about general timing and onset patterns, such as why inhaled products tend to act faster than edibles.
Our team’s role is to support informed choices by helping you understand what you are buying, not to give medical advice or tell you how cannabis will affect any specific health condition.
If you mention concerns about blood pressure, heart health, or medications, our staff will always encourage you to speak directly with your healthcare provider.
We believe responsible use includes listening to your doctor, knowing your limits, and choosing products carefully.
You can start exploring product options before you come in by checking our menus on the online ordering page and then asking in-store staff to walk through any questions about formats or labeling.
Resources for Learning More
Beyond individual conversations in-store, High Society maintains a “Learn About Cannabis” section on our website to help educate both new and experienced consumers.
Our blog covers science-informed, safety-focused topics like cannabis and blood pressure, responsible dosing, and understanding THC and CBD percentages.
Articles like this one are designed for adults in legal markets who want to understand potential risks and considerations, not to promote cannabis as a solution for medical problems.
We aim to explain research in plain language so you can carry better questions to your doctor and make thoughtful decisions about your own use.
If you are an Oklahoma medical cardholder, you can always visit or call any High Society location listed on our locations page with questions about product types, formats, or label information.
For questions about your heart, your blood pressure, or your medications, the right person to talk to is always your healthcare provider.
FAQs: Weed and Blood Pressure
Does weed raise blood pressure?
In the short term, THC-containing cannabis often raises heart rate and can raise blood pressure, especially in the first couple of hours after use.
These temporary changes tend to be more noticeable in people who are new to cannabis or who use higher-THC products.
At the same time, cannabis can cause blood pressure to drop when someone stands up, which is why some users feel dizzy or lightheaded after changing positions.
Over the long term, large population studies do not clearly show that cannabis use by itself causes chronic high blood pressure.
However, frequent cannabis use has been linked in observational research to higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events, even when average blood pressure numbers are not dramatically different.
Because responses vary widely, anyone with concerns about blood pressure or heart health should talk with their doctor before using cannabis.
If you choose to use cannabis and want to compare labeled THC and CBD levels across products, you can start by browsing menus on our online ordering page or visit a High Society location listed on the locations page.
Can weed cause a hypertensive crisis?
In generally healthy adults without serious cardiovascular disease, the blood pressure rise from cannabis is usually modest and temporary.
Most people will not experience a full hypertensive crisis from typical doses alone.
However, in people with severe or unstable hypertension, or in those with significant heart conditions, a large dose of THC could add extra stress to a system that is already under strain.
In those higher-risk individuals, cannabis-related increases in heart rate and blood pressure could theoretically contribute to dangerous spikes.
Because of this, anyone with a history of very high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or other major heart problems should only use cannabis under the guidance of a healthcare provider, if at all.
If extremely high blood pressure readings or severe symptoms ever occur after using cannabis, they should be treated like any other medical emergency by calling 911.
Can I stop my blood-pressure medication if I use cannabis?
No.
Stopping or changing your blood-pressure medication on your own can be dangerous.
No major medical organizations currently recommend cannabis as a way to manage high blood pressure.
Cannabis has not been proven to prevent, control, or reverse hypertension, and research shows that frequent use can be linked with higher cardiovascular event rates.
Any decision to start, stop, or adjust blood-pressure medications must be made between you and your healthcare provider.
If you are curious how your cannabis use fits into your overall treatment plan, the safest approach is to bring it up directly at your next appointment.
High Society cannot advise on medication decisions, but our team can help you understand product labels when you visit any of our Oklahoma locations listed on the locations page.
Is CBD safer for blood pressure than THC?
Current research suggests that CBD by itself appears to have less impact on heart rate and blood pressure than THC in short-term, controlled studies.
Some studies have observed that CBD does not significantly change resting blood pressure and may blunt certain stress-related spikes in experimental settings.
However, long-term safety data on CBD and cardiovascular health are still limited.
“Safer” does not mean “safe for everyone,” especially for people who take multiple medications or have complex health histories.
CBD can still interact with some prescription drugs because of how it is processed in the liver.
For anyone with blood pressure or heart concerns, the decision to use CBD or THC should be made with input from a healthcare provider who understands your full medication list.
If your doctor says it is okay for you to consider CBD products, you can compare labeled CBD and THC levels across items on our online ordering page or at any High Society store listed on the locations page.
Is it safe to use weed if I already have high blood pressure?
Whether it is safe or not depends heavily on your individual health history, how well your blood pressure is controlled, and what other conditions or medications are in the mix.
For some people with mild, well-managed blood pressure, a healthcare provider might decide that limited cannabis use is acceptable with precautions.
For others with more serious cardiovascular disease, a doctor may strongly recommend avoiding cannabis altogether.
Because THC can raise heart rate and blood pressure in the short term, this is not a trivial decision for anyone with hypertension or heart disease.
If your clinician ultimately feels that cautious use could be appropriate, a “start low, go slow” approach to dosing is usually advised to avoid sudden large swings.
Only your healthcare provider can assess your specific risk level and give guidance tailored to you.
High Society encourages you to have that conversation first, and then, if you decide to use cannabis, to choose products thoughtfully using the information available on our online ordering page and in-store menus.
Does the way I consume cannabis change its effect on blood pressure?
Yes, the route of consumption can change how quickly and how strongly cannabis affects heart rate and blood pressure.
Smoked and vaped products deliver THC to the bloodstream quickly through the lungs, leading to a rapid onset of effects and sharp peaks in heart rate and blood pressure.
Edibles, capsules, and drinks must pass through the digestive system, so their effects take longer to start but often last longer.
With edibles, the slower onset can make it easier to accidentally take more than intended, which can lead to more intense cardiovascular responses when everything finally kicks in.
Other methods like tinctures, sublingual strips, or topicals may have different timing and systemic effects depending on how they are absorbed and formulated.
None of these routes is completely free of risk, but understanding onset, peak, and duration can help you plan more cautiously.
If you are comparing different formats, our online ordering page includes product descriptions that indicate how each type is typically used, and staff at our locations can explain basic differences in timing and potency.
Final Thoughts: What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Weed and Blood Pressure
Research on cannabis and blood pressure is growing, but there is still a lot we do not know.
We do know that THC-containing cannabis can temporarily raise heart rate and often raises blood pressure shortly after use, particularly while a person is sitting or lying down.
We also know that cannabis can cause blood pressure to drop when someone stands up, which can lead to dizziness or even fainting in some cases.
Over the long term, the best available evidence does not clearly show that cannabis use alone causes chronic hypertension in the general population.
At the same time, frequent cannabis use has been associated with higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and other vascular events in observational studies, even when resting blood pressure readings may not seem extreme.
Individual responses to cannabis vary a lot based on dose, THC potency, route of use, frequency, age, weight, other health conditions, and medications.
Because of that, there is no one-size-fits-all answer about what is “safe” for everyone.
What is clear is that adults should approach cannabis with a mindset of responsibility and moderation, especially when heart or blood-pressure issues are involved.
Anyone with known cardiovascular disease, a history of high or low blood pressure, or a complex medication list should consult their healthcare provider before using cannabis or changing how they use it.
If you are an Oklahoma medical cardholder and have questions about reading cannabis labels, understanding potency, or comparing product formats—not about medical treatment—the High Society team is here to help.
You can visit any of our state-licensed locations listed on the locations page or start by exploring our menus on the online ordering page, always with an emphasis on safe, informed, and legal adult use.
