Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the well-known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you feel “high.”

Cannabinoids affect your endocannabinoid system, which works to keep the body in an even state, or homeostasis. When the body gets out of whack with inflammation or disease, CBD may give your endocannabinoid system a boost to do its job as a body regulator.

CBD has been getting a lot of buzz recently, showing up in products like oils, salves, gummies, and lotions. It’s been touted as a substance that can have a positive effect on conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and even heart disease.

While some research and anecdotal evidence does show that CBD can have health benefits, the reality is that research on CBD is still in its infancy — there’s a lot we don’t know.

Furthermore, over the counter (OTC) CBD products aren’t currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The only condition CBD has been approved to treat is epilepsy, in the form of the drug Epidiolex.

So, given these caveats, should you try CBD if your goal is to treat or prevent heart disease? Read on to find out what the research says.

What the research says about CBD and heart disease

CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties may be able to reduce risk factors that can lead to heart disease, like high blood pressure. It may also be able to reduce the risk of related conditions, like stroke.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for hypertensive heart disease. Your blood pressure can rise under stress, but some research suggests a dose of CBD can lessen that spike.

In a 2009 study, rats were subjected to a stressful situation that caused their blood pressure and heart rate to increase. A dose of CBD lowered both their blood pressure and heart rate.

In a 2017 study, healthy human volunteers were subjected to stress and then given a dose of CBD. The CBD lowered their blood pressure, as compared to volunteers given a placebo.

So, while more research is needed to say for sure, CBD may be useful in lowering blood pressure and heart rate under stress.

However, a 2017 review of 25 studies found that there’s no evidence that CBD provides similar results under non-stressful conditions. Talk to your doctor before using CBD if you have high blood pressure.

Stroke

Heart disease increases your risk of stroke. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. A blood vessel in the brain can also burst, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.

A 2010 review found that CBD may help protect stroke patients from brain damage and even aid recovery by boosting brain function.

A 2017 review also concluded that CBD increased cerebral blood flow during a stroke. However, it’s important to note that these reviews focused on animal studies. More research is needed to determine whether these findings also apply to humans.

How to Use CBD 

CBD comes in many forms, like transdermal CBD Patches, CBD oils, CBD Capsules and topical CBD skin care products. Taking CBD sublingually, or putting it under your tongue, is an easy and effective way to ingest it.

Always start out with a small dose of CBD if you choose to try it. Then, if you choose to increase, add to your dose slowly. A good rule of thumb is to try a very small dose when taking CBD for the first time or when switching to a new CBD product. Increase the dose by no more than 5 to 10 milligrams at a time — as long as you don’t have any negative side effects.