Patient question · asked by Anonymous reader · October 4, 2026
Does cannabis help with vasodilation? | CED Clinic
Does ingesting cannabis nano emulsions effect nitric oxide production
Patient question: Does ingesting cannabis nano emulsions effect nitric oxide production? We do not currently have human studies showing that cannabis nanoemulsions directly increase or decrease nitric oxide production. Cannabinoids themselves may influence nitric oxide signaling, with CBD showing evidence of supporting endothelial nitric oxide pathways while also reducing excessive inflammatory nitric oxide production.
The short answer
Dr. Caplan & CED Research Response
We do not currently have human studies showing that cannabis nanoemulsions directly increase or decrease nitric oxide production. Cannabinoids themselves may influence nitric oxide signaling, with CBD showing evidence of supporting endothelial nitric oxide pathways while also reducing excessive inflammatory nitric oxide production. Nanoemulsions mainly change how quickly and efficiently cannabinoids are absorbed, which could theoretically alter the magnitude or timing of those effects. At present, however, any specific effect of cannabis nanoemulsions on nitric oxide remains unproven.
A closer lookWhy the answer is what it is
Cannabinoids can influence nitric oxide signaling, but the effect depends on the cannabinoid, the tissue, and the biological context. Nitric oxide produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) helps blood vessels relax and supports normal vascular function. Laboratory studies suggest CBD can enhance this endothelial nitric oxide pathway, while also reducing excessive nitric oxide production from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which is more commonly associated with inflammation.
Human evidence is more limited. Small clinical studies of oral CBD have reported improvements in measures of vascular function such as flow-mediated dilation, which is partly dependent on nitric oxide, but these studies did not directly demonstrate increased nitric oxide production. Research involving oral THC has similarly not established a consistent effect on endothelial nitric oxide.
Nanoemulsion technology primarily changes how cannabinoids are absorbed. By dispersing cannabinoids into very small droplets, some nanoemulsion formulations can produce faster absorption, higher peak blood concentrations, or greater overall bioavailability than conventional oils. In theory, this could change the timing or magnitude of any cannabinoid-related effect on nitric oxide signaling.
However, no human studies have directly shown that ingesting a cannabis nanoemulsion increases or decreases nitric oxide production. At this point, it is more accurate to say that nanoemulsions may alter cannabinoid exposure, while their specific effect on nitric oxide remains unknown.
The evidence
The study behind this answer
Verified on PubMed
Cannabidiol causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via CB1 activation
PubMed 26092099
Read the abstract as published
AIMS: The protective effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been widely shown in preclinical models and have translated into medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. However, the direct vascular effects of CBD in humans are unknown.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Using wire myography, the vascular effects of CBD were assessed in human mesenteric arteries, and the mechanisms of action probed pharmacologically. CBD-induced intracellular signalling was characterized using human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). CBD caused acute, non-recoverable vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries with an Rmax of ∼ 40%. This was inhibited by cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) receptor antagonists, desensitization of transient receptor potential channels using capsaicin, removal of the endothelium, and inhibition of potassium efflux. There was no role for cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) receptor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ, the novel endothelial cannabinoid receptor (CBe), or cyclooxygenase. CBD-induced vasorelaxation was blunted in males, and in patients with type 2 diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. In HAECs, CBD significantly reduced phosphorylated JNK, NFκB, p70s6 K and STAT5, and significantly increased phosphorylated CREB, ERK1/2, and Akt levels. CBD also increased phosphorylated eNOS (ser1177), which was correlated with increased levels of ERK1/2 and Akt levels. CB1 receptor antagonism prevented the increase in eNOS phosphorylation.
CONCLUSION: This study shows, for the first time, that CBD causes vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via activation of CB1 and TRP channels, and is endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent.
Abstract text as indexed by PubMed for this identifier.
In practice
What this study does and does not change
This study does not change clinical practice for medical cannabis clinics.
A physician's read of the cited study, as it appears on that study's page.
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Reviewed by Dr. Caplan on October 4, 2026.
This answer is general education. It is not medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. For care specific to you, book a consultation. In an emergency, call 911.