Understanding Side Effects of Medical Cannabis

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Weed and health

Many people now know that medical cannabis can be helpful for a variety of conditions ranging from chronic pain to epilepsy. Although the use of medical cannabis is becoming more widespread, it is important to understand the side effects in order to make an informed decision for your health.

Common Side Effects

When cannabis is used for medicinal purposes, it can cause both short-term and long-term reactions from both the body and the mind. There are many different options for dosing (size), delivery method, cannabis strain, and effects that are largely driven by individual patient factors, including tolerance and metabolism. The most common side effects of cannabis: dry mouth, red eyes, munchies (increased appetite), altered mental status (temporary changes in thinking), and higher-order cognitive effects. The side effects of medical marijuana will typically be mild and temporary, and most users will not report significant impact in their day-to-day lives; yet any of them can be important to the functioning of a patient.

Cognitive and Psychological Effects

Medical cannabis side effects are typically related to cognitive functions. Generally, end-users may experience:

Short-term memory loss
Altered time experience (slowed perception of time)
Decreased level of concentration
Delayed response to stimuli
Alteration in mood (happy; anxiety)

These cognitive side effects will affect many of the tasks that we perform (driving, working, etc.) that require mental alertness and actively attending to safety in decision-making.

Cardiovascular Effects

Cardiovascular changes are among the most common side effects of medical cannabis experiences shared by the vast majority of users. When cannabis is introduced into the body, heart rate can temporarily increase. Blood pressure can potentially drop or rise. In the case of patients with pre-existing heart conditions, these effects would require careful monitoring and would be prudent for a discussion with a healthcare provider prior to initiating medical cannabis therapy.

Respiratory Effects

Medical cannabis, when inhaled, has the potential to irritate and damage the respiratory tract. While cannabis smoke is different than tobacco smoke, and contains different components, cannabis smoke still contains particulates that may affect pulmonary health with regular use. Other methods of administration, like vaporization, oils, or weed edibles, may reduce the respiratory side effects of cannabis, though each method of delivery has its own array of considerations.

Tolerance, and Dependency Issues

Long-term use of medical cannabis can lead to a commonly experienced tolerance; as patients use medical cannabis regularly, they may require larger amounts of the product for the therapeutic effect. Patients may experience other side effects, such as physical dependence (and withdrawal) when they stop using medical cannabis, that should be considered in treatment plans with their medical provider.

Individual Susceptibility Factors

Not all individuals experience side effects from medical cannabis equally. A person’s age, body weight, genetics, and use of medications at the same time are all factors that can affect an individual’s response to treatment. This variability highlights the need for individualized dosing and follow-up every time the patient visits the clinic. Healthcare professionals’ recommendation for beginning low doses of product, and working up, is beneficial because it may also assist the patient in determining the minimum necessary dose for therapeutic use, as well as minimizing adverse reactions. Ready to experience the medical benefits of cannabis or just want to consume top-quality cannabis recreationally? Well, look no further than Canna City. Check out our strains and make your order today at our website premium cannabis products in the UK!

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