One of the first things that prospective medical patients should understand are the risks and side effects associated with cannabis use. This article will attempt to outline these negative outcomes and supply some additional reading on the topic. Please check out the article we’re linking, as it is a very well researched piece on the topic and goes into more depth than what is stated here.
A majority of side effects are produced via the cannabinoid known as delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCTHC is the most famous cannabinoid and is psychoactive. TH...). These side effects include:
-Euphoria/dysphoria
-Altered senses (e.g. seeing brighter colors)
-Altered sense of time
-Changes in mood
-Impaired movement and coordination
-Impaired memory
-Difficulty with focus and/or problem solving
-Tachycardia (elevated heart rate)
-Nausea
-Anxiety
-Paranoia
When taking high doses of THCTHC is the most famous cannabinoid and is psychoactive. TH..., patients may also suffer from:
-Hallucinations
-Delusions
-Psychosis
The patient should take special note of tachycardia. Elevated heart rates are associated with an increased chance of heart attack. Although this was derived from a limited study, caution is advised. If you have or suspect any heart issues, seek specific counseling from your doctor.
THCTHC is the most famous cannabinoid and is psychoactive. TH... also acts as a vasodilator, which can cause changes in blood pressure and temporarily affect blood flow to the brain. This effect is stronger in some more than others and has been known to cause users to pass-out. While there are no real long term effects from passing out, danger does arise if the patient takes a nasty fall after losing consciousness. With this in mind, there has been one documented death from a patient user fainting and striking their head. This lead to eventual death due to head trauma.
Risks associated with inhalation
The remaining (known) risks primarily have to do with inhaling cannabis. Inhalation is the fastest way of getting cannabinoids into your system. These compounds are absorbed through the lung tissue and go straight to the heart and brain. This is a great way to realize the therapeutic value of cannabis. However, it can also be overwhelming and may lead to over-medication. You’ll know when this happens.
Furthermore, the burned cannabis used in inhalation produces smoke and fumes that are known to aggravate sensitive lung tissues. This will produce a cough and tightness in the chest which may persist for a short time. However, THCTHC is the most famous cannabinoid and is psychoactive. TH... is a bronchial dilator, so very soon your airways will relax. As such, inhaled cannabis has been used to thwart acute asthma attacks. That said, there are safer ways to accomplish this effect other than through inhalation.
Chronic long term smoking is associated with the development of chronic bronchitis. Despite many studies there has yet to be a proven link between the inhalation of cannabis with emphysema, COPD, lung cancer, or any other conditions commonly associated with tobacco smoking. That said, caution is advised before selecting inhalation as your consumption method of choice.
Further reading:
National Institute for Drug Abuse
Healer.com