Cannabis use entails potential risks like psychological effects (anxiety, impaired cognition), addiction, impaired coordination, and respiratory issues. It can also impact memory and lead to Cannabis Use Disorder. Cannabis may also interact with medications making it even more important to talk through any other medications you are taking with your doctor when considering medicinal cannabis. Individual experiences vary, depending on many factors, but some potential side effects include confusion, cough, and dizziness.
Using medicinal cannabis, like all prescription medications, carries some potential risks. These risks vary depending on the individual, the method of consumption, and the type of medicinal cannabis product being used. It’s therefore vital to use cannabis responsibly and discuss potential risks with your doctor.
Some potential psychological side effects of cannabis use include anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and impaired cognitive function. These effects may be more pronounced in higher THC doses or in people who are susceptible to them. THC can also impair judgment, coordination, reaction times, and motor skills, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially when driving or operating heavy machinery.
Cannabis use can also lead to addiction and dependence, although the risk is relatively low compared to other substances. This is known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), and is characterized by problematic cannabis use, cravings, and difficulty controlling use.
In the long term, smoking cannabis can irritate the respiratory system and lead to respiratory problems, similar to tobacco smoking. It is also possible that regular and heavy cannabis use, especially during adolescence, may negatively impact memory, learning, and cognitive development.
Cannabis may interact with certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications.
Everyone experiences cannabis differently, and some people may experience adverse side effects. Some potential side effects include cognitive distortion, confusion, convulsions, coughs, depression, diarrhea, dissociation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, feeling dissatisfied, feeling high, fever, hallucinations, headache, increased or decreased appetite, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, paranoia, psychosis, and vertigo.
