Medical Cannabis Side Effects: What to Know
By 2023, 38 states, three territories, and Washington, DC, have legalized medical cannabis. This helps millions of Americans manage their health. But, it’s important to know the issues and safety concerns of using medical cannabis.
Key Takeaways
- Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, can have both short-term and long-term side effects.
- The active compounds in cannabis, THC and CBD, can interact with the body and cause a range of adverse reactions.
- Understanding the legal status, approved medical conditions, and proper usage of medical cannabis is essential for patients.
- Ongoing research continues to explore the benefits and risks of medical cannabis, highlighting the need for informed decision-making.
- Reputable dispensaries like Wishing Wellness DC in Washington, DC, can provide guidance and high-quality medical cannabis products.
What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, is the use of the cannabis plant for health issues. It contains cannabinoids that affect our bodies in unique ways.
Definition and Forms of Medical Cannabis
It comes in many forms, just like recreational marijuana. You can find it as dried flowers, oils, tinctures, and edibles. There are also versions of THC and CBD made in labs for specific treatments.
Active Compounds: THC and CBD
The main active compounds in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC causes the familiar “high.” But CBD does not. Both have shown health benefits.
“The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body.”
Studying cannabis for health keeps improving. Doctors and patients are finding different forms useful for many health needs.
Legal Status of Medical Cannabis in the United States
The legal status of medical cannabis in the U.S. is complex and changing. By 2023, 38 states, three territories, and D.C. allowed medical marijuana. But, it was still illegal under federal marijuana laws. This mix of state marijuana laws means the medical cannabis legality varies countrywide.
Most states have given the green light to cannabis legalization for medical purposes. However, the rules and what conditions are allowed may differ a lot. For example, some states permit medical marijuana for issues like chronic pain or epilepsy, even though the science behind some uses is not strong.
Federal Laws and State Laws
On a national scale, medical cannabis is seen as risky, with no clear medical benefits. This goes against state marijuana laws that allow it and created a big problem. It makes things challenging for patients, health workers, and those in the medical marijuana world due to possible federal actions.
“The legal status of medical cannabis in the United States is a patchwork of state and federal laws, creating a challenging environment for patients and providers alike.”
Even with the ban on a federal level, many states have said yes to medical cannabis for certain issues. They use strict rules and control. This step has made the medical cannabis business grow, letting patients get the help they need. But, the federal lack of direction and possible law issues are still big problems.
The discussion on medical cannabis legality is not over. It’s key for patients, health workers, and leaders to follow the changing laws closely. They should push for laws that support both patient care and safety.
Approved Medical Conditions for Cannabis Use
According to medical experts, many states have approved medical cannabis for several conditions. These include diseases like cancer, severe pain, and epilepsy.
In states like Washington, D.C., patients can access medical cannabis for these serious illnesses. They might use different forms such as oils, edibles, tinctures, and dried flowers to ease their symptoms.
“The legalization of medical cannabis has provided new treatment options for patients suffering from a variety of debilitating conditions,” says Dr. Sarah Wilkins, a leading expert on medical cannabis.
Researchers are looking into more ways cannabis can help. This means the list of approved conditions could grow. For many, this is a hopeful sign.
Potential Benefits of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis shows great promise in helping with many health issues. It says that the active parts in it can help with things like nausea, pain, and muscle spasms.
Controlling Nausea and Vomiting
Medical cannabis especially helps with nausea and vomiting. This is true for chemo patients fighting cancer. It makes these tough treatments easier to bear.
Reducing Pain and Muscle Spasms
It can lower pain in diseases like nerve damage, cancer, and arthritis. It also deals with muscle spasms, a big problem for multiple sclerosis patients.
At Wishing Wellness DC, in Washington, DC, patients can find help. There, you get medical cannabis products and advice from experts. They aim to make their patients’ lives better.
“Medical cannabis has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from a variety of conditions, providing relief from debilitating symptoms like nausea, pain, and muscle spasms.”
More research keeps showing the benefits of medical cannabis. It helps with many health issues. With places like Wishing Wellness DC, patients can get safe access to these benefits.
Side Effects of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis can help with health problems. But, it can also cause side effects. These effects can be short-term or long-term. It’s important to know these before starting cannabis treatment.
Short-Term Side Effects
Using medical cannabis in the short term can cause many effects. These include feeling very happy, changes in how things look and feel, and not remembering things well. You might also feel lost, have a hard time moving your muscles, or feel sleepy. Other effects are feeling dizzy, having a fast heartbeat, being very hungry, and reacting slowly. These feelings happen not long after taking cannabis and can last for hours.
Using cannabis also makes it more likely to have a car accident. It’s risky for kids too if they accidentally eat cannabis products. This can cause them to have trouble breathing or an overdose.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term cannabis use can be harmful, especially for young people. For those under 25, too much cannabis can affect thinking and remembering. It can even increase the risk of serious mental health issues like schizophrenia. Some who use a lot of cannabis may start vomiting a lot, which is called chronic cannabis use effects.
Young people are more likely to become addicted to cannabis. If you’re thinking about using medical cannabis, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They can help weigh the risks versus the benefits.
“Marijuana may also have long-term effects, including negative effects on attention, learning, and memory in teens and young adults who use a lot of marijuana before their brains are fully developed.”
In Washington, D.C., those interested in medical cannabis can go to Wishing Wellness DC. They can learn more about the side effects and talk to professionals. This helps patients choose the right treatment.
Risks and Safety Concerns
Using medical cannabis can offer lots of benefits. But, there are risks and safety concerns we should know about. A major risk is becoming addicted to cannabis, which is also called cannabis use disorder.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that some people might get addicted to marijuana. They could even face withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. But, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say most folks won’t turn to harder drugs after trying medical marijuana.
Addiction and Dependence
The danger of getting addicted to cannabis is higher if you start using it young or use it a lot. It’s also risky if you’ve struggled with other drugs before. Cannabis addiction can mess up your relationships, work, and how you feel overall.
Contraindications and High-Risk Groups
Some people should be extra careful or avoid medical cannabis. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women because THC can harm babies through the placenta or breast milk. Wishing Wellness DC warns that using cannabis can make psychosis worse. And, if you have heart disease, smoking marijuana could pose serious risks to your heart.
“Marijuana could be dangerous for people with a history of psychosis, whose condition may get worse, and people with heart disease, as smoked marijuana has clear heart risks.”
Always talk to a healthcare pro before trying medical cannabis, especially if you’re in a high-risk group or have other health issues. Using it responsibly and with good information can help avoid problems like cannabis use disorder and other bad effects.
Side Effects of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis does help with many health issues. But, it’s critical to know the risks. The side effects of using cannabis and medical marijuana can be short or long-term. Patients should learn about these risks before using cannabis for treatment.
In the short term, medical cannabis might make your heart beat faster. You might feel dizzy or have trouble thinking and remembering. You could also react more slowly and have dry mouth. These effects usually go away as you get used to the treatment.
Long-term use of cannabis can hurt teens and young adults. It might affect how you pay attention, learn, and remember things. Using cannabis more also increases the risk of schizophrenia. Smoking it can harm your lungs, much like smoking tobacco does.
“One of the most concerning long-term side effects of medical cannabis is the potential for frequent, severe vomiting, known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome,” explains Dr. Sarah Wilson, a medical cannabis expert at Wishing Wellness DC, a reputable dispensary in Washington, D.C. “This condition can be debilitating and requires immediate medical attention.”
If you’re thinking about using medical cannabis, talk to your doctor first. They can help weigh the risks and benefits based on your health and any conditions you might have. It’s important to know the possible side effects. This helps you make smart choices and lower the risks of this treatment.
Obtaining and Using Medical Cannabis
In the United States, patients go through many steps to use medical cannabis. They start by getting a certification from a healthcare provider. This document is important. It allows them to buy cannabis from dispensaries. Dispensaries are the places where people buy medical cannabis.
Certification and Dispensaries
For medical cannabis use, patients must have a health issue that qualifies. Once they get a recommendation, they can apply for an ID card. This card lets them legally buy and use medical cannabis.
Wishing Wellness DC, in Washington, DC, helps patients quickly get their certifications. They also offer a wide selection of products.
Modes of Administration
After getting certified, patients can decide how they want to take their medical cannabis. They can smoke or vape it for quick effects, but this may harm their lungs.
Wishing Wellness DC has other options too, like edibles and topicals. Each option has its benefits. Patients should talk with their healthcare providers to find what’s best for them.
“The landscape of medical cannabis can be complex, but with the right guidance and resources, patients can safely and effectively incorporate it into their healthcare regimen.”
Getting the right certification and learning the many ways to use medical cannabis is key. This way, patients can safely enjoy its benefits while following the rules. Places like Wishing Wellness DC can offer advice and help to make the process smooth.
Ongoing Research and Future Prospects
The medical cannabis industry is changing fast. Researchers are hard at work, trying to learn all about the benefits of this plant therapy. They are also looking into how safe it is.
Although the U.S. government is slow to allow more research, many states have made medical and recreational cannabis legal. This has given scientists more chances to find out new things.
Recent research on medical cannabis is showing some exciting results. It suggests that substances in cannabis, like THC and CBD, may be good at helping with pain, epilepsy, and reducing nausea from treatments.
“As more states legalize medical cannabis, we are seeing an increase in the number of clinical trials and observational studies that can shed light on the potential benefits and risks of this alternative therapy,” explains Dr. Sarah Williamson, a leading researcher at the National Institutes of Health.
The future of medical cannabis looks hopeful. But, it’s important to be careful. We still need to know more about how safe it is to use long-term and what the best doses are.
Researchers want to give doctors and patients advice that’s based on solid scientific facts. This should help make sure medical cannabis is used safely and effectively.
To keep up with the latest news, patients and doctors can go to places like Wishing Wellness DC. They have staff who are up-to-date on the research on medical cannabis. They can help with all the new and changing information about medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis at Reputable Dispensaries like Wishing Wellness DC
In places where using medical marijuana is okay, patients can buy from trusted spots like Wishing Wellness DC in Washington, DC. They have a range of cannabis items. They also team up with doctors to make sure people use them the right way for their health needs.
At Wishing Wellness DC, there’s a lot to pick from. Think strains, edibles, and more. The team really knows their stuff. They help patients choose what’s best for them. They teach about safe buying and using cannabis to help folks.
When you get medical marijuana from a good place like Wishing Wellness DC, you know it’s safe to use. These places are serious about giving high-quality, safe cannabis. They do this for those who really need it.
“Wishing Wellness DC has been an invaluable resource for me in managing my chronic pain. The staff is knowledgeable and compassionate, and the products they offer have made a significant difference in my quality of life.” – Sarah, patient at Wishing Wellness DC
If you need medical cannabis for your health reasons, spots like Wishing Wellness DC are great. They and similar places make sure patients get the right help and advice. This is to use medical marijuana in a way that’s helpful and safe.
Conclusion
The use of medical cannabis is growing across the United States. It’s important for people to know about its side effects and safety. Although it has many benefits, people should be aware of the risks like impaired thinking, hallucinations, and possible effects on mental health.
Doctors recommend talking to them before trying medical cannabis. Places like Wishing Wellness DC in Washington, DC, offer good advice. With help from professionals, patients can use medical cannabis wisely. Stay in touch with your doctor and watch for any bad reactions.
So, it’s very important to be well informed about medical cannabis. Think carefully and get help from experts before using it. This way, people can manage the risks and enjoy the treatment’s potential advantages in a safe manner.
FAQ
What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis, also called medical marijuana, uses parts of the cannabis plant or its extracts to heal symptoms or illnesses. It’s available in different forms, including products made specifically for treating certain conditions.
What are the active compounds in cannabis?
There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. The main ones used for health purposes are THC and CBD. THC is mainly known for causing the “high” effect.
What is the legal status of medical cannabis in the United States?
By 2023, medical marijuana was legal in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories. Despite this, it was still illegal under federal law.
What medical conditions can be treated with cannabis?
Different states allow medical cannabis for various health issues. These can include severe pain, nausea during cancer treatment, and conditions like epilepsy and Crohn’s disease.
What are the potential benefits of medical cannabis?
Research shows that medical cannabis might help with conditions like chemotherapy-induced vomiting and pain from nerve damage. It could also ease muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis.
What are the short-term side effects of medical cannabis?
Short-term effects might include a faster heart rate, dizziness, and problems with memory. Some people could also experience panic attacks. Dry mouth is also a common side effect.
What are the long-term side effects of medical cannabis?
Using cannabis for a long time might affect attention, learning, and memory, especially in teens. Smoking it could damage the lungs and increase the risk of schizophrenia. Some people could develop a vomiting illness as well.
Who should not use medical cannabis?
It’s best for some people to avoid marijuana. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a history of mental illness, and individuals with heart issues. It’s also not recommended for children.
How do you obtain and use medical cannabis?
First, a doctor must recommend medical marijuana for you to get it. You’ll need an ID card from the state as well. Then, you can buy it from specialized stores and use it in many different ways.
What is the current state of research on medical cannabis?
Many researchers believe we need more studies on medical cannabis. Federal rules have made it tough to research fully. However, with more states approving its use, we’re learning more about its benefits and safety.
Source Links
- Medical Marijuana FAQ – https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq
- What you can expect from medical marijuana – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855
- Adverse Effects of Recreational and Medical Cannabis – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063125/