Harmful Effects of Cannabis: What Science Says?
While cannabis has the potential to provide numerous benefits as both an active ingredient in medicinal applications and as a recreational substance, it contains potential dangers such as all psychoactive substances. Understanding the adverse effects of cannabis will help consumers make well-informed choices about how to responsibly consume cannabis, and recognize when their use of cannabis is affecting their overall health. Below is an extensive overview of the known adverse effects of cannabis use from a scientific perspective. These adverse effects are categorized by type into two categories: short term effects and long term effects.
Adverse Short Term Effects of Cannabis
The adverse effects of cannabis can vary based on multiple factors including: dosage; the user’s level of tolerance; the strength of the THC content in the product being used; and whether the cannabis is consumed via vaping, smoking or edible form. Consumers who have used cannabis occasionally may also find they experience undesirable short term effects.
Many users of cannabis find themselves experiencing one or several of the short term effects listed below:
- Impaired coordination (THC impacts motor control, reaction time, and balance).
- Short term memory problems (Difficulty focusing, difficulty retaining information).
- Paranoia/Anxiety: particularly with higher THC strains, or with people who are more susceptible to paranoia/anxiety.
- Red eyes/Dry mouth: Both common physical effects without any adverse consequences.
- Increased heart rate: May present a problem for people suffering with heart disease.
- Perceptual distortion: Perception of time altered and/or increased sensitivity to senses.
There are also a small number of users of cannabis that will experience:
- Sudden onset panic attacks.
- Nausea: particularly at high doses.
- Hallucinations: usually experienced with high potency products.
These short term adverse effects typically resolve on their own within 1-3 hours for smoking/vaping and 4-8 hours for ingesting.
Adverse Long Term Effects of Cannabis
Heavy or regular use of cannabis can result in lasting alterations to physical and mental health.
Psychological Considerations
Developing dependence/cannabis use disorder: Approximately 9-12% of those who use cannabis may become dependent.
- Decline of motivation: Many frequent users note decreased energy/productivity.
- Intensifying anxiety/depression: For those who are already anxious or depressed, THC can exacerbate these feelings.
- Psychosis: Although the incidence of psychosis in cannabis users is lower than previously thought, there is a greater risk in those genetically predisposed to schizophrenia and severe mental illness.
Cognitive Changes
Heavy long term use of cannabis, especially during adolescence, may negatively impact:
- Working memory.
- Learning.
- Attention.
Physiological Changes
- Similar to tobacco smoke, smoking cannabis causes lung irritation.
- Cigarette smokers are also at risk of chronic bronchitis (coughing, mucus production, and irritation of airways).
- THC elevates heart rate and may therefore have implications for cardiovascular health.
Potential Dangers of High Potent Cannabis Products
Due to advancements in cannabis production methods, the current generation of cannabis products contain much higher concentrations of THC than did previous generations of cannabis products.
Possible Concerns:
- Increased likelihood of anxiety or panic.
- Increased level of impairment.
- Increased risk of becoming dependent.
- Increased severity of withdrawal symptoms (sleeplessness, irritability, and changes in appetite).
Consumers may be able to mitigate some of the adverse effects using a combination of CBD rich strains.
Adverse Effects of Consuming Edible Cannabis
Cannabis edibles produce a unique effect due to the way in which THC is metabolized through the liver.
Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis edibles including:
- Delayed onset of effects (typically 30-120 minutes), leading to accidental over-consumption.
- Extended duration of intoxication: The effects of cannabis may last 6-12 hours.
- High concentration of THC per dose: A very small amount of a product can contain a high amount of THC.
- It is crucial to clearly label edible products and use caution when determining the dose.
Impairment and Increased Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Cannabis significantly impairs:
- Reaction Time.
- Attention.
- Decision Making.
- Awareness of Environment.
As such, operating a vehicle under the influence of cannabis substantially increases the risk of accident and is prohibited in virtually every jurisdiction. Furthermore, THC can remain detectable in saliva for anywhere between 6-48 hours depending upon the frequency and amount of use.
Populations That Should Not Consume Cannabis
There are certain populations of individuals that should refrain from consuming cannabis as it may cause them undue harm.
Populations that should not consume cannabis include:
- Pregnant/Breastfeeding women.
- Individuals with a history of psychosis/severe mental illness.
- Those with a pre-existing heart condition.
- Minors (adolescents) – Their brains continue to develop.
- Individuals taking prescription medications that interact with either THC or CBD.
- Healthcare professionals should be consulted regarding potential health-related issues.
Reducing the Risks of Adverse Effects
By engaging in responsible use of cannabis, the risks associated with cannabis can be minimized.
- Users should start with low amounts and then increase.
- Use a CBD-balanced strain to decrease the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and paranoia.
- Try to limit use to once a day or less – consider taking breaks from using cannabis to prevent developing tolerance.
- Vaporizing or ingesting cannabis products may offer fewer risks than smoking cannabis products as far as lung irritation is concerned.
- Do not combine cannabis with alcohol or other drugs.
- Only use cannabis from reliable and tested sources to ensure safety against contamination.
Conclusion
Cannabis can be enjoyed and therapeutic, however, it is not completely risk free. Understanding the short-term and long-term adverse effects of cannabis allows users to be mindful and responsible when consuming cannabis. Informed users will be better equipped to enjoy the benefits of cannabis while minimizing its potential risks.
Discover more cannabis news and information in our blog.