Common Side Effects of Cannabis
For the Cannabis naive patient knowing ahead of time what some of the effects of using Cannabis are will greatly increase a positive experience. It is also good to know that for reasons that aren’t well understood, many people don’t feel effects the first time they use Cannabis.* It may take two or three times before the desired effects are felt.
Marijuana usually has a soothing and comforting effect on the mind. Moderate doses tend to induce a sense of well-being and a dreamy state of relaxation. Marijuana’s medicinal benefits affect the perception of pain, mood, hunger and muscle control.
Before getting started be sure to set aside some time in your schedule to potentially decrease the likelihood of an uncomfortable situation. It would also be beneficial to have a supportive person with you for assistance if necessary.
It is impossible to consume enough cannabis to produce a toxic effect in the body. Marijuana is known to be one of the safest medicines with relatively few side effects. However being aware of potential side effects can help you to use it more effectively. Remember, the side effects, if any, will go away with time.
At stronger doses some people do experience increased heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, nausea and dizziness. If this happens to you, there are several things you can do. Try to stay in an environment where you feel naturally comfortable. If you feel anxious, sit or lay down, breathe deeply, and relax. Try to focus on something other than your anxiousness. Watch television, listen to music, talk with a friend, or eating something may quickly reduce the feeling of anxiety. If you can, sleep. Sleep is the best thing for you at this point. Try to make yourself comfortable enough for you to fall asleep. The next time you use it try reducing your dosage or trying a different strain.
Many patients use marijuana to stimulate appetite. It also causes the feeling of a dry mouth and throat. If you are using marijuana to increase your appetite, plan dosing and administration times that coincide with meals. Remember the amount of time needed to feel the effects of cannabis depend on method of administration. If you experience dry mouth, try drinking water or juice. Avoid drinks that are inherently dehydrating like coffee and soft drinks. Hard candies and gum also help. If you wish to eat, eat good nourishing food rather than sweets.
Your eyes will get red. This does not hurt you. If you must go out in public and are concerned about redness, wear sunglasses or use eye drops.
If marijuana makes you sleepy, take a nap if you can and wish to. As with all medicines that can produce drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
Some strains are perfect to help you sleep. If you are looking for something for insomnia try using an Indica dominant strain. If you find that you can’t sleep after using marijuana, try reducing your dosage and avoid using it for about two hours or so before you want to sleep.
Sometimes people find it difficult to carry on a complicated conversation, keep track of details, or perform complex tasks. Coordination, balance and reaction times may also be affected. You should consider scheduling your time so that you don’t have to be concerned about these effects while going about your day, or choose a strain and amount that will allow you to participate to your greatest ability.
Many people find that things which normally don’t seem funny become quite amusing when they use marijuana. Most people enjoy this effect. If you must deal with situations where humor would be inappropriate, use your judgement and schedule your time so that you don’t have to deal with them when you are taking your medicine.
Remember, it is impossible, regardless of quantity or potency to overdose on Cannabis, and any/all side effects will go away with time.
* Excerpts taken from the ASA, Norml, and The Marijuana Medical Handbook