Why Should I be Careful with Cannabis?
The effects of cannabis are proven to help treat those that battle anxiety, PTSD, depression, addiction, as well as decrease psychotic symptoms. As more and more states in America make cannabis legal for medicinal use, many individuals have switched out their prescription medications for medical marijuana to manage their symptoms without the overt risk of forming a dependence. It is good to keep in mind, however, that the effects of cannabis differ depending on a variety of factors.
Since marijuana is a psychoactive drug, there are a few things you’ll want to know before exploring cannabis use as a medical treatment to complement ongoing care. In fact, cannabis can have an unforeseen impact on those with underlying mental health disorders.
So, the main question is, how can cannabis affect people without the presenting conditions listed as criteria for receiving a medical marijuana card? More specifically, how does cannabis affect those who have mental health disorders?
What Can Go Wrong Using Cannabis?
A friend of mine used to smoke cannabis quite frequently to help him “chill out” after a long workday. He began to limit his consumption because it would put him in an altered mental state when he ingested too much. He mentioned that he experienced severe paranoia which had him questioning every detail of his life. After some time, he realized cannabis was not serving the purpose that he had aimed for. It left him feeling constantly low, unmotivated, and doubtful of his present and future.
He stopped smoking weed altogether until he felt he was ready to get back into it. When he decided to start using it again, he eased himself back in by limiting the amount and timeframe in which he smoked. Now having experienced the negative and positive effects of cannabis, he knows the fine line between a good time versus an experience that’ll take his mind places he doesn’t want it to go.
If and when abused, cannabis can serve the exact opposite purpose that you intended. There’s a fine line between getting a comfortable, relaxed high versus the high that has you suffering severe paranoia wondering if this life is even real. You have to find your groove and what works best for you. You might find that cannabis either isn’t for you or is the greatest experience you’ve ever had.
Can Cannabis be Medicinal?
Without consulting your doctor, using cannabis as medicine might not be good for you and the symptoms you’re looking to treat. Self-medicating with cannabis can worsen your symptoms if you’re not careful and especially if it is not prescribed by a licensed physician. That being said, medical marijuana, and even recreational marijuana from a dispensary, is not the same as the kind of weed you’d pick up from a local drug dealer. On average, recreational marijuana is known to have much higher levels of THC, whereas medical marijuana has a lower content. Not only does medical marijuana have lower levels of THC, but it also contains a higher level of CBD.
Why Should I Obtain Marijuana Through a Licensed Physician?
While marijuana purchased through a dispensary or prescription is regulated and controlled, the same cannot be said for marijuana acquired from a non-state-sanctioned provider, aka a drug dealer. In fact, people who get cannabis off the street have no way of knowing what is inside the drug — whether that be the THC/CBD levels or the potential of it being laced with other drugs.
Medical marijuana, since prescribed by doctors, goes through several different tests and requires supervision while being processed. It’s not a big leap to say that personally acquired cannabis does not go through the same process or care. It is best to consult a doctor if you’re looking to utilize cannabis for medicinal purposes, instead of purchasing it off the corner to avoid the uncertainty and risk of endangerment.
Are the Effects of CBD Safer than THC?
According to Scientific American, the scientific data “suggest(s) the possibility of the development of cannabis-based medicines for depression while simultaneously cautioning against the self-medicated use of cannabis for depression…two of the best-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). In general, THC has been shown to produce anxiety and psychotic features, especially at higher doses, whereas CBD has been shown to produce anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects.”
To clarify, while self-medicating with cannabis is not advised for those who suffer from depression, seeking out treatment with a licensed physician for medical-grade marijuana has been proven to help lessen depressive symptoms. The key point being any consumption of mind-altering drugs is safest under medical supervision.
Which Strain of Cannabis is Safer?
Essentially, if you struggle with any mental health disorders, CBD is definitely your friend. As stated above, CBD produces anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) and antipsychotic (treats symptoms of psychosis) effects, whereas THC can enhance these disorders. It is important to understand that not all cannabis concentrates or products are mind-altering. CBD is not mind-altering while THC is. That being said, both the medical applications of CBD and THC are supported by the medical community in the treatment of a myriad of conditions. For instance, while CBD can assist in the treatment of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, THC is best for easing physical symptoms such as insomnia and appetite loss.
Another factor to keep in mind is the level of potency. Depending on where your cannabis came from— a drug dealer being a rather questionable source— you won’t know how potent the effects of the cannabis will be until it’s already in your system. In cases such as this, the marijuana’s potency only reveals itself once it’s too late to do anything but wait out the overwhelming effects.
With that being said, the safest way to consume cannabis is under medical advisement that takes into account your current symptoms as well as any underlying conditions to avoid adverse interactions. As with all other medications, making an informed decision requires the proper self-education and the help of specialists to base your cannabis prescription on your medical and psychological history.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Effects of Cannabis
Studies show that the majority of marijuana users do not switch over to using harder substances. However, if you are surrounding yourself with people who are into harder drugs (heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, oxycodone, etc.), you might find yourself tempted or even guilted into trying them. Protect yourself in these cases. More times than not, these drugs are unsafe (unless used for medical purposes and consulted by a doctor).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a deadly marijuana overdose is unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean you should go and smoke a ton of weed and expect zero effects. Side effects can include, as mentioned above, paranoia, hallucinations, nausea, increase in blood pressure, panic, and anxiety. A marijuana overdose has never been recorded, but you can still experience some adverse symptoms.
Yes, taking edibles versus smoking weed is different. Edibles, filled with various ingredients, usually take longer for the weed to digest and flood through your system. This usually results in a delayed high. A danger factor in consuming edibles is that many become impatient waiting for the edible’s effects to take effect and often feel inclined to take more to speed up the process. Consuming more edibles (obviously) results in a higher dosage of THC, which can heighten the psychological effects including paranoia, hallucinations, and severe anxiety.
Typically, you don’t know how potent an edible is until it sits in your system for at least 30-45 minutes after consumption. On the other hand, smoking cannabis is quite a bit more straightforward. You have a better idea of how potent it is and you’re able to monitor the amount you’re ingesting.
As mentioned above, it is suggested that you do your research before using marijuana. Because of the psychoactive properties of THC, high-THC marijuana can cause emotional distress in those who react negatively due to underlying mental disorders. Think of it this way, alcohol is legal to consume for U.S. citizens 21+ (and even teenagers in other countries), but does that mean it’s 100% safe? Not even close.
In moderation, alcohol can cause minimal harm and moments of euphoria, but it can be incredibly detrimental to the body if and when abused. Just like all mind-altering drugs, overconsumption and abuse put the body’s organs under stress, leading to potential health risks. This is especially true in cases like alcohol in which the consumption is almost entirely unregulated (unless the bartender cuts you off for the night). This is why it’s best to consume marijuana within the scope of medical care so that your physical and mental health can be monitored should complications begin to arise.
Mixing any two drugs can be dangerous. Drinking alcohol and using cannabis at the same time— getting crossfaded as the youths say— can be incredibly dangerous depending on the amount ingested. The concoction is often dangerous as alcohol heightens the effects of cannabis. Many who consume the two drugs simultaneously experience the feeling of being “crossfaded” or “crossed”, which is a state of severe mental and physical impairment caused by the coinciding effects of both drugs. This can result in a much stronger high most are not used to. Everyone’s body is different though. Some might experience severe and/or uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, fatigue, and feeling lightheaded.
If you are considering mixing marijuana with your prescriptions, please consult a doctor before doing so. Everybody’s meds are different and not all will pair well with cannabis. Similarly, those who smoke marijuana and tobacco are at a greater chance of damaging their lungs and circulatory system.
How are the Effects of Cannabis Good for My Body?
The effects of cannabis can be a phenomenal treatment for numerous amounts of mental and physical health issues.
Benefits of medicinal cannabis can include:
- Assisting ongoing pain in the body
- Substitute for pain meds
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces anxiety
- Relaxation in the body and mind
- Better sleep
- Expands appetite
People find that cannabis is actually more helpful than the prescription drugs they’ve been on for years. Not only is it more efficient, but the side effects of cannabis are also less intense- no grogginess, fatigue, or stomach aches/headaches. Many individuals, young and old, have stated that they’ve thrown out their pain meds and are switching to cannabis-infused products. Imagine that!
After a long day, this is exactly what you look forward to when you walk in the door and sit on the couch- whether that be every day or every once in a while. It’s a therapeutic “drug” that has the ability to free the mind of stress and worry for the couple hours you’re experiencing the high, or longer.
Studies show that marijuana promotes better sleep at night. You know when you’re laying in bed and your thoughts are louder than your ceiling fan? Yep, that’s where cannabis kicks in and allows the mind and body to release and fall into a deep sleep.
Cannabis is a great remedy if you are someone that struggles with weight gain and are looking to stimulate your appetite. Ingesting cannabis products will make you hungry and give you “the munchies”.
If you’re looking for a new alternative for your mental and physical health issues, educate yourself (if you haven’t already) on the benefits and hazards of cannabis before opening yourself up to this method of medicating your body and mind.