Medical Cannabis Side Effects Nobody Talks About

The primary reason why the lesser-known side effects of medical cannabis are less frequently discussed is that, as of March 2019, medical cannabis products are available only under strictly controlled conditions in the UK via the NHS. As a result, the focus of the prescribing process is primarily on the potential benefits of the product, and secondarily on who is eligible to receive them.

However, as with all medications, medical cannabis will likely produce side effects, and while these side effects are not always obvious, understanding what they are will allow patients to take an active role in determining whether medical cannabis is the right choice for them.

Changes to Cognitive Function

One of the least discussed side effects of medical cannabis, especially those products that contain THC (the psychoactive ingredient), is its effect on cognitive function. Patients who are using cannabis products containing THC may find that they have a slightly diminished ability to react quickly to situations, have decreased short-term memory, and have difficulty focusing on one task at a time. While many of these symptoms are typically mild enough that the patient may not recognize that their cognitive functioning is affected, they can still cause problems for the patient in performing daily tasks, including driving, completing homework assignments, or working at a job that requires concentration.

Changes in Emotional State (Blunting & Motivation)

There are reports of patients experiencing a flatness of emotions or a lack of motivation over time. This is not a common symptom experienced by all patients, and it is typically reported to be more prevalent among individuals who consume cannabis products that contain a significant amount of THC, compared to CBD-dominant products. The difference between a blunted emotional state and depression or anxiety is that the former can develop slowly over a prolonged period of time, making it difficult for the individual to recognize the change in their emotional state.

Disruption to Sleep Architecture

Despite the widespread use of cannabis to treat insomnia, it has been shown to disrupt normal sleep architecture. Studies indicate that THC can reduce the amount of REM sleep (the stage of sleep that includes dreaming and emotional processing). If this disruption continues over a prolonged period of time, patients may begin to wake-up feeling less rested than they would normally.

Effects on Gastrointestinal System and Appetite

A well-documented side effect of consuming cannabis is increased appetite. On the other hand, cannabis can also produce gastrointestinal distress in some individuals. Some patients may experience nausea, bloat, or irregular eating habits. Although extremely rare, long term heavy use of cannabis has been linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting.

Uncommon Side Effects of Medical Cannabis

There are several side effects of medical cannabis that are either not well understood or are not commonly recognized by patients:

• Mild Dizziness or Postural Light-Headedness;
• Dry Mouth and Eyes; Affecting Comfort and Oral Health;
• Increased Heart Rate Immediately Following Use;
• Decrease in Sensitivity to Emotions or Stress Tolerance;
• Delayed Onset of Symptoms Due to Oils or Capsules.

Why Do These Side Effects Matter?

Because cannabis is typically prescribed to individuals in the UK only after their treating physician has exhausted all other treatment options, the medical community needs to provide accurate information regarding the potential side effects of the treatment. Issues related to side effects can be resolved through adjusting doses, modifying the THC/CBD ratio, or changing the delivery method of the medication. All of this must happen with the support of the patient’s doctor.

Medical cannabis is not completely safe, and it is certainly not entirely harmless – it is a treatment option that should be viewed with realistic expectations and caution. By providing a complete and accurate picture of the potential side effects of medical cannabis, patients can make better and more informed decisions, along with their physicians.

We appreciate your interest in our updates regarding cannabis news and research findings, as well as our honest conversations regarding medical marijuana in the UK.