5 Brief Explanations for Common Marijuana Side Effects
Marijuana has been utilized for thousands of years. Today, accessing it legally in the United States is much easier. There is also increasing research on strains, benefits, and side effects. For many people, there are benefits to using marijuana.
For years, the harmful components of marijuana were overstated and used to hold back research. This should not be the case; you should always consider the negatives and benefits. That being said, being aware of potential side effects is always essential.
Before discussing the potential side effects of marijuana use, it is important to note that this research is ongoing. As this area becomes de-stigmatized, more research should continue. Researchers should continue their research using larger populations over extended periods to solidify data. Only then can they solidify more facts regarding ongoing cannabis side effects.
At this time, the two side effects that are the most prevalent and well-documented are the cardiovascular and cognitive side effects.
1. The Cardiovascular Side Effects
People who use marijuana are at an increased risk of experiencing multiple cardiovascular conditions. These risks increase with the frequency and number of years of use. This means that it is less likely for a person who only tries it once or twice to experience these side effects. However, it is possible depending on the marijuana used, intake method, and the user’s health history.
Marijuana use can increase both the heart rate and blood pressure of people who intake it. It increases both because THC activates the sympathetic nervous system. For most users, these are mild and are the only cardiovascular side effects they experience.
Both of these side effects can be mild, but they can also lead to severe and life-threatening events. These include both strokes and myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest. Use can also lead to long-term cardiovascular complications, such as platelet aggregation, vasospasms, and cannabis-induced arteritis.
If you feel something is amiss with your heart health, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional. You can get the appropriate tests to determine whether marijuana may be causing cardiovascular issues.
2. The Cognitive Side Effects
It is very common for people who are using marijuana to be forgetful during and right after use. In most instances, this memory loss is temporary. However, studies have shown that frequent use can expedite age-related memory loss. This is because it damages the hippocampus. The hippocampus is necessary for memory storage. So, if it gets damaged, you may not retain specific memories.
While the user is high, their attention, decision-making, and motor skills may be affected. However, the extent and mechanism of the deficits still need to be fully understood.
3. The Hungry Effect
One of the most common symptoms that people experience is lovingly referred to as the munchies. The explanation for why cannabis munchies happen is that the THC binds within the hypothalamus and sends a message that the body is starving. Moreover, THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors within the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is responsible for our sense of smell. The result is that the user believes they are starving and everything smells fantastic. Naturally, this causes you to increase your food intake. HIBEGONE further elaborates on the cannabis munchies and how to manage this side effect.
4. Nauseous Much?
Some users experience nausea or even vomiting. This is an exciting side effect because it is highly variable between users. It is also dose-dependent. When studied, researchers discovered that some signals bind in the brain to reduce nausea. Meanwhile, other molecules affect the gastrointestinal system oppositely, resulting in nausea.
Some studies even show that low doses of THC can have anti-nausea effects, but high doses can cause extreme nausea.
5. Why Does it Cause Sleep?
It is prevalent for marijuana users to experience sleepiness. It is a well-documented side effect, so much so that people sometimes use it to counteract insomnia. THC acts on receptors in the central nervous system. The overall effect is that it is easier for users to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Additionally, their sleep quality is better as they spend more time in the slow wave phase of sleep. Cannabis reduces the amount of time spent in REM sleep.
Conclusion
Despite its many side effects, you can’t deny the endless benefits cannabis offers. From easing pain from injuries to helping ease stress caused by mental illness, marijuana greatly helps users’ quality of life. While using cannabis, always be aware of common side effects. Keep your health at the forefront of your mind, and ask your doctor any questions. You will find, though, that the benefits of marijuana far outweigh the side effects.
