6 Potential Side Effects of Marijuana (and How to Treat Them)

Now legal in most U.S. states, medical marijuana is prescribed to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Its proven medical benefits are extensive, but like all medications and treatment options, potential side effects exist.

Marijuana, whether consumed for medical reasons or used recreationally, affects different people in different ways. Some people experience brain fog. Some people find that it makes them fall asleep. Some people have an irresistible urge to snack. What can be medically beneficial for some can cause serious, negative side effects for others.

The good news is that there are ways to treat and prevent these side effects.

Here’s a look at six common side effects of marijuana, plus tips on how to treat them.

Marijuana Can Cause Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, aka cottonmouth, is a common side effect of marijuana use— and it’s not just from smoking it. Cannabis contains cannabinoids that interact with various receptors in the brain. That interaction decreases saliva production, and when you don’t produce enough saliva, your mouth feels dry.

Rather than trying to get rid of dry mouth, take steps to prevent it. Drinking water before, during, and after using the dart one hitter can help. Chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy or lollipop can also be beneficial, as these actions signal the brain to increase saliva production.

Marijuana Can Cause Headaches

Marijuana use often causes headaches, especially if you consume products that are high in THC, like concentrates and hash. Much like a hangover from excessive alcohol consumption, a headache is a clear sign of a “weed hangover.”

You can prevent weed headaches by consuming marijuana with lower concentrations of THC, by drinking lots of water, and by avoiding alcohol. Mixing alcohol with cannabis is not recommended, as the combination of substances can have multiple negative effects on the body and brain.  

Marijuana Can Cause Fatigue

Many people feel drowsy or sleepy after using marijuana, especially when using Indica strains. It can also slow your reaction time, which is why you should never consume it before operating a motor vehicle.

If you have a high tolerance for marijuana and consume it frequently or in high amounts, the side effects of fatigue and lethargy can have a negative impact on your overall well-being. It can decrease your level of productivity and make you more sedentary, which can impact all aspects of your life.

An effective way to remedy such fatigue is to learn how to reset your marijuana tolerance.

Marijuana Can Increase Your Appetite

It’s no secret that marijuana use increases your appetite. Scientific research has proven that the munchies are real!

Physicians often prescribe medical marijuana to patients with a diminished appetite. If you need to stimulate your appetite, weed is a great way to do so. But for recreational consumers that aren’t looking for an appetite-booster, the munchies can lead to weight gain, which can lead to obesity, which can lead to a host of dangerous medical conditions.

There’s no real way to treat the munchies, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the weight gain that can result from them. For example, stock your pantry with healthy snacks so that when you do reach for a bite, it’s a nutritious one. You can also drink lots of water before and during a cannabis session, as water alone can fill you up and make you less hungry.

70% of Americans use cannabis to feel pain-free and relaxed. When combating munchies, choosing snacks high in fiber and protein, such as fruits, vegetables, or nuts, can help satisfy cravings while keeping calorie intake in check.

Marijuana Can Increase Your Heart Rate

Smoking, whether it be marijuana, cigarettes, or any other substance, increases your heart rate. It can also damage your lungs and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you want to live a smoke-free lifestyle and consume marijuana in a way that won’t increase your heart rate, you can. There are many ways to enjoy marijuana without smoking, including consuming it in edible or tincture form.

Marijuana Can Impair Cognitive Function

Cannabis can make you feel disoriented, make it difficult to focus and problem-solve, impair your memory, and impair your judgment.

While marijuana creates a sense of euphoria, it also alters your senses. Colors may seem brighter, scents may smell more intense, and your perception of time and space may change. While the “high” effect is why most people like marijuana, it does take a toll on your cognitive function.

You can alleviate this side effect by cutting back on your usage, resetting your tolerance level so that you can get high while smoking less, and consuming marijuana with lower amounts of THC.

In Conclusion

While marijuana offers many potential health benefits, the possibility of experiencing side effects always exists. Whether you’re a long-time cannabis user or looking to try it for the first time, be sure to use it responsibly, purchase it legally, and consume it when and where the law allows. 

Like all good things, marijuana is best when used in moderation.