Medical marijuana is increasingly used for therapeutic purposes. The soaring popularity stems from its potential benefits in treating various diseases. Many people wonder if medical marijuana also has side effects and whether it is safe for long-term use.
What will you learn from this article?
👉 In what way does medical marijuana work?
👉 What to do to protect yourself from adverse effects?
👉 Is medical marijuana addictive?
Table of contents:
- How often do side effects occur when using medical marijuana?
- How can these adverse effects be prevented?
- Can addiction be a side effect of medical marijuana?
- Side effects of medical marijuana – summary
How often do side effects occur when using medical marijuana?
The frequency of side effects when using medical marijuana can vary and depends on the individual’s reaction. Some patients may experience side effects, while others do not experience any negative issues.
It is important for patients to be aware of potential side effects and monitor their well-being while using medical marijuana. If any adverse symptoms occur, it is important to consult a doctor to assess the situation and adjust the therapy.
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How can these adverse effects be prevented? 👩⚕️
To prevent adverse effects, several precautions can be taken.
🟢 Consultation with a doctor
Before starting the use of medical cannabis, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to assess the patient’s health condition, consider any contraindications, and adjust the dosage or method of administration.
If the doctor deems the use of medical marijuana appropriate for the patient, they will write a prescription. It is also worth remembering that there may be certain contraindications to therapy with medicinal marijuana, e.g., taking other medications.
🟢 Proper dosing
It is important to follow the recommendations regarding dosage. Do not exceed the recommended dose and always adhere to the established guidelines for using medical cannabis.
🟢 Monitoring the body
Patients should consciously observe their well-being and pay attention to any side effects. If any adverse symptoms occur, it is necessary to inform the doctor.
🟢 Individual tolerance
Each patient may have a different tolerance to medical marijuana. Therefore, it is important to find the right dose and method of administration that best suits individual needs and minimizes the risk of side effects.
🟢 Education
Patients should be well-informed about medical cannabis and its potential side effects. It is important to know the benefits, risks, and limitations associated with medical marijuana therapy.
In case of any doubts, concerns, or adverse symptoms, always consult a doctor. Cooperation with a doctor will help adjust the therapy and minimize the risk of side effects.
Can addiction be a side effect of medical marijuana? 🤔
Medical marijuana contains psychoactive substances, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can cause addiction. Like other psychoactive substances, regular and prolonged use of medical marijuana can lead to the development of tolerance and addiction.
Marijuana addiction can manifest as a strong need for regular use, difficulties in controlling usage, the appearance of withdrawal symptoms after cessation of use, and a negative impact on social, professional, and personal functioning.
The risk of addiction to medical marijuana depends on many factors, such as individual sensitivity, dosage, frequency of use, and duration of therapy. Not all patients who use medical marijuana will become addicted. However, there is a certain group of individuals who are more susceptible to developing addiction.
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Side effects of medical marijuana – summary
The safety of using medical marijuana is an important issue. There are many scientific studies on side effects, but currently, a limited amount of data is available on the long-term effects of use.
It is crucial to consult a doctor before starting the use of medical cannabis. Only a medical professional can assess the patient’s health condition, consider any contraindications, and recommend appropriate dosing and monitoring. This will minimize the risk of side effects.
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Cannabis for the Management of Pain: Assessment of Safety Study
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Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy
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Cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn’s disease: a prospective placebo-controlled study
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Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial