FAQ Regarding Cannabis Use:
Can I overdose?
Cannabis overdose is not dangerous, and no harm has occurred from cannabis in 5000 years of historical use. Taking more cannabis than the ECS is accustomed to having may result in unpleasant side effects, including sedation and decreased function, or in severe forms nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. To avoid these potential side effects, begin with a low starting dose, and increase slowly over time, using individual response to guide when and how much to increase. If side effects develop, decrease to the previous tolerated dose for a couple of days before attempting to increase the dose again to build tolerance
What side effects might I experience?
Expected side effects of therapeutic dosing of cannabis include dry mouth and eyes, sedation, dizziness, and psychotropic effect that may impair thought processes and judgment. Therefore, it’s recommended to abstain from driving or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of intoxicating forms of cannabis (ie: THC, CBN). As with any other supplement, individual responses may vary. Possible adverse effects of cannabis that are less common include: increased heart rate, increased appetite, sleepiness, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, dry mouth/dry eyes, decreased urination, hallucination, paranoia, anxiety, fatigue, suicidal ideation, nausea, asthenia impaired attention, memory, and psychomotor performance. Inhaled cannabis may trigger worsening symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; cardiac disease; and alcohol or other drug dependence. In those diagnosed psychosis, some forms of cannabis use may exacerbate risk of suicide, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic conditions.
​
Is Cannabis Addictive?
For those who are predisposed, cannabis abuse is possible and defined as “problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress; the clinical indications are included in the DSM-5.” In those using cannabis daily for months, cessation may produce mild physical withdrawal symptoms including:
insomnia, loss of appetite and restlessness initially, then irritability/anger, vivid and unpleasant dreams after a week.
What if the patient is a child or adolescent?
When medical cannabis is desired for a patient in childhood or adolescence stages of life, assessment to review the individual’s neurodevelopmental risk factors of cannabis use is important. Having a knowledgeable medical professional review and weigh the risks and possible benefits of cannabis for minors may help mitigate any risk factors that are present. Family history or diagnosis of schizophrenia is a contraindication for THC for patients across the lifespan.
What if I become too intoxicated from THC?
CBD acts as an antagonist at the receptor site THC attaches to. Therefore, if the intoxicating effect of THC is causing discomfort, taking CBD may help decrease the “high.”
​
​