Our main goal at West Virginia Marijuana Card is to bring about relief for our patients. Of course, we do this by providing medical marijuana cards. But many have asked us, does medical marijuana give off any unwanted side effects?
This is a very valid question and concern to have when taking any medication. By asking us this, you are taking your health and wellness seriously which is a good thing!
Medical marijuana is just like any other medication so yes there are side effects that come along with it. But instead maybe ask yourself if you can manage the side effects better than you could with traditional medication.
For our patients, the answer to this question is “yes”!
What are the Side Effects That Come With Medical Marijuana Use?
Red Eyes:
One of the most common side effects of medical marijuana is having red eyes. Even though they are not harmful to have at all, they can be quite embarrassing for those that like to keep their medical marijuana use private.
THC is a cannabinoid found in marijuana and is actually the reason why your eyes turn red when consuming medical marijuana. So keep in mind that even though switching formats will not help this problem, there are still some tricks you can use to help reduce the redness. You can try using products that are higher in CBD versus THC, drink enough water when you are medicating to stay hydrated or buy over the counter eye drops to help!
Dry Mouth:
When it comes to dry mouth, THC is again the culprit! Like with the other side effects, changing up the consumption methods won’t make a big difference with this one but it can be managed easily.
The trick that medical marijuana patients use to help dry mouth is to actually suck on candy! This stimulates the saliva in your mouth so it doesn’t get overly dry.
Increases Appetite:
THC strikes again by making you have an increased appetite when using medical marijuana. This is because THC binds with receptors all over the body, including the receptors for taste and smell!
One way around getting the munchies is to look for strains that have a balanced ratio of THC to CBD. This will help with increased appetite since CBD is a partial blocker to THC. With a well balanced strain you can get all the benefits from THC without having too harsh of side effects.
Takeaways When it Comes to Side Effects of Medical Marijuana
When using medical marijuana for your condition, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the side effects.
First remember that every person is different. One person can medicate with one strain and fall in love while another person can use that same exact strain and hate it. Marijuana works in different ways for everyone.
Next, remember that someone’s side effects are another person’s treatment. For example, you may hate getting the munchies because you have a healthy appetite throughout the day. For those struggling with cancer or HIV/AIDS on the other hand, increasing their appetite may be the exact reason why they turned to medical marijuana in the first place.
Lastly, keep in mind that there is nothing that you cannot talk to your doctor about. Side effects can definitely be unwanted but they also can be helped. With an open and honest conversation with your doctor, anyone can find the perfect product or strain for them and their medical condition!
Thinking About Getting Your Card?
We can help with that! You can book an appointment with us today online or by calling us at (877) 303-8424.
Relief starts here!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out West Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in West Virginia.