Cannabis is an amazing natural substitute for many more dangerous drugs, but like all drugs, it can have side effects.
Luckily, all the side effects of marijuana are pretty mild. You aren’t going to overdose on this medicine.
Some of the most common side effects reported by marijuana-users include a dry mouth, “the munchies”, an increase in heart rate, a false sense of well-being, and drowsiness.
Side Effect Breakdown
The Munchies
THC can affect both your mind and body in different ways. “The munchies” can occur when the THC taps into the part of your brain that controls your appetite. There is also some evidence that THC may stimulate a hormone that makes you feel hungry called ghrelin.
The THC in marijuana can sometimes make you feel hungry even when you’re full. If you don’t want to eat more than you should for health or other reasons, try taking your medicine when you are already full.
Some people, though, use marijuana for this very reason. People with some conditions like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, HIV, AIDS, or digestive issues use marijuana because their condition has destroyed their appetite, making it harder for them to get the nutrients they need.
Some patients report an increased appetite when using medical marijuana, which allows them to eat more often than they normally would. This can be a very positive thing for some people, but if you have a pretty healthy appetite, try to make sure you take your medication after you have just eaten.
Dry mouth
Marijuana can also reduce the amount of saliva your body produces for a short period of time. This can lead to a dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable.
When you regularly use marijuana, it is a good idea to stay hydrated and make sure you are drinking plenty of water after consumption. This side effect is most commonly reported when patients smoke the flower, as opposed to taking an edible or using a tincture.
Chewing sugar-free gum can also help alleviate the dry mouth sensation, as well as chewing on ice cubes.
Increased heart rate
Using medical marijuana may increase your heart rate for a short period of time. If you have serious pre-existing heart problems, marijuana may not be right for you.
If you want to slow down your heart rate, you can try things like breathing exercises, relaxing, taking a warm bath or shower, or stretching.
A False Sense of Well-being
In layman's terms, a false sense of well-being means happiness. Medical marijuana may boost your mood and make you giggly. Some patients even claim that marijuana can put them in a euphoric state.
This isn’t so much of a negative effect, depending on how you look at it. As long as you don’t develop a dependence on this euphoric feeling, there is nothing wrong with feeling happy while also receiving pain relief for your condition.
Drowsiness
Drowsiness is a pretty common side effect of marijuana. Indica strains can make patients feel especially sleepy or lazy, which is the reason some people with sleeping problems may use it. It can help you fall asleep, and stay in a state of deep sleep.
However, if you want to take your medicine during the day and stay productive, a sativa strain or hybrid may be best for you.
You can also take your medicine at night or when you know you will have some free time with no obligations.
If you don’t want to feel sleepy at all, try a tincture or an oil.
Is It Still Worth It?
Although marijuana, like any drug, has some side effects, they are much less dangerous than side effects associated with opiates or prescription medication. Perhaps the most serious side effect of opiates is addiction, which can lead to many more devastating side effects.
If you have serious heart problems, marijuana may not be right for you. However, there are also ways to mitigate the risk factors here. Using a tincture or oil will not increase your heart rate, for example.
The pros and cons of marijuana are subjective, but the good still seems to outweigh the bad.
Make sure you consult with a doctor to ensure that marijuana is right for you before diving in head first.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Certification in
West Virginia
West Virginia’s medical marijuana program offers cannabis as a legal medicine for patients with qualifying conditions. With a medical marijuana card, you can shop at any of the State’s approved dispensaries and use cannabis as an alternative medicine.
As a qualifying patient with a medical marijuana card, you can legally possess up to a 30-day supply of cannabis without fear of legal repercussions.
You can even get your medical marijuana card online from the comfort of your own home with West Virginia Marijuana Card!
To get your medical marijuana card online in West Virginia, simply schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment today and get access to legal marijuana products available at dispensaries!
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way!
Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
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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 the 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!
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