Cannabis has been increasingly accepted by society in recent years. There are now 35 states that allow at least the medical use of cannabis, with Mississippi and South Dakota being added to the list this year. Although many people believe that cannabis has great uses, such as for pain or depression, there are obvious side effects. As an emergency doctor, I see these side effects of cannabis use very often. Keep reading and, to ensure your health and the health of others, do not miss these Certain signs that you’ve had Coronavirus.
One of the most common side effects that is not well known is that it can cause severe nausea and vomiting. The condition, called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, is generally seen in daily users, but can occur in any patient. It is characterized by nausea and vomiting that may need intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medications. Most patients describe that these symptoms improve with hot baths or with the use of creams made with the active ingredient found in chili peppers, capsaicin. Although symptoms can be controlled, the best treatment is complete cannabis withdrawal.
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Cannabis is used for some patients who suffer from depression or anxiety. There is a subset of patients who will experience a paradoxical effect. Some patients experience severe anxiety and even paranoia after use. Most patients can relate anxiety to the use of marijuana that contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Some patients find that their anxiety is lessened with cannabis products high in CBD or cannabidiol. If you are using cannabis to treat depression and anxiety, it is important to work closely with a doctor to ensure proper treatment.
It is difficult to see cannabis in popular films or on television that does not highlight the “tidbits” that occur. For some patients, particularly cancer patients or AIDS patients, cannabis is used specifically to treat their complete lack of appetite. Although useful for some patients, increased hunger can lead to harmful side effects, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you are going to use cannabis for medical treatment, it is important to control your caloric intake and monitor your weight.
As with many medications, there is a possibility of decreased attention and increased sedation with cannabis use. This can lead to dangerous conditions if the patient is operating heavy machinery or even driving. Consumer reports published an article last year confirming that in states that have legalized cannabis use, car accidents have increased compared to neighboring states. The article goes on to describe that possibly 50% of medical marijuana patients drove under the influence of drugs. It is essential to understand the sedative characteristics of cannabis and to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
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Depression and anxiety are certain diagnoses that proponents of cannabis use status are treated safely. There are data that suggest, however, that cannabis can be problematic in patients with other psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Some studies suggest that there is a direct correlation between cannabis use in adolescence and the development of schizophrenia later in life.
Specifically, for patients who use cannabis to smoke, dry mouth can be a very common side effect. Although it seems more of a nuisance than a real side effect, dry mouth can have some serious health problems. Good oral health, such as gums and oral health, requires a moist environment. With dryness of the oral cavity, there may be a regression of the gums that can lead to caries and even teeth falling out.
Cannabis has been found to reduce sperm viability in several different ways, one of which being the number of sperm produced. In a study in Denmark, weekly use of cannabis reduced the number of sperm. Other studies looked at sperm health in patients who regularly use cannabis. There seems to be a correlation with the use of cannabis and sperm that do not have adequate forward movement, or an appropriate ability to contact and thus fertilize the egg within the female reproductive tract.
There has been a major effort to legalize the use of cannabis for the medical treatment of many different diseases. Although there is anecdotal evidence of its benefits, specifically in seizures and chronic pain, it is not without side effects. It is important to consult your doctor before starting any medical treatment, including cannabis. As for you: To overcome this pandemic in the healthiest way, do not miss these 35 places you’re most likely to reach COVID.