Real-world side effects of cannabis
If you have ever been prescribed a medication, you know there is always a list of side effects and potential side effects on the bottle or pharmacy insert. Cannabis is no different. What IS different is there is no pharmacist or physician to tell you exactly what to expect. Medical cannabis education requires an understanding of our body to determine what effects we should expect. Your experienced cannabis nurse at 2 Leaf Nurses can help with that. Yes, the budtenders can give general information like a pharmacy technician, but that’s all. As a patient, you need more, so let’s talk about what that looks like.
Do you remember the commercials where a broken egg in a skillet frying is displayed, and the narrator said, ‘that’s your brain on drugs”? Well, we know better when it comes to cannabis. The reality is that many patients simply report, ‘I feel better’ or ‘I finally feel relaxed’ or ‘that was the best sleep I’ve had in years!’ We call this real-world evidence because they happen so frequently that cannabis nurses can peg what the patients are about to say before the words slip out of their mouths.
When one starts off ‘low and slow,’ they are less likely to experience any side effects. This is not a guarantee, but it is the safest known process. But what does that mean? Consider 10 mg gummies. When cut in half, that becomes a 5mg dose. Cut it again, and that reduces it to 2.5mg. The average 150lb person with mild conditions can get relief with about 6-8mg. That low dose also equates to minimal to no side effects. Someone of the same size with severe conditions may require 30-60mg to get the same relief but still may experience minimal to no side effects. The key is learning one’s size, condition, and body response. That takes time and often help from a cannabis healthcare professional. Learning this also means there is less chance of unwanted side effects.
Suppose one searches the internet (and let’s face it, we all do). In that case, findings of side effects, potential side effects, adverse effects, and even the risk of addiction/long-term effects can be scary. BUT let’s consider what those effects are and how similar they are to pharmaceuticals and even some over-the-counter medications. Nausea and vomiting are commonly listed side effects, but what if you are a cancer patient with these symptoms? If you rely on the anti-cannabis campaigns, you will not use cannabis for fear of it making your symptoms worse, but real-world evidence shows it doesn’t. In fact, it is commonly used to reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Another typically listed side effect is ‘disorientation,’ right. Have you ever taken an opioid? The same side effect is listed with that. However, the physician still prescribes it and says, ‘don’t drive or operate heavy machinery.’ Real-world evidence shows that cannabis for severe pain is highly effective, and some would say more effective than opioids WITHOUT the side effects.
Are you more confused now? Don’t be. Cannabis is a plant that works with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for making internal cannabinoids like CBD and THC to balance the body when trauma, stress, inflammation, etc., attack. Because of the likeness of these internal cannabinoids to cannabis, our body knows what to do with the plant, uses what it needs, and shuts down the rest. It does not build up in the body, does not lead to kidney and liver damage like other medications, and is quite effective. We must know that it is ‘bi-phasic.’ This means with small or appropriate amounts, it relieves the symptoms, but with too much, it can cause the symptoms. For example, a person with nausea and vomiting from chemo who takes appropriate amounts will experience relief. If, however, they take too much, they can experience worsening symptoms.
So where does this all REALLY lead us? First, give yourself time to learn your body. Suppose one OTC pain reliever is all you need to resolve a headache. In that case, you will need minimal dosing with cannabis. If your pains are only relieved with high potency pharmaceuticals, you may need higher or more frequent dosings of cannabis. Second, recognize that every person is unique. What works for you is different from everyone else. Cannabis is an individualized plant medicine, not a systemic disease-focused pharmaceutical. Third, starting low and going slow is not just a slogan or marketing ploy. It is accurate, and you should do that every single time you make changes in products or consumption methods. If you experience unwanted effects, back down on the dose next time. Those unwanted effects are your body’s way of saying ‘Hey, that’s too much. Take it easy.’ If you are needing to calm down, relax, chill, or even sleep and cannabis does that for you, that is not a side effect – that is a therapeutic effect.
Finally, and dare I say this should be the first thing new medical cannabis patients should do…talk with a cannabis nurse or physician. They are healthcare experts in cannabis science and want to help you be safe and successful. If you already have one of these fantastic people on your healthcare team, great! If you are new or don’t have one, please reach out to 2 Leaf Nurses, where we believe every medical patient deserves a nurse who cares.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on the 2 Leaf Nurses website and blog is for educational purposes ONLY. Nothing contained within this website should be construed as nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. This information should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of any information on this website.
Dedee Culley, RN, is the founder of 2 Leaf Nurses, an educational consultancy working with both patients and facilities.