Medical cannabis is a widely debated topic in healthcare, with many supporting its potential benefits for pain relief, chronic illnesses, and anxiety. On the other hand, others warn about the adverse side effects and health risks, including the potential risk of addiction.
Marijuana, while not as addictive as alcohol or opioids, still carries the risk of dependence and cannabis use disorder (CUD), a type of substance use disorder (SUD).
Medical Cannabis: Side Effects and Uses
Medical cannabis is the cannabis sativa or cannabis indica plant and its chemical compounds to treat a variety of conditions. The highest concentrations of cannabinoids in medical cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Recreational marijuana often contains higher levels of THC, the psychoactive compound, whereas medical cannabis contains more CBD, which has anti-psychoactive properties. The side effects of medical cannabis can include:
- Euphoria
- Altered senses
- Impaired memory and thinking
- Disorientation
- Feelings of relaxation
- Increased appetite
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Panic attacks
- Increased heart rate
- Hallucinations
While some individuals may only experience mild side effects with medical marijuana, others may experience severe panic attacks, increased heart rate, and distress. Prescriptions are administered in controlled doses to manage symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and inflammatory diseases.
Pain Management and Chronic Illness Relief
Medical marijuana is often prescribed for management of chronic pain and illnesses, including:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Arthritis
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches and migraines
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Neuropathic pain
- Cancer symptoms
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Research has shown that cannabinoids—primarily THC and CBD—can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Using medicinal cannabis for chronic pain management provides an alternative without the dangerous side effects and risks of opioid painkillers.
Mental Health Support
Medicinal marijuana has been explored as a treatment for symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression. While some patients report lower stress levels and mood improvements with medical marijuana, others experience less desirable effects. Research on the long-term effects of medical cannabis use on mental health is still ongoing.
Alternative to Opioids
With the opioid crisis and drug overdose epidemic still a significant concern, medical marijuana has emerged as a potentially safer alternative for pain management. Some studies show that medical marijuana contributed to a 64% reduction in opioid use among chronic pain patients.
Individuals who switched from prescription opioids to medicinal cannabis for chronic pain experienced fewer side effects and improved quality of life without the risk of overdose.
The Risks and Concerns of Medical Marijuana
While medical marijuana can be a powerful substance for managing illnesses and pain, its use should remain carefully regulated. Medicinal cannabis still carries dangerous side effects and health risks, including cannabis use disorder (CUD), mental health risks, and long-term neurocognitive deficits.
Cannabis Dependence and Withdrawal
While both medicinal and recreational cannabis are not as addictive as many other mind-altering substances, it still carries the risk of dependence and addiction.
Regular or long-term use of marijuana can cause the development of a psychological and physical dependence on the substance. This can result in withdrawal symptoms when not taking or significantly decreasing the dose after using cannabis for some time.
Approximately 12.1% of frequent cannabis users experience cannabis withdrawal, with symptoms ranging from:
- Anger and irritability
- Aggression
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Restlessness
- Extreme cravings
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Tremors
Marijuana abuse and dependence, compared with tobacco, alcohol, and many other prescription drugs, has a lower abuse potential. If you begin experiencing strong dependence or withdrawal symptoms with medicinal marijuana, consult your medical professional immediately.
Potential for Addiction: Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)
Studies show that about 10% of people who begin using cannabis, especially at a young age, will develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD). The signs of a marijuana use disorder include:
- Increased tolerance requires higher doses to achieve the same effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms—irritability, insomnia, and cravings when not using.
- Difficulty controlling or reducing marijuana consumption.
- Continued use of cannabis despite adverse consequences.
Even though many individuals consume medical marijuana responsibly and as directed, long-term use can lead to psychological dependence and addiction.
Increased Anxiety and Depression
While many patients take medical marijuana for relief from anxiety disorders and depression, others often experience exacerbated symptoms. High levels of THC have been associated with increased paranoia, mood instability, and panic attacks in some individuals. Since marijuana is classified as a depressant, it slows down the central nervous system (CNS), which can exacerbate feelings of sadness and suicidal ideation.
Heavy cannabis users report depression and anxiety disorders as well as suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicide.
Potential Link to Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Research has shown a strong link between heavy marijuana use and psychosis and schizophrenia. Individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, should avoid both recreational and medicinal cannabis as it can exacerbate the condition. Regular and long-term cannabis use can heighten the risk of developing psychotic disorder and schizophrenia, especially for adolescent users.
Long-Term Neurocognitive Deficits
Medical marijuana affects the brain’s hippocampus, which is responsible for executive functions like memory, learning, and attention. Regular marijuana use can cause short and long-term cognitive impairments, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are not fully developed.
Over time, cannabis use can reduce hippocampal volume and density, resulting in numerous neurocognitive deficits. Chronic medical marijuana users may struggle to process and retain information, resulting in memory loss, decreased attention span, delayed reaction time, and learning impairments.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment in West Palm Beach, FL
While medicinal marijuana use is approved for managing many chronic conditions and symptoms, its potential risks for abuse and addiction should not be overlooked. Understanding the dangers of mental health issues, cognitive impairments, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) is crucial for safe and responsible use.
If you or a loved one are struggling with marijuana abuse or cannabis use disorder (CUD), Rock Recovery Center is here to help. Our drug rehab programs in West Palm Beach, FL, provide a safe and comfortable recovery facility in South Florida. Reach out today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024. Cannabis (Marijuana).
- WebMD, 2024. Medical Marijuana: Benefits and Side Effects.
- StatPearls, 2022. Medicinal Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pain.
- Yale Medicine. Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder.
- Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 2021. Adverse Effects of Recreational and Medical Cannabis.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2024. Cannabis Use Disorder.
- Healthline, 2023. Is Weed a Depressant, Stimulant, or Hallucinogen?
- National Academies Press, 2017. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research: 12 Mental Health.
