In this syndrome, persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain can occur in people who have previously smoked marijuana long-term (six months or more). Dehydration, electrolyte disturbance, and acute kidney failure can occur. Researchers think it is much more common in the U.S. than previously thought, especially with continued legalization of recreational marijuana. Ironically, while cannabinoids and cannabis are often used to treat severe nausea and vomiting, long-term use of marijuana can rarely cause cycles of severe nausea, vomiting and dehydration in certain people.
Pregnant women who continue to smoke cannabis are probably at greater risk of giving birth to low birthweight babies. Researchers have reported that they are working on treatments for CHS, as well as new medical marijuana products that do not cause CHS. It is important to note that the federal government still considers cannabis an illegal drug and the distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime. Under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is still considered by the federal government a Schedule 1 drug. Although these findings support the idea of marijuana as a “gateway drug,” the majority of people who use marijuana don’t go on to use other “harder” drugs. It’s also important to note that other factors besides biological mechanisms, such as a person’s social environment, are also critical in a person’s risk for drug use and addiction.
Do not leave prescription THC medications (dronabinol, nabilone), marijuana, hash oil, or cannabis-infused edibles any place where children, pets, or anyone else may unknowingly consume the product. States laws exist that require certain amounts to be placed in a locked and secure container or antibiotics and alcohol area. These rules can and have change based on political changes that may occur in the legislature. States that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical consumption have laws in place that make it illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana; review each states law carefully.
Cannabis (Marijuana)
Patients can have a lengthy withdrawal and symptoms that can continue for months after stopping marijuana use. Most reports do not show an association between marijuana alcohol and menopause use and preterm birth. However, as noted by ACOG, studies have suggested the use of marijuana with tobacco may increase the risk for preterm delivery.
Frequent use of high-potency THC over extended periods of time suggests that there can be negative effects on learning, memory, attention and problem-solving ability, as reported in Pediatrics. The AAP suggests that doctors urge parents not to use marijuana around children. Other concerns with children include the potential of exposing them to secondhand smoke and accidental poisoning with edibles such as brownies or candy. Use of medical marijuana outside of the state laws for illegal use or trafficking would not be tolerated by state or federal government. To determine if the severe nausea and vomiting is due to marijuana use, most people will need to stop use of marijuana for a week or two to determine if their symptoms improve.
Studies show that very little THC is released in the air when a person exhales. People smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in pipes or water pipes (bongs). They also smoke it in blunts—emptied cigars that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana. These devices pull the active ingredients (including THC) from the marijuana and collect their vapor in a storage unit.
They are generally equated to being the offspring of cannabis parents from two different categories. The FDA has also approved a liquid medication (Epidiolex) containing a purified form of cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in marijuana. This drug can be used for the treatment of rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome). It is important to note that the federal government still considers marijuana an illegal drug and that the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a federal crime. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug. Rules surrounding recreational use of marijuana vary by state or territory.
Mental Effects
Hemp seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, and fiber and are often sold as a health food. They can be added to smoothies and salads, or transformed into a dairy-free milk alternative. Hemp can also be used to create an oil substance that is used to make different types of paints and varnishes, or soaps and cooking oil. Cannabis plants have many different uses depending on the species, extraction method, dosing form, and amount.
- The way cannabis affects people will vary widely, so no one person can tell how the level of intoxication will affect them.
- Cannabis is the name used to describe a family of flowering plants that come from the Cannabaceae family.
- Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke.
- States laws exist that require certain amounts to be placed in a locked and secure container or area.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body leading to a number of possible effects, including feelings of intoxication and pain relief. Marijuana use might worsen manic symptoms in people who have bipolar disorder. If used frequently, marijuana might increase the risk of depression or worsen depression symptoms.
Researchers
SUD is a mental health condition in which a person has a problematic pattern of substance use that causes distress and/or impairs their life. It is used for medicinal, recreational, and industrial (hemp) purposes. Sativa plants are tall and lankier than other cannabis plants and can reach up to 20 feet in height. Cannabis is the name used to describe a family of flowering plants that come from the Cannabaceae family. There are several different species of cannabis, all of which contain more than 100 cannabinoids.
Scientists and healthcare providers can’t state any general benefits of marijuana with certainty. This is because there isn’t enough research yet about the medical benefits of the substance, especially long-term effects. In addition, marijuana tends to affect different people in many different ways. Perhaps the most popular form used, the buds and leaves of the Cannabis plant can be dried. The buds, leaves, and stems contain the active chemicals that lead to feelings of pain relief or intoxication, and thus, many people opt for this form of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal uses. The most common use for medicinal cannabis is the management of chronic pain in efforts to lessen the need for opioids or over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen.
What other drugs will affect cannabis?
Research suggests that marijuana use increases the risk of psychosis in people who have schizophrenia. It is important to recognize that state medical and recreational marijuana laws do not change the fact that using marijuana continues to be an offense under U.S. federal law. Per federal law, cannabis (marijuana, hashish) is a schedule I drug. Long-term users who try to quit could experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, decreased appetite and drug craving. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin about a day after the person stops using marijuana, peaks in 2 to 3 days and may take about 1 to 2 weeks to subside. McKenna reports that marijuana addiction is difficult to treat in the clinic.
Topicals are often chosen by people who want the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without the mood-altering effects. One downside to the dried leaves method of ingestion is that they are more likely inhaled through burning, which can lead to the ingestion of harmful chemicals created in the smoke. When the smoke comes into contact with the lungs, the chemical ingredients are easily absorbed into the body. Since cannabis can provide a level of intoxication, many Americans have used it as a recreational drug.
By Angelica BottaroAngelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. You’ll soon start receiving substance dependence the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. The first state in the union to legalize the medical use of marijuana was California in 1996 with Proposition 215.