"I just got my medical marijuana card and am wondering if you can provide some guidance. I’d like to avoid having a bad experience, if possible. Thanks!"
Hello,
drkim
I’m glad you asked that question because, although cannabis is not toxic, it can cause transient unpleasant effects when it is used inappropriately. To begin with, as with many other substances, the effects can change as the dose increases rather than just get stronger, so it behooves a new user to be cautious in starting with small amounts and increasing the amount taken in modest increments. I strongly recommend reading https://www.hellomd.dev/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana. You will find that the ratio of two compounds found in cannabis, CBD and THC, is important in determining its effects. Large amounts of THC without the presence of sufficient CBD can be too stimulating for some people and actually even cause anxiety, when smaller doses adequately balanced with CBD are often helpful for reducing anxiety. Other adverse effects of taking too much cannabis can include vertigo, nausea, confused thinking, and the anxiety from being incapacitated by these symptoms. Just lying down in a darkened room for a few hours will be all that is necessary to feel well again and no ‘treatment’ is required. Cannabis is remarkably non-toxic to human physiology and by itself poses no known threat to any organ system. One other suggestion: try to keep in mind that taking alcohol or other medications with cannabis can create a lower threshold for adverse effects, and the disinhibition from alcohol can make that slope slippery. I hope this is helpful.
drelkind
Hi there!
I agree with @drelkind ! Like any controlled substance, when used correctly, you should be able to reduce the chance of experiencing any bad effects of marijuana. This is why we always encourage patients to begin their consumption with a very small amount and increase as needed to achieve the desired effects.
With that said, the bad effects of marijuana will vary from person to person. Some examples of these effects include increased heart rate, coughing or difficulty breathing, nausea or light-headedness and feeling sluggish. These effects could come on immediately or hours after consumption. If you are noticing some bad effects of marijuana, here are a few tips to help you manage until you feel you are back to normal;
Consume a High-CBD product if you have one available. CBD can help reduce the bad effects and decrease feelings of being “too high.” Also, try to stay hydrated by drinking water or juice with lots of antioxidants to help flush out the activated THC. Lastly, it always helps to relax as much as possible! If taking a nap is an option, try getting some rest! If you cannot take a nap, do your best to stay calm and remember that the bad effects of cannabis will eventually subside.
I hope this information helps! 🙂
VeronicaB
