Side Effects of Weed
Posted by on 10/18/2022 to
Information
Since
Canada legalized weed in 2018, the plant has been the most consumed
mind-altering product in the country. Weed is available in multiple forms,
ranging from flowers to concentrates, edibles, Cbd oil, tinctures, and cosmetic products.
This provides consumers with a wide range of consumption options. For example,
weed can be vaped, smoked, added to foods and beverages, infused into edibles
like gummies and chocolate, taken sublingually, or swallowed.
With
such diversity and freedom, it is paramount for consumers to understand the
various ways that weed can be beneficial or detrimental to their health. Every
drug has its positives and negatives - including weed. This piece highlights
the positive and negative side effects of weed with the aim of educating adult
cannabis consumers.
A
better understanding of weed's positive and negative side effects gives you a
better understanding of how the plant can help you and how it can work against
you. You will know the best consumption method and how to consume weed
responsibly. Without further ado, let’s begin…
How does weed interact with the human system?
Weed
contains hundreds of compounds that interact with the human endocannabinoid
system to produce a host of effects. The ECS is a cell-signaling system that
utilizes receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids to promote normal body
functioning. Weed contains cannabinoids, such as THC (the psychoactive
compound), CBD, and minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBN, CBA, and CBG.
These compounds perform their functions by interacting with the ECS receptors. For example, THC attaches itself to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to cause psychoactive effects that affect one’s memory, coordination, and cognitive function. On the other hand, CBD does not bind with the receptors but influences their functioning to produce a host of therapeutic benefits.
Positive side effects of weed
To a
person who doesn’t know much about weed, the plant is simply a recreational
tool. However, many individuals have turned to cannabis consumption primarily
because of the multiple therapeutic benefits associated with the plant. THC and
CBD, in particular, have been scientifically proven to provide the following
benefits;

- Reduction of mild to chronic pain and inflammation
- Helps with the reduction of ocular pressure associated with ocular pressure
- Combating nausea and vomiting associated with harsh treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy and HIV medication. This helps improve the quality of life of the patients.
- Managing Multiple Sclerosis symptoms, such as lethargy, fatigue and muscle stiffness.
- CBD oil is essential in managing epilepsy and seizures
Weed
occurs naturally and is associated with fewer side effects compared to
pharmaceutical drugs used to treat and manage the conditions highlighted above.
Additionally, weed provides what is commonly referred to as the entourage
effect. This means that different compounds, such as minor cannabinoids,
terpenes, and flavonoids, all support THC and CBD’s effects to produce better
results.
Negative side effects of weed
Common
negative side effects of consuming weed include red eyes, dry mouth, poor
coordination, delayed reaction time, lowered inhibitions, and increased heart
rate. When taken in high doses, weed can cause anxiety, paranoia and dizziness.
This is especially true for weed edibles which have a delayed onset. Consumers
take higher doses, thinking that the previous dose was insufficient.

Smoking
weed can be detrimental to the lungs due to the toxins and smoke produced. This
explains why vaping, oils, and edibles have become increasingly popular.
For example, famous country singer and weed enthusiast Willie Nelson had to
break from smoking weed in 2019 and has since turned to edibles and
vapes.
Individuals
with pre-existing cardiovascular and heart issues risk experiencing chest pain
and heart attack after taking weed. This is because weed accelerates the heart
rate by 20 to 50 beats per minute.
Regular
weed consumption leads to tolerance, meaning one will require a higher dose of
weed to attain the same effects they would have previously experienced with a
lower dose. According to statistics, 10% of weed used may become
dependent.