How Safe Is Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes?

With the legalization of marijuana in many states, more people are turning to the remedy for relief from health conditions like pain and insomnia. But like all therapies, the potential benefits come with side effects. Jacob Wolf, ND, LAc, a naturopathic doctor at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, explains more.

How Does Medicinal Marijuana Work?

Medical marijuana has been used to help manage nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis (MS). Other promising uses that require more research include glaucoma, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and epilepsy; and improving appetite in patients with cancer, HIV and other severe illnesses.

Medical marijuana and recreational marijuana sold at dispensaries are derived from the same source: the cannabis plant. Cannabis contains naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. The cannabinoid responsible for the medicinal benefits and euphoria associated with marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Pain Relief

When marijuana is taken, THC enters the bloodstream to travel throughout the body. Some cells in the brain and other organs have specialized proteins on their surfaces called cannabinoid receptors. THC binds to these receptors, causing physical and mental effects. One result is reduced inflammation, which may account for the pain relief and muscle relaxation that many people experience when using marijuana.

The sedative powers of THC may also contribute to marijuana’s ability to relieve pain. People with acute or chronic pain are often anxious about their pain, which can intensify it, leading to a vicious cycle. Feelings of relaxation from marijuana may indirectly ease pain by lessening the anxiety that accompanies it.

Nausea Relief

While marijuana’s effectiveness at reducing nausea is not fully understood, it likely involves THC’s activation of another cannabinoid receptor that regulates a person’s awareness of how their body feels. THC may dull the sensation of nausea.

Common Delivery Methods for THC

“There’s no difference in quality between medical and recreational marijuana purchased from a licensed dispensary,” says Dr. Wolf. “The THC concentration is similar for both.”

Common forms of marijuana sold in licensed dispensaries include:

• Smoking: Cannabis flowers can be smoked in a variety of forms, including joints and pipes.
• Vaping: Cannabis flowers and concentrates can be vaporized with devices that heat the product to release vapors that are inhaled.
• Edibles: Edibles are food and beverages infused with cannabis. These may include gummies, candies, baked goods and a variety of canned beverages.
• Tinctures, sprays and capsules: Tinctures are marijuana extracts that are taken under the tongue with a dropper. THC can also be taken with oral sprays or capsules.
• Topicals: Balms or lotions are applied directly to the skin to target pain on specific body parts. Unlike other formulas, they do not circulate through the body and have psychological effects.

Marijuana affects every person in a different way and it also varies depending on the delivery method. “Vaping and smoking have the quickest onset of effects, usually within minutes,” says Dr. Wolf, “But those methods have a higher risk of causing respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.”

Edibles and tinctures have a slower onset of effects, sometimes one to three hours from the time of consumption, but are safer for the lungs than smoking or vaping.

However, Dr. Wolf warns that new users may be unaware of the lag time between ingesting THC and the onset of effects, which may lead to taking additional doses that cause unwanted side effects, including anxiety, dry mouth or eyes, and increased heart rate.

Tips to Stay Safe

Dr. Wolf advises anyone using THC for the first time to start slowly. Depending on the person, finding the right THC dose and delivery method may take some trial and error to determine.

Here are some additional tips:

• Start with a low-THC product or one that has THC and CBD, which is another compound derived from the cannabis plant that can help balance the effects of THC on the body. Starting with a THC dose under five milligrams is a good idea.
• Never take additional doses when first trying THC until you understand the timing of how your body processes it. Start with partial doses. For example, 1/4 or 1/2 of a gummy may be a good starting point depending on the potency.
• Look for a good dispensary that can help you find products that are more moderate in THC and meet your health goals.
• Some research shows that it may be helpful to have CBD on hand to minimize any negative effects if too much THC is consumed. A tincture is often best.

All forms of cannabis have potential risks, including a higher rate of cardiovascular effects; slower reaction time and drowsiness; and anxiety and paranoia, especially at higher doses. As with any medication, each person should consider the risks and benefits and discuss it with their doctor beforehand.

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At UH Connor Whole Health, we take the whole person into account, addressing the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental influences that affect an individual’s health. This includes exploring diet and nutritional needs.