Maximum Yield Cannabis USA February/March 2018 | Page 42
heal
Another chronic side effect of high amounts of THC,
regardless of ingestion method, is lower testosterone
levels and sperm counts in male users. However, the
most serious side effect of long-term, high-volume
cannabis usage in younger adults is premature
mortality. A Swedish study of heavy cannabis users
(as defined by having smoked marijuana more than
50 times by age 18) had a highly increased chance of
premature death, especially violent deaths, than their
non-consuming peers.
CANNABIS AS MEDICINE
When cannabis is used as a medicine, its side effects are
often the rationale behind it being prescribed. Sufferers
of such diverse afflictions as cancer, AIDS, fibromyalgia,
and other neuropathic pain are routinely
prescribed cannabis for many of its
"When users smoke marijuana over long beneficial acute side effects such as
periods of time, or in high quantities for pain mitigation, nausea abatement,
and appetite stimulation. Some patients
shorter periods of time, they are at risk for of these afflictions, however, may
negative side effects such
many of the same respiratory issues to which experience
as changes in mood (for the worse),
smokers of tobacco subject themselves." increased anxiety, and even paranoia. It
is worth noting that these negative side
effects are almost always associated with individuals
that have smoked cannabis versus those that have
ingested it in some other form.
A notable exception is that some studies on sufferers
of multiple sclerosis have not shown medications
containing cannabis as significantly more beneficial
or more detrimental than their non-cannabinol
counterparts.
CBD VS. THC
Nearly all the negative side effects mentioned above are
attributed to the use of cannabis containing high levels
of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The presence of
cannabidiol (CBD) seems to mitigate adverse effects of
THC in medications, though. When combined with CBD in
a recently developed nasal spray, THC has been shown to
pose no harmful side effects. A plethora of studies have
shown patients being prescribed CBD are well-tolerated
and safe for both in vivo and in vitro humans.
It should be noted that CBD concentrations are variable
and in some instances where concentrations are high,
some side effects have been reported. However, even
when side effects are proven in double-blind studies to
be due to the use of CBD, patients overwhelmingly prefer
the medications containing CBD than other traditionally
prescribed alternatives.
42
grow. heal. learn. enjoy.
myhydrolife.com