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