The effects of cannabis can significantly vary between users. Even the same strain of cannabis can have different effects on different people because everyone has unique biochemistry and reacts differently to marijuana. The type of effects you may experience depend on your age, gender, weight, build, metabolism, previous experiences with drugs or alcohol, and more. However, many side effects are very similar for most people who use cannabis. Here we’ll explain some common side effects and how to prevent them.
Cannabinoids and terpenes – what causes side effects?
The active chemicals in cannabis, cannabinoids, are only present in very small amounts. They activate receptors in the brain and the body to produce a variety of effects, including a feeling of well-being, reduced anxiety, and reduction in chronic pain. However, this effect is not always consistent as levels of cannabinoids in your body can change with time and with use. In order to have consistent effects, the cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis must be combined in specific ratios.
There are hundreds of different cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, and they may be present in different ratios in different strains. Some cannabinoids and terpenes may be complementary, meaning they work together synergistically to produce a more potent effect. However, other cannabinoids and terpenes may be antithetical. These cannabinoids and terpenes may cause unwanted effects like anxiety, paranoia, or appetite loss.
What are the most common side effects of cannabis?
- The munchies – This is the desire to eat all the time, or binge, while high. There are many possible reasons why someone might feel the munchies while high, including low blood sugar due to a lack of food while high, but they frequently go away after a while.
- Dry mouth – This is caused by the fact that you’re not drinking any water while high, which causes the mouth to get dry. Consumers often drink water to soothe their dry mouth.
- Paranoia – This is the feeling of being watched or paranoid of people around you.
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome – This is a condition that causes severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration caused by frequent use of cannabis.
- Increased appetite – This is the feeling of an intense desire to eat.
- Weight change – This is often caused by the munchies and reoccurs after some time.
- Increased blood pressure – This is caused by cannabinoids acting on the body in the same way as some prescription drugs and may cause an increase in blood pressure.
How to avoid side effects of cannabis
- Start low, go slow – As with any substance, it’s important to start with a low dose so you can gauge your tolerance and avoid any unwanted side effects.
- Lower your expectations – You may find that you have more side effects than expected when using cannabis, but these may ease after some time.
- Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water to prevent your mouth getting dry and reduce the risk of developing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
- Eat food – Eating food while high can help reduce the munchies, as well as providing you with important nutrients and calories.
- Wait it out – Pain relief, increased appetite, and increased blood pressure are all likely to reduce after some time, so don’t panic if you notice these effects from the first use.
- Beat it with diet – If you feel like you’re getting a side effect that’s caused by the diet, try switching to a healthier one.
- Stay active – Get active to stay hydrated, reduce the risk of developing weight change, and beat the side effects of fatigue.
- Meditate – Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, including reducing anxiety.
- Don’t mix drugs – Consuming both cannabis and alcohol can lead to dangerous effects such as an increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
Conclusion
For the majority of users, consuming cannabis is safe and enjoyable. But there are some side effects that you may experience, depending on your age, weight, metabolism, sex, build, previous experiences with drugs or alcohol, and more. The good news is that you can prevent many of these side effects by consuming cannabis in the right way and taking proper precautions. Visit MMJExpress.cc online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
