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Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
But you may be asking the question: is medical cannabis safe?
When prescribed by a specialist doctor, and under the guidance and supervision of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, medical cannabis is considered safe. But there are still a few things you should know, such as possible side effects, which we’ll be exploring below.
What Are the Side Effects of Medical Cannabis?
While the majority of patients experience little to no side effects from medical cannabis, patient experience does vary. And scientists are still studying the long term effects.
Below are some common side effects that usually go away on their own. These short-term side effects of THC and CBD aren’t usually concerning, but if they don’t improve over time, or they bother you, speak to your clinician.
- Dry mouth and dry eyes
- Irritation to the eyes
- Feeling sleepy or tired
- Dizziness
- Increased hunger
- Thirsty
- Coughing when inhaled
Below are some moderate side effects, which occur less often but may need medical advice, especially if they’re recurring:
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling anxious or sad
- Memory or thinking problems
Below are some severe side effects. Although they’re rare, they will need urgent medical attention:
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Psychosis, which is where you see or believe things that aren’t real, feel paranoid, or feel extremely powerful
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, or irregular heartbeat
- Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) which is severe vomiting after long term cannabis use
If you experience severe side effects, call 999 or go to A&E, and contact Alternaleaf as soon as possible if you’re one of our patients.
Long-Term Effects of Medical Cannabis Use
Some of the long-term effects of cannabis use include dependency, cognitive impact, and tolerance buildup. Long-term effects, like dependency, usually happen if your body gets too used to the supply of cannabinoids, active compounds found in the cannabis plant that can cause effects throughout the body. This is why it is so important to follow your clinicians guidance. If you consume as prescribed, you should avoid these long-term effects.
How to Minimise the Side Effects of Medical Cannabis
If you’re wondering how to reduce cannabis side effects, one of the most important things is to get the right medical supervision. That’s why it’s best to seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. We have experts who are with you every step of the way.
To help make sure you use medical cannabis safely, your clinician will:
- Discuss the benefits and risks with you.
- Start you on a product with more CBD and less THC, as this may reduce side effects. It’s important to find a dose that is suitable for your body and individual needs. Your clinician will be able to guide you through this.
- Recommend low doses to start with, increasing slowly if needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
We recommend you speak to your clinician if short-term side effects don’t improve over time, or they bother you, and especially if they get worse or interfere with daily activities. Your doctor may change your dose or suggest other treatments. It could also help to talk to your registered GP, as the symptoms might be caused by something else.
You should call 999 or go to A&E, and contact Alternaleaf as soon as possible, if you experience any severe side effects.
Summary
So that pretty much covers all of the important things you need to know about medical cannabis side effects in the UK. If you want to keep an eye on the most up-to-date information, head to our FAQ page.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.