The Internet Is Not Your Doctor
Credible cannabis information, straight from the doc himself
By: Dr. Ife Abiola
As fast as information comes out about cannabis, misinformation also runs rampant. Dr. Abiola answered some of the most common cannabis questions to ensure you have access to accurate information. We’ve all been guilty of leveraging the all-knowing Google for quick tidbits of information and shamelessly self-diagnosing ourselves, but we’re here to set the record straight.
How safe is cannabis use for pregnant women? What about CBD?
There have been some shocking cases where cannabis products are suggested for everything from morning sickness to other side effects of being pregnant. This is could not be further from what is recommended. The effects of THC and even CBD are not fully known on a developing pregnancy. The extent to which it could be damaging isn’t fully known. There is plenty of evidence to show that low birth weight is correlated with cannabis use, but the exact cause is yet to be determined. Cannabis should never be consumed during pregnancy. It doesn’t matter if your friends or any online article states any potential benefits, it’s not worth the risk.
But once someone has given birth, they’re in the clear, right? Wrong. Cannabis products should be avoided while breastfeeding, too. Cannabinoids are fat soluble and could potentially enter the breastmilk. So, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding that’s the only reasons to avoid cannabis use, right? There’s one more situation. If you’re planning on becoming pregnant you should be cautious with cannabis consumption. The metabolites from cannabis can stay in one’s system for weeks if not months, so the developing pregnancy could potentially be exposed to THC products even if they mother isn’t actively consuming. So many rules, but those rules are there for good reason. Planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding, cannabis of any type is not for you.
What can I do to lower the side effects of THC?
Everybody wants to smoke high THC but nobody wants to have any high-THC problems. The most common issues when consuming THC-dominant products are ravenous hunger, greening out, dysphoria or being overly sedated. Some people think the negatives are worth it for the highest of highs but why take the good with the bad if you don’t have to? There are some strategies for keeping these side effects at bay. It goes without saying, but the most simple way is to use less at a time or less a potent product. If that’s not for you, then the next step is to add some equilibrium to your bud. By that I mean balance it out with an equal (or greater amount of CBD). This doesn’t mean you need to go for a lower THC-balanced strain (though there are those of great options), but rather you can get a great CBD strain and sprinkle a bit in your bowls or joints. The reasoning behind this is that CBD will compete with THC for the cannabinoid receptors giving you a more controlled high. Your risk of greening out goes way down with a balanced strains as well as the other side effects.
If you have the specific problem of raiding your cupboards every time you use your product you may want to ask your friends at your local FOUR20 about humulene. If you haven’t heard of humulene and get crazy munchies your life is about to change. Humulene is a terpene and appetite suppressant found in certain strains of cannabis, and in many vape products. If this is an issue for you, save yourself the frequent trips to the fridge and grocery store by seeking out products with this terpene at the top of its list.
Lastly, for the those who are prone to being a little too sedated they have a few options. The first action would be using more uplifting sativa dominant strains, and finally looking towards strains with limonene. The sharp fruity terpene provides alertness and aids in concentration. Though THC is the most desired active ingredient in cannabis, it turns out that getting the most out of it takes some attention to detail.
When will the benefits of cannabis consumption become apparent? When will I see the most benefit?
When the effects kick in depend on three different things: your body, your condition and the form of cannabis you’re using.
We all have different metabolic rates and bodies. This could be the deciding factor between your ingestible oil taking a few minutes or hours to kick in spite of the dose. Secondly, your condition could range anywhere from mild to severe and could be caused by a host of things. For common conditions like effects can be felt within minutes. For more severe conditions, effects may take some time and definitely consistency to see improvements.
Lastly, the form of the product will determine the speed at which it will take effect. Inhaled forms of cannabis enter the bloodstream directly making them the quickest way to have an effect. Other forms like beverages, and edible products take much longer. New product innovations, like beverages, nano-emulsions or topicals may elicit effect in as little as 15 minutes. Even with therapeutic doses some patients need consistent use over the course of several days to feel improvements. With so many factors it’s important to consult a reputable specialist or physician who has utilized cannabinoid therapy for several patients. Your medical history, condition and needs matter so a professional who can sort them all out will be invaluable
Is there anyone who should not use cannabis?
Once you’ve re-read question one, we can run through the list that should stay well away from the use of THC. Firstly, people with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or psychosis. If you have these conditions in your family, it’s best to not start.
Secondly, people with gastric or metabolic issues should strongly consider using an alternative to THC. If you’ve had a gastric bypass or sleeve or have uncontrolled diabetes, controlling food intake is an important matter. Over-eating could seriously compromise your health. THC can cause an aggressive appetite in a lot of people (some much more than others). For those with bariatric surgeries or other conditions, it may not be worth the risk.
Third, people with lung issues shouldn’t be using any inhaled forms of cannabis. Before you spend the rest of your day lamenting your cruel fate, there are so many more options than something to smoke or vape, including oils, capsules and controlled dose sprays. Since 2019, edible forms have hit the market in the form of candy, gummies and chocolate. Drinks like teas, sodas, and sparkling water are available among many others, too. Smoking is still the most popular consumption method but should not be considered the default for cannabis use.
What can I do if I’ve consumed too much?
One of the most important things is to know one’s limits when it comes to cannabis products. Beginning at very minimal doses and increasing it until you get the effects you want is the best policy. Some people keep notes or a journal on the potency or dosage they took so they can replicate the best outcomes. Now, if you’ve taken too much already, don’t panic. Remember that you are not going to die from THC use alone (you may feel like it at some points, but it’s not going to happen). The effects, while uncomfortable, will subside. The best thing to do is wait it out and lie down if your bad experience is making you dizzy or unstable. Do calming activities and do your best to get comfortable. To prevent symptoms of overconsumption, you can pick products with a significant amount of CBD with your dose of THC or lots of beta-caryophyllene in the terpene profile. Balanced strains and products have significantly lower side effects if you have used too much. It is also a good idea to make sure you’re well hydrated before using THC to minimize any changes in blood pressure that could happen. Using too much is never fun. There’s not a lot you can do for a quick cure, but a lot that can be done for prevention.
1. Hazekamp , et al. (2013) The Medicinal use of cannabis and cannabinoids – An internation international survey on administration form.
