Side Effects of Marijuana

Based on materials by Americans for Safe Access.

Marijuana is one of the safest medicines: it is impossible to consume enough to produce a toxic effect in the body. However, if you are unfamiliar with it, there are some effects with which you should become familiar so that you can use it more effectively.

Uneasiness
Marijuana usually has a soothing and comforting effect on the mind. Sometimes, however, people do experience feelings of anxiety. If this happens to you, there are several things you can do. Try to stay in environments where you feel naturally comfortable. If you feel anxious, sit or lay down, breathe deeply, and relax. If you have loved ones with you, hold each other for a while. If you have a pet, hold or stroke it. Eating will often quickly reduce the feeling of anxiety. Then, the next time you use it, try reducing your dosage. Because of our social training, you may have feelings of guilt. Know that you have a right to your medicine.

Hunger & Thirst
Many patients use marijuana to stimulate appetite. If you are not using marijuana for this purpose, drink water or juice. If you wish to eat, eat good, nourishing food rather than sweets.

Redness in the Eyes
This will not hurt you. If you must go out in public and are concerned about others’ reaction to the redness, wear sunglasses or use eye drops.

Drowsiness
If marijuana makes you sleepy, take a nap if you can and wish to. As with all medicines that can produce drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.

Sleeplessness
If you find that you can’t sleep for a while after using marijuana, try reducing your dosage and avoid using it for about two hours before you want to sleep.

Short-term Memory Loss
Sometimes people find it difficult to carry on a complicated conversation, keep track of details, or perform complex tasks. If this happens to you, schedule your time so that you don’t have to do these things when using your medicine.

Giddiness
Many people find that, when they use marijuana, things which normally don’t seem funny become quite amusing. Most people enjoy this effect. If you must deal with situations where humor would be inappropriate in your judgment, schedule your time so that you don’t have to deal with them when you are taking your medicine.