Are there any side effects of medicinal cannabis?

Akhavan assures that, while this may seem like a black-and-white concept, these two plant types are not completely different. This is explained further below. All cannabis grown in North America is a hybrid, with different strains expressing more indica, more sativa, or even a combination of the two.

Current cannabis talk is dominated by the separation of CBD and THC. This distinction can be difficult for beginners (*raises their hand slowly*). Akhavan says that the two are not types of marijuana, but components. The cannabis plant has more than 100 cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds. The most common cannabinoids in cannabis are cannabidiol, or CBD (cannabidiol), and tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the psychoactive element of the plant that produces a “high” or euphoric feeling, while CBD is associated Time Business News with some of the purported therapeutic effects of the whole plant–pain management, anxiety reduction, improved sleep, and decreased inflammation–without the high.

Cannabinoids can be used to determine the best strain for you. Indicas have higher CBD content, whereas Sativas typically contain higher THC. Jessica Assaf of Cannabis Feminist recommends CBD for those who want to start using cannabis without fearing any psychoactive effects. This will let you experience cannabis’ benefits without the “high,” says Jessica Assaf. “You can get CBD products in the form of tinctures or topicals. You can also find edibles and flower for smoking.”

The hottest products right now are cannabis-infused items. Modern edibles are available, such as chocolates or gummies. They can also be applied as an oil or balm to relieve muscle pains.

Akhavan is in agreement, suggesting a route that’s even more conservative for newbies. He suggests that consumers start out with the least amount to test their tolerance. “Some edibles have doses of as low as 2.5mg THC.” He recommends that you inhale for one or two seconds when vaporizing, then wait 10 minutes to try another. Micro-dosing means consuming cannabis, inhaling it, or even smoking it in tiny amounts. It is recommended to all first time users.

Akhavan, however, believes that the amount of CBD consumed isn’t as important when using CBD-specific products. Akhavan says users can also use micro-doses of CBD. However, CBD is not psychoactive, so side effects of taking CBD-only products too often are less concerning.

While you probably already know to always drink water following a wine glass, hydration might not have been something that was considered important in relation to cannabis. Assaf believes it’s important. As cannabis can enhance your senses, it could cause you to dehydrate if you aren’t properly hydrated. Industry experts told me dehydration could cause anxiety in people who have consumed cannabis. So, drink water before and afterwards.

If I asked Dr. Atkinson, of the University of San Diego Center for Medical Cannabis Research, about this, his response was that he is not aware of evidence to support the claim that dehydration could affect the experience of high. But he did offer one caveat. Dehydration may affect the blood pressure or heart rate of cannabis users. In an indirect manner, dehydration could increase anxious feelings. A rapid heart rate, for example, may cause a feeling of anxiety. IMHO, it is better to be on the safe side than to regret this decision. Here’s how you can find out just how much water per day.