How to mitigate the side effects of cannabis

Unwanted side effects of cannabis can vary in severity from mildly uncomfortable to rare instances that may require medical attention.

In this article you’ll find a comprehensive list of these side effects along with tips on how to relieve each symptom — and prevent them as much as possible. Use it to make more informed decisions about your cannabis use, and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions as to how cannabis may affect you.

Common side effects of THC

The side effects most commonly reported by cannabis users tend to be mild in terms of severity:

• Anxiety/paranoia
• Cough/phlegm/bronchitis
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness/fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Impaired coordination and cognitive functioning
• Increased appetite – “the munchies”
• Nausea
• Red eyes
• Short-term memory deficits

Anxiety/paranoia

Anxiety and paranoia are two typical hallmarks of negative cannabis side effects. These symptoms can be mild for some or more drastic in the case of vulnerable populations, like those with certain mental health disorders. [1]

Cough/phlegm/bronchitis

Coughing and phlegm associated with cannabis use is usually the result of inhalation methods such as smoking and vaping. While there has not been a decisive association found between smoking cannabis and lung cancer, it can damage the lungs similar to tobacco smoke. [2]

Dizziness

While not dangerous, the feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness caused by consuming cannabis can be worrying. This effect is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, and usually lasts only a few seconds. [3]

Drowsiness/fatigue

Another commonly reported side effect of cannabis use is drowsiness. Users that experience drowsiness when medicating may want to look for a more energetic strain, such as those high in limonene and pinene. [4]

You can also indulge in a short power nap, or if you can’t nap, try consuming small amounts of caffeine to counter any drowsiness.

Dry mouth

Also known as “cottonmouth,” dry mouth occurs when cannabinoids bind to salivary  glands in the mouth. This causes the glands to stop receiving messages from the parasympathetic nervous system instructing them to produce saliva, resulting in decreased saliva production. [5]

There are many different ways to treat dry mouth. You can drink water, chew ice chips, gum, or even consume special lozenges designed to combat dry mouth. You should also avoid concurrent use of alcohol or tobacco as these can also leave the mouth dry.

Avoid drinks with high levels of tannins like wine, which can also dry out the mouth.

Impaired coordination and cognitive function

Some cannabis consumers may experience impaired reaction times or drowsiness. Reaction times are contingent on several factors.

One of these is your dopamine levels. Dopamine plays a crucial role in voluntary movement. Having too much or too little dopamine can cause cognitive impairments. This is thought to be one of the reasons why cannabis users can experience cognitive impairments like slowed reaction times. Exercise is one way you can get your body to produce more dopamine. [6] [7]

While sensitivity to cannabis can vary wildly among individuals, cognitive dysfunction is largely thought to be dose dependent. Research suggests “very heavy use” of cannabis is associated with a decline in cognitive performance. You can regulate this side effect by simply monitoring your dose — or even with microdosing (consuming very small quantities of cannabis over time). [8]

Increased appetite – “the munchies”

One of the more widely depicted side effects of cannabis is “the munchies,” or a state of intense hunger.

There are a few things you can do to combat the munchies:

Certain cannabinoids are thought to have appetite suppressing properties. One cannabinoid that may have such an effect is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), but research is ongoing.

CBD-rich strains may also reduce appetite as CBD weakly binds to the body’s CB1 receptors, which are thought to modulate appetite and satiety. CBD and THCV act as antagonists at CB1, blocking further compounds from binding to the site. This could theoretically reduce the CB1 receptor’s ability to stimulate the appetite. [9]

While the temptation may be strong, salty and sugary foods can actually exacerbate the munchies instead of relieving them. “Sweet and salty foods and beverages are incredibly addictive,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD. “They trigger the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that motivates us to engage in rewarding behaviors.”

As our tolerance to these types of foods builds with time, we’ll eventually need more food to satisfy the urge, creating an addiction.

In other words, eating sweet and salty foods feels so good that it’s inevitably going to trigger a cycle where you can’t help but crave more sugary and salty foods. Many THC users can attest to this effect, which can be quite compelling.

Nausea

While THC is widely accepted as an effective regulator of nausea and vomiting in conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, at higher doses it can sometimes cause those same symptoms. This is explained by the biphasic effect, under which different doses of the same active ingredient can cause opposite effects.

The best way to avoid this unpleasant side effect is to start low and go slow, and always use the smallest amount of cannabis possible to achieve the desired effect. [10]

Red/Dry/Itchy Eyes

The most tell-tale sign that someone has recently consumed cannabis is the dreaded red/dry eyes. Cannabis can act as a natural vasodilator, reducing blood pressure by causing capillaries and blood vessels to dilate. This dilation increases blood flow to the area that causes redness. [11]

Eye drops can be used to minimize discomfort or drying. You can also drink water to ensure adequate hydration and to help restore moisture to the eyes. Vasoconstrictors — compounds that narrow vessels — may also help reduce eye redness. [12]

Short-term memory deficits

Recall impairment and short term memory deficits are common side effects of cannabis, THC in particular. These effects are short lived, though, and patients experience a resolution of memory symptoms following a period of cannabinoid abstinence.

Contrary to popular belief a single dose of THC “is unlikely to have persistent effects on memory function.” One team of researchers found administering THC impaired episodic memory and verbal recall for two hours after oral administration. No residual effects were present 24 or 48 hours later. [13]