Cannabinoids Side Effects

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The term “cannabinoid” refers to any drug that acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. There are more than 100 different types of cannabinoids present in marijuana.

These chemical compounds carry both analgesic and addictive effects. This means that while they can be effective treatments for conditions involving pain, they also place users at risk of abuse and addiction.

Whether used for medicinal or recreational purposes, cannabinoids can produce side effects that become increasingly harder to overlook with time. As with any potentially addictive substance, these side effects develop out of the body’s growing dependency on the drug.

Cannabinoid Effects

Cannabinoids can cause paranoia, emotional instability, anxiety, and other potential side effects.

One of the cannabinoids present in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. THC produces the “high” effects commonly associated with marijuana use. Marijuana “highs” stem from THC’s psychoactive effects on certain chemical processes within the brain.

Another compound, known as cannabidiol or CBD, produces the drug’s analgesic effects. CBD compounds also carry anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike the THC compound, cannabidiol does not produce a “high” effect.

Different batches or strains of marijuana can contain varying levels of each compound, which determines the overall effects the drug will have. As a group, cannabinoids work directly within the central nervous system and alter the way the brain communicates with various systems throughout the body.

Physical Withdrawal Side Effects

Cannabinoids bear a strong resemblance to anandamide, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain. Anandamide exists as one of several chemicals within the brain’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a central role in regulating movement, pleasure, memory, and cognitive functions throughout the brain and body.

With ongoing use, the brain comes to rely on cannabinoid effects. The strong similarities between the drug and the brain’s own chemicals can lead to tolerance. This means that drug amounts must be steadily increased to produce the same desired drug effects.

When needed drug amounts are lacking, physical withdrawal side effects develop. These effects typically appear as:

• Sleep problems
• Stomachaches
• Feelings of anxiety
• Irritability
• Hot flashes
• Restlessness

With long-term use, physical withdrawal effects increase in severity and type. Signs of severe physical withdrawal include:

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feelings of depression
• Paranoia

Addiction Side Effects

Addiction to any drug happens over time as the drug’s effects work to alter brain processes and functions. Cannabinoids work in the same way. As THC compounds account for the drug’s addictive potential, higher the THC concentrations have a greater potential for addiction.

Since addiction entails both a mental and physical dependency, cannabinoid addiction side effects become most apparent in a person’s behaviors and life circumstances.

Addiction side effects may include:

• Uncharacteristic risk-taking
• Money problems
• Isolation
• Neglecting relationships with friends and family
• Neglecting work responsibilities
• Developing a new “group” of friends or acquaintances
• Only happy or content when “high”

Overall, cannabinoids exert a cumulative effect on a person’s mental processes and ability to function in everyday life. While the medicinal benefits can definitely serve some good, the drug’s addictive potential should not be ignored.

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