Potential Side Effects of Cannabis

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. You may want to avoid busy, noisy, or unattractive places. If your environment is safe and comfortable, and you still have some anxiousness, sit or lay down, breathe deeply, and relax. Think loving thoughts. 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.

Many people become hungry after using marijuana, and those who need their appetite stimulated use it for this very reason. If you are not using it for this purpose, drink water or juice. If you do wish to eat, eat good nutritional food rather than sweets.

Marijuana often makes people feel thirsty or have a "cottonmouth" sensation. Because of this, it helps those who need it to rehydrate their bodies. Drink all the water you wish. Fruit juices are better than coffee, tea, or soft drinks.

This will not hurt you. You do not need to use any of the commercial preparations that “get the red out” for cosmetic reasons. If you must go out in public and are concerned about others’ reaction to the redness, wear sunglasses.

Some people find that marijuana makes them sleepy. If you can and wish to, go ahead and take a nap. As with all medicines that can produce drowsiness, don’t drive or operate heavy machinery.

Some people find that they can’t sleep for a while after using marijuana. If this happens to you, try reducing your dosage, and avoid using it for about two hours or so before you want to sleep.