Potential Side Effects

The primary documented side effects of Medical Cannabis are:

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. 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.

HUNGER:

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 nourishing food rather than sweets.

THIRST:

Marijuana often makes people feel thirsty. 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.

REDNESS IN THE EYES:

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.

DROWSINESS:

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.

INSOMNIA:

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.

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. Long-term memory is not affected.

GIDDINESS:

Many people find that things that normally don’t seem funny become quite amusing when they use marijuana. Most people enjoy this effect. A good laugh helps the healing power of your body and mind. If you must go to the bank or deal with other 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. Don’t worry, this will pass.

Please Note: This list is not all-encompassing. If in need of immediate help or in case of an emergency, call 911.

If you believe that you have experienced a non-emergency adverse event related to medical cannabis use, please contact your primary physician or other medical professional for an assessment.

Additionally, if you believe the adverse event related to medical cannabis use is a result of our or another licensed producer’s products and services and/or you have concerns regarding these products or services, please contact the New Mexico Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program directly at 505-827-2321 or medical.cannabis@state.nm.us.

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