Do Edibles Have Side Effects? What Are They?

Edibles generally refer to food or drink infused with cannabis. Edibles come in a variety of forms, i.e. hard candies, baked goods, drinks, chocolate, oils, tinctures, and more. The dose and strength of edibles vary a great deal. According to Life Hacker, points out that edibles are sold in a variety of categories. They are often marketed as Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, or CBD. The variety of edibles on the market is one of the numerous reasons why people opt for edibles. If you’re new to edibles, you may be wondering about how to use edibles and the side effects of edibles.

How to Use Edibles

When you’ve decided to use edibles, especially for the first time, ALWAYS start with a smaller dose. The ideal dose varies from person to person. Many clinical experts encourage newbies to start with 2.5 mg to 5 mgs of THC the first time. Remember, edibles are MUCH stronger than smoking or vaping. Even experienced smokers or vapers should start with a lower dose of edibles.

Taking too much at once can produce a very uncomfortable experience as we explain later on in this article.

How long does it take to get high?

What many first-timers don’t know about edibles is that it takes MUCH longer to feel the effects of edibles compared to smoking or vaping. When smoking or vaping, the effects can be felt almost immediately. Alternately, the effects of edibles tend to kick in between 30-60 minutes after oral consumption, however, in some rare cases, it can take up to 6 HOURS for some individuals to feel the full effects.

The time it takes to work, varies from person to person and is based on a number of factors. For example, other factors that may affect your experience are weight, sex, metabolism, and the health of your digestive system. Whether or not you’ve eaten also affects how long it takes to feel the effects of edibles. Also, keep in mind, edibles don’t work for everyone.

The characteristics of the edible itself can also affect how and when you experience it. The edible’s potency and how much you take will definitely change how you experience it.

The reason why it takes so long to feel the effects in contrast to smoking a blunt is that edibles have to travel through the digestive system. After that, they’ll need to be metabolized by the liver before they get to the brain. This will convert delta 9 THC into 11-hydroxy THC. Then the 11-hydroxy THC travels to your brian. That’s when you’ll start feeling the effects.

Not only does this process take a lot longer, but additionally, 11-hydroxy THC is more potent than delta-9 THC. THAT’S why the side effects are often more pronounced with oral consumption.

The feeling from 11-hydroxy THC also has a longer effect. The length of high that edibles provide is usually much longer than smoking. The high typically lasts about 6-8 hours and peaks around 3 hours. Of course, those timelines vary from person to person.

Consumers should wait at least two hours after consuming a dose before trying more.

Side Effects of Edibles

Naturally, edibles, like all cannabis products can have side effects. Some of the side effects are the exact reason some people use them. Others might not be so desirable. Side effects vary a great deal from person to person and are often dose-dependent. That means if you take a smaller amount, you might not experience the side effects any longer.

One well-known side effect of taking an edible is euphoria, which people often refer to as getting high. That’s what most recreational consumers hope to achieve when they eat an edible.

For many people, edibles can have stronger side effects than smoking or vaping. Cognitive side effects, motor impairment, and sedation can be much more pronounced. It’s imperative that people know their tolerance and side effects before operating any sort of machinery after consuming an edible. No one should ever operate machinery, including a car, when they are intoxicated.

Again, the side effects of edibles are usually dose-dependent. If you experience a negative side effect, you probably ate too many edibles. If you take a smaller amount, you might not experience side effects. Most of these side effects are associated with too much THC, but too much CBD can have side effects as well.

Side effects of too many edibles may include:

• Anxiety
• Agitation/Restlessness
• Nausea/Vomiting’s
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue/Sedation
• Changes in heart rate
• Changes in blood pressure

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles with low doses of THC, or no THC at all, are growing in popularity. CBD is non-intoxicating which means CBD edibles won’t make you feel high. However, CBD can still cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of CBD edibles according to one study are fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight.

Safety Concerns

An adverse reaction can cause a person to never want to use cannabis again. This is a common outcome for someone who’s experienced a THC-induced panic attack after consuming too much THC.

Too much THC can make someone new to cannabis or edibles feel like they are experiencing a medical emergency. Many people have gone to the emergency room after eating too many edibles. These individuals are usually experiencing panic attacks.

No one, in the history of the universe, has ever died from a marijuana overdose. Most people, simply need to remain calm and wait for the THC-induced anxiety to pass. Of course, if you’re having difficulty breathing, experiencing a rapid heart rate, chest pain, or psychosis, it’s best to seek medical attention.

Sometimes people forget that marijuana is a drug that may interact with other drugs. Therefore, be aware of other medications and drugs you take before you eat or drink an edible. Antidepressants, blood thinners, alcohol, and antibiotics may interact with marijuana. It may be worth it to seek medical advice before using if you’re on any medication.

Be careful of where you obtain your edibles. Edibles sold on the illicit market are often not tested and may contain toxins.

Conclusion

Edibles are a popular way of consuming marijuana. Like all substances, there are potential side effects but you can prevent many of the less desirable ones by starting with low doses and not consuming too many edibles at once. Be patient! Edibles typically take a while to kick in. Don’t take too much too soon. As always, keeping up with the latest cannabis science research is a good idea.Trending Now

Coumadin and Cannabis: What Happens When You Mix Warfarin & Weed?

Coumadin, or warfarin, is a kind of anti-coagulant. It prevents the blood from coagulating, or clotting.

Cannabis can also act as an anticoagulant, so patients often wonder, can I use marijuana if I’m taking blood thinners?

Usually, yes, but caution should be exercised. 

Most patients taking blood thinners can use cannabis without ill effects. However, these patients should use caution and consume marijuana under the guidance of an experienced healthcare provider.

Here are some of the things to know about mixing weed and blood thinners like warfarin or coumadin.

Mixing Medical Marijuana & Blood Thinners: The Facts

A 2007 study published in Phytomedicine showed cannabis, especially cannabinoids THC and CBN, act as anti-coagulants. The same study showed CBD had mild anti-coagulating effects.

Additionally, some blood thinners, like Coumadin, or warfarin, utilize metabolic pathway CYP450. Cannabis utilizes the same pathway. In some patients, this can cause a drug interaction and increase the amount of medication in the blood.

Don’t freak out at the mention of drug interactions. Drugs that utilize CYP450 can interact with a variety of things, even menthol cough drops are suspected of interacting with blood thinners.

(Read More About Cannabis & Medication Interactions)

Because cannabis is an anti-coagulant, and because of the potential for blood thinners and cannabis to interact, patients on blood thinners should use caution when adding medical marijuana to their routine.

Cannabis With Blood Thinners: Watch For This

Healthcare providers should monitor platelet levels and coagulation factors (PTT, PT/INR, CBC), especially during the first few months of adding medical marijuana.

Patients who mix weed and blood thinners (and/or their caregivers) should also be aware of the signs of “thin blood”.

What Is Thin Blood

“Thin blood” means the blood does not clot adequately. In severe cases “thin blood” can be deadly.

Signs or symptoms your blood might be too thin.

• Bleeding Gums
• Nosebleeds
• Bruising
• Petechiae (pinpoint red dots on the skin)
• Blood in urine or stool
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Unusual bleeding from small cuts
• Slow wound healing

Patients Should Know

There have been case studies attributing excess bleeding to a cannabis and coumadin interaction, however, many patients taking blood thinners use recreational cannabis without issue. Caution should be utilized.

Can Patients on Blood Thinners Use Cannabis Occasionally?

Patients should know that adding an occasional high dose of cannabis can cause blood to thin temporarily.

In some cases, this could be similar to taking a one-time double dose of blood-thinner medication, it could temporarily increases the risks, but is unlikely to cause long-term issues. As the cannabinoids are excreted from the body, the platelets and clotting factors should return to their previous levels.

Conclusion

According to anecdotal evidence, many patients taking blood thinners use medical marijuana effectively without reporting significant interactions, however, all patients with cardiac issues should use cannabis under the guidance of their doctors.

When patients taking blood thinners choose to use marijuana, they should know the signs and symptoms of thin blood, and consume cannabis under the care of a licensed healthcare provider.Trending Now

Is Marijuana Bad For Your Heart?

All substances have the potential to cause side effects, including cannabis. Those side effects vary widely depending on the strain used, amount consumed, and the individual.

One important fact to consider when discussing how marijuana affects the heart is that side effects vary depending upon the specific strain used. Additionally, every individual can react differently to a strain.

Short-Term Cardiac Side Effects of Cannabis

In the short-term, marijuana increases the heart rate and dilates, or opens, the blood vessels. In new users, the heart begins pumping harder and blood pressure increases, similar to the way it increases during exercise.

New Cannabis Users Might Experience These Cardiac Side Effects:

• Increased heart rate
• Dilation of blood vessels
• Increased blood pressure
• Sudden decrease in blood pressure when changing body positions

Later (possibly as a result of the dilation of blood vessels), the blood pressure of the user decreases.

Cannabis can also cause orthostatic hypotension which means your blood pressure suddenly drops when your body changes positions. This can cause dizziness and put patients with balance issues at an increased risk for falls.

When patients continue to use marijuana regularly their tolerance increases and these cardiac side effects usually lessen.

Cannabis and Chest Pain

Some studies suggest that people who have smoked cannabis recently might develop chest pain during exercise more quickly than people who did not smoke cannabis.

Cardiac Patients Should Use Caution

For most healthy individuals, the cardiac side effects of marijuana are insignificant.

However, if your healthcare provider has advised you not to exercise and/or not to have sex because of heart issues, you should also avoid initiating cannabis use during that time.

Cardiac patients who choose cannabis should monitor their blood pressure and heart rate regularly. They should only use cannabis under the careful guidance of an experienced healthcare provider.

You should also know, cannabis is being explored as a possible treatment for cardiac issues like arrhythmia and heart failure. Unfortunately, much research is still needed.

Cannabis & Stress Cardiomyopathy

A November 2016 study linked cannabis use to stress cardiomyopathy.

Stress cardiomyopathy can occur from several causes. Things that can cause stress cardiomyopathy include the physical stress of illness or injury, ingested substances, and even emotional stress.

Ever hear of someone dying from a broken heart? This is a real occurance–emotional grief can actually cause stress cardiomyopathy.

Cannabis might increase the risk of developing stress cardiomyopathy.

Stress cardiomyopathy is a sudden weakening of the heart that feels similar to a heart attack and in extreme cases can result in cardiac arrest and death.

Some of the limited research available suggests cannabis may have long-term health effects. At the same time, other studies do not show any significant long-term health effects related to cannabis.

Again, the research into this subject is very limited.

Long-Term Cardiac Side-Effects of Cannabis

One thing we know for sure is smoke–no matter whether it’s from cannabis or another source–can cause long-term damage to cardiac muscles.

It’s unclear, but cannabinoids may have protective properties against damage related to smoke.

Cannabis & Cardiac Effects: What Colorado Tells Us

If we look at states that have already legalized cannabis, we can get a better idea of how it might affect the health of the population as a whole.  For example, let’s look at Colorado where cannabis became legal and widely available in 2014.

Statistics show NO significant increase in heart disease, strokes, or deaths related to heart disease or strokes, since legalizing cannabis.

According to the American Heart Association, in 2013, 3% of adults in Colorado were told by their health care provider they had angina or coronary artery disease. In 2017, the same figure was nearly identical at 3.1%.

The pattern continues when we look at the deaths related to heart disease or stroke in Colorado.

In 2013, the American Heart Association reported that 19.9% of deaths were from heart disease and 5% from stroke.

In 2015, after cannabis became widely available, those numbers only increased slightly to 19.3% of deaths from heart disease and 5.1% from stroke.

Other Things Associated with Cardiac Risks

• NSAIDS, like Advil and ibuprofen, increase the risk of heart attack.
• Caffeine has been repeatedly implicated in deaths related to cardiac issues.
• Cholesterol is proven to increase cardiac risks, yet people keep going to McDonald’s.
• Obesity increases the risks of cardiac effects drastically.
• Opiates are suspected to have long-term cardiac side-effects.

Limitations of Cannabis Research

Why is research about cannabis so limited?

This is directly related to FDA’s classification of cannabis. Marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance and because of this, there are many barriers to studying it.

The application process is complex and expensive. If the researchers do manage to win all the permits and official approvals required, the products available for scientific study are low-quality.

Some studies available are reviews of questionnaires from various patient populations. The challenges of this are these surveys were conducted in unfriendly legal environments. The negative legal associations and the stigma skew results as many participants do not answer 100% honestly.

Secondly, the surveys completed have limited information available. Many of questionnaires simply ask, “have you ever used cannabis?”.

Trying cannabis once is vastly different than being a regular user. In addition, these studies don’t separate smoking cannabis from other methods of consumption.

Conclusion: Cardiac Patients Use Caution

More research is needed to better determine the long-term effects cannabis has on the circulatory system. Patients who are at an increased risk for heart issues should use recreational cannabis with caution.

Cardiac patients who choose to use cannabis should monitor their blood pressure and heart rates regularly and do so under the care of an experienced health care provider.

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Understanding The Real Effects of THC

Introduction

Marijuana, ganja, the chronic, bud, pot, grass, and reefer, as well as many other names, are all designators for the same the same thing; the cannabis plant. Few plants are, or probably ever have been, as controversial as the cannabis plant.

In some places, simply possessing any part of this plant, can land you in prison. In other locales, possession can lead to being sentenced to death or life in a work internment camp.

Still, in some parts of the world, cannabis is understood and appreciated as a medication.  It’s embraced for its natural medicinal qualities. Other places are even more lenient, allowing legal recreational use by adults.

The laws regarding cannabis vary greatly depending on one’s location.

Despite the trend of cannabis being legalized, there is still a lack of research.  Misconceptions about the effects of cannabis abound.

Components of Cannabis

As scientific research becomes more readily available, we’re beginning to understand much more about this plant and the chemical components that form it.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the chemical components in marijuana. Cannabinoids include THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, THCV, and more

But cannabinoids are not exclusive to marijuana. Cannabinoids are present in all plants, and they are even produced naturally within our own bodies. 

The Endocannabinoid System

There’s an entire physiological regulation system, that manages and maintains our natural cannabinoids.  That’s system is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

The ECS regulates many things in our bodies, but mainly plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis, or critical balance within our cells and body.

The Most Famous Cannabinoid

THC is the best known and most common cannabinoid

Today we will be exploring the effects of THC, how it works, and some of the misconceptions surrounding it; so join us and let’s get started!

What Is TCH?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol is one of many naturally occurring cannabinoids in cannabis. 

It’s also the most active cannabinoid. THC is the chemical responsible for the feeling of euphoria, happiness, and so many other feelings. It is what makes us feel high.

How Does THC Work?

THC possesses many medical properties.

Side-Effects Of THC Are Temporary

THC naturally interacts with the ECS, producing a variety of physical and mental effects, but all of these effects are temporary.  When the drug leaves your system, both the health benefits and the unpleasant effects will wear off. 

Benefits of THC

THC offers a variety of medical and wellness benefits. It’s also used recreationally to induce feelings of euphoria.

• Euphoria
• Stress Relief
• Seizure Control
• May slow the progression of Alzheimer’s  
• Decreases Anxiety
• Treats PTSD
• Pain Relief
• Muscle Spasm Relief 
• May boost the immune system
• Helps alleviate inflammation
• Nausea & Vomiting Relief
• Appetite stimulant/Balances metabolic function
• Enhances Sleep

Is THC Dangerous?

It’s important to note no one has ever died from a cannabis overdose.

Still, that does not make cannabis completely benign. Marijuana is a drug and needs to be used responsibly.

It’s also important to remember, side effects vary greatly according to the strain you’re using, the method of consumption, and the tolerance of the user.

Every person can react differently to the same strain. For example, Sour Diesel might make me anxious, but make you feel relaxed.

Negative Side Effects of THC

Cannabis can cause some unpleasant side effects, especially if an individual overconsumes cannabis (which is very easy to do, especially with edibles). Negative side effects of THC include:

• Dry, Red Eyes
• Dry Mouth
• Paranoia & Anxiety (this is often related to overconsumption or strain sensitivity)
• Negative effects on short-term memory
• Difficulty with timing and problem solving
• Changes in body temperature
• Changes in mood
• Increased heart rate
• Mental impairment
• Possible effects on the development of the brain in youths who consume cannabis
  (Read: The Most Important Thing To Tell Your Kid About Cannabis)
• May increase the risk of psychosis in high-risk patients.
  (See 5 Other Normal Things That Increase the Risk of Psychosis More Than Cannabis)

Dangerous Effects:

Some extremely limited studies have shown THC use may temporarily weaken the heart muscle. Users with a history of cardiac issues should use cannabis under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.

Cannabis should not be used by anyone in liver failure.

When it comes to potentially dangerous side effects of THC, the biggest risk is often a simpler allergy.  Cannabis and THC allergies do exist.

A cannabis allergy manifests the same as any other allergy. Potentially, a person can go into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can be deadly without proper medical treatment.

A Note About Mental Impairment

Cannabis can cause mental impairment. Overuse is discouraged. Cannabis should be used responsibly.

DO NOT DRIVE while intoxicated on cannabis, or any other substance. Do not operate machinery while intoxicated.

Also, keep in mind that mental impairment can increase the risk of falls or disorientation in the elderly.

Long-Term Side Effects of THC

The long-term side effects of THC are not completely understood due to the lack of reliable long-term research. 

One specific study showed periodontal disease was the only notable long-term side effect of cannabis use, but research has not yet been conducted to reliably determine the long-term health effects.

Conclusion

The effects of THC can be wide and varied, new users should always start small as dosage and strain can dramatically impact side effects. 

In the end, the effects you experience are going to depend on many factors. How long you feel high also depends also on the dosage, method of consumption, and tolerance of the user.

It is challenging to predict how an individual will react, they might experience common side effects like dry eyes, or they may experience anxiety.

If you do experience anxiety, you can take comfort in the fact that there has never been a case of a cannabis overdose.

About the author:

MMJ Canada has provided cannabis and cannabis alternatives to eligible patients in a safe, professional, and upscale environment for over 4 years. Offering free education from our friendly consultants, as well as complimentary consultations with medical professionals who have dedicated their time to educating patients on what will work best.Trending Now

Is Cannabis Dangerous?

Just like any other substance, there are real risks and side effects of marijuana use. But the side effects of cannabis are less dangerous than many common things.

Consider caffeine.

Research shows that 85% of the population consumes caffeine every single day, even though, caffeine is probably deadly. There are actually many deadly substances laying around our homes and these substances are more dangerous than cannabis.

Cannabis is NOT deadly.

NO one has ever died from a cannabis overdose.

Compare that to the oodles of ordinary things that can kill humans.  Here are nine potentially deadly things you probably have in your house.

9 Ordinary Things More Dangerous Than Marijuana

1. Alcohol

A comparative risk analysis conducted in 2015, concluded that alcohol is 114 times MORE DEADLY than cannabis.

According to the CDC, in the US, 88,000 people die every year from alcohol. The CDC adds, “Excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years.”

1-in-10 deaths.

The CDC says, 1 in 10 working-age adults DIE from excessive drinking. Yet, this is a completely legal, exceptionally common, and socially accepted substance.

Alcohol is deadly. No one has ever died from a cannabis overdose.

2. Caffeine

Not only is caffeine addictive, it’s also deadly.  The devastating death of a 16-year-old was prevalent in the news.

The most tragic part of this story is the teenager’s caffeine intake on that fatal day was not outrageous.  The 16 yo died after drinking only three caffeinated beverages.

The Mayo Clinic says a limited amount of caffeine is safe for adults, but we have no idea what’s ok for kids:

Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That’s roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two “energy shot” drinks. Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content in beverages varies widely, especially among energy drinks.

Caffeine can be safe and even beneficial for some adults, but too much is deadly for everyone. Yet, we continue to dump this deadly drug down our kids’ throats daily in the forms of soda and energy drinks.

Marijuana is NOT deadly, plus it has health benefits, yet this plant is still outlawed.

READ:  Cannabis addiction is rare, but is possible.  What does marijuana withdrawal feel like? 

3. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is significantly more dangerous than marijuana.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and is also in many other common medications, like cold medicines and painkillers.

This common over-the-counter drug is treated too casually, this results in frequent overdoses.

Hundreds of people die every year from acetaminophen overdoses.  Many others are disabled by permanent liver damage.

4. Nutmeg

Yes, Grandma’s Pumpkin Pie Might Be More Dangerous Than Cannabis.

Consuming extremely high amounts of this common spice can actually kill you. Historically, people have died from consuming too much nutmeg.

Nutmeg also has a history of abuse because of the hallucinogenic effects it can produce.

5. Houseplants

Peace lilies are extremely common. I have two in my house. One in the kitchen, one by the front door. They’re excellent natural air filters and are recommended by NASA. They’re also great for low light areas.

BUT peace lilies are also poisonous.  Sure they’re perfectly legal and easily obtained, but the leaves and sap are deadly for both for humans and pets. Chewing the leaves or ingesting sap can kill a child.

And peace lilies aren’t the only toxic houseplants – here are nine others. (Surprise! All nine of these deadly plants are perfectly legal.)

Many houseplants are deadly. Do you know what’s not deadly? Cannabis. Cannabis is safer than houseplants.

6. Water

Not only can you drown in water, but drinking too much water can kill you.

Drinking too much water dilutes your blood causing your sodium levels to drop – that can be deadly.  Water intoxication has killed numerous people.

Think about this: You can die from drinking too much water, but you CANNOT die from a cannabis overdose.

7. Cows (Yes, ordinary cows.)

Here are some other surprising (but less common) things that are more deadly than marijuana: Cows, holes in the sand at the beach, and brain-eating amoebas.

Cows can be deadly. Death by cow is more common than death from cannabis.

8. Opiates

According to the CDC, sixty-four thousand people died from drug overdoses in 2016. Two-thirds of those deaths were caused by opiates.

Additionally, more than 40% of those deaths involved PRESCRIBED opiates.

9. Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, etc.)

I once heard a doctor refer to Xanax as, “Vitamin X,” as he noted all of his patients were on it. Benzodiazepines are disturbingly common.

Benzos are often used to ease anxiety (Cannabis may be helpful for anxiety.)

The CDC says approximately 64,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in 2016, they estimate that Benzos contributed to 30% of those deaths.

Benzodiazepines can cause overdoses. Cannabis cannot.

Conclusion

The next time you hear someone spreading propaganda about cannabis, please let them know, that more deaths have been caused by coffee, nutmeg, and cows than by marijuana.

Cannabis, like all substances, has risks. It should be used responsibly by adults. The illegal status of cannabis is ridiculous considering it’s less dangerous than many ordinary substances we have in our homes.

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Important Topic to Address with Your Kids

What To Teach Kids About Cannabis

I have a whole list of facts to teach your kids about cannabis.  But before we delve into the details, let’s address another very important topic.

Please discuss your family history of mental illness with your children.  Here’s why –

Adolescents More At Risk Becuase of Undeveloped Brains

Legal marijuana is safe for most adults, BUT, adolescents have more risks because their brains are immature and undeveloped.

Research indicates that there is a small section of the population that needs to exercise more caution with cannabis.

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Oct 19, 2016 at 1:44pm PDT

Schizophrenia & Psychosis – Kids Need to Know Their  Family History

Mental illness and cannabis are two difficult topics to discuss.  Mental illness is often hidden by families because of the stigma associated with it.  (as is cannabis)

But children NEED to know their family’s psychiatric history in order to make safe & responsible decisions about cannabis use (both in adolescence and adulthood).

Individuals with a strong family history of schizophrenia (and/or illnesses with characteristics of psychosis) should AVOID recreational cannabis use – ESPECIALLY during adolescence.

Individuals with a strong family history of schizophrenia, who choose to utilize medical marijuana, should be guided and monitored by a licensed professional.

If your child has a family history of schizophrenia (or other illness associated with psychosis), PLEASE make sure they are aware of the association between cannabis and psychosis.

READ:  Cannabis may trigger the onset of psychosis

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Apr 22, 2017 at 11:58am PDT

We Need to Talk About Weed with Our Kids

Whether you have a family history of mental illness or not, please discuss cannabis with your kids.

But before you revert to the DARE education of your youth – remember the facts have changed drastically.

Unfortunately, when it comes to cannabis education in schools, what most children are being taught is distressingly inaccurate.

Kids are still taught propaganda.  The “facts” listed in textbooks about marijuana are dangerously out of date.

This continued spreading of misinformation is doing our children a disservice. Please teach the real facts at home.

Sigh… this week is #propaganda week for fourth graders. A week that brings me an enormous amount of frustration. I’m grateful my son is well educated about #cannabis but that doesn’t protect the millions of other children being fed false information. Teach kids the REAL dangers and risks, not made up nonsense. Please teach about #marijuana the way you teach about opiates ? Don’t believe anything written in old textbooks about marijuana! Hop on pubmed and read the REAL research instead.

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Mar 5, 2017 at 4:14pm PST

How to Explain Misinformation to Children

It’s confusing for kids to be taught one thing at home and another thing at school.  I wrote this article for Ravishly and it explains what I tell my son about cannabis.

READ:  My 9 yo Knows Good People Smoke Pot

Why You Should Be Stingy with the Term “Drugs”

The term “drugs” is powerful.  It should be.  Drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin are dangerously addictive and potentially deadly.

A casual approach to these dangerous drugs can lead to life-destruction.  The warnings about these drugs need to be powerful.

Social attitudes toward marijuana are rapidly changing; drug education must follow suit.

As more people come forward and admit to regular cannabis use, the stereotype of the stoner is beginning to die.

#mondaymotivation ? spring flowers keep me going on cloudy May days ??

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on May 1, 2017 at 4:59am PDT

Fear of Marijuana is Faltering

Humans require legitimate fear to survive.  It keeps us safe.

Don’t dilute the word “drugs”-with non-lethal cannabis.

Children hear about drug addiction and overdoses in the media.  My family has lost loved ones to addiction and overdose.  It’s a powerful experience that instills fear – It’s an important and necessary fear.

I want my kids to be afraid of drugs.  I do not want them to see successful people, using “dangerous drugs”, and living normal happy lives.

Most marijuana users live normal happy lives.

For most people – legal cannabis use is safer than alcohol.  Cannabis is not the dangerous drug DARE told us it was.  Kids NEED to understand this distinction.

Death by Cannabis?

Here are the ways pot can kill you. Someone can hit you in the head with a cast-iron pot.  Someone can use a pot to cook up some poison…

No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose. Compare that to 18,893 deaths from prescription painkiller overdoses or 29,001 alcohol related deaths from alcohol poisoning in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

No one has ever died from ingesting too miuch marijuana.

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Mar 28, 2017 at 5:39pm PDT

Real Risks of Marijuana

Marijuana isn’t deadly but that doesn’t make it perfectly safe.  There are real risks and dangers.  Kids NEED to know the REAL risks.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

• Marijuana IS addictive.
• Approximately 9% of users may become addicted to marijuana.  This statistic is similar to how many male drinkers become alcoholics.
• Cannabis withdrawal is not deadly like alcohol.
• Marijuana withdrawal for adults is like giving up coffee.
• Addiction to anything can be devastating to adolescents

Gateway Myth

Ban the term “gateway” from your vocabulary. Marijuana use does not cause people to use other drugs.

Addiction can start from huffing a paint can.  Most marijuana users live normal lives.

The idea that cannabis causes someone to use other drugs is propaganda.

Still worried about the gateway myth?  This Times article is an excellent read that dispels this fallacy.

Marijuana Fact Sheet

Cannabis is a Controlled Substance.

• In some states, marijuana is a medication prescribed by a doctor.
• In other states, marijuana is regulated like alcohol & tobacco – allowed for adults only.
• In some states, marijuana is completely illegal.
• Know your state’s legal status. State Marijuana Laws

The Real Dangers of Marijuana

All substances have dangers.  Here are some of the dangers of cannabis for chidlren.

• Large amounts of marijuana may alter perception causing users to be unable to recognize dangerous situations.
• It is very easy to use too much which can cause panic attacks and make you feel like you’re dying.
• The short term effects of large amounts of THC may negatively impact short term memory and active learning.
• Different people react differently, to varying amounts and strains.
• Marijuana affects brain chemistry and we are unsure how it affects the adolescent brain.
• In VERY rare cases, cannabis may trigger the onset of psychosis.
• Illegal marijuana can be laced with other damaging drugs & chemicals.
• Smoking any substance, including marijuana, can cause respiratory issues – it’s the smoke, not the marijuana.
• There’s little research on cannabis which means there’s a lot we don’t know about the health effects of using this substance.

It’s Illegal for Kids to Use Cannabis

Recreational marijuana use by adolescents is illegal across the United States Breaking laws has consequences:

• Loss of Drivers’ Licenses
• Fines
• Jail time
• Suspensions/Expulsions
• Elimination from sports teams, clubs, and activities

Share your beliefs

• Teach your values when it comes to alcohol, sex, gambling, and marijuana.
  • Be honest, tell them how you feel.
  • Be realistic – the current social attitude is changing rapidly.

Why This Conversation Can’t-Wait

In the past 50 years, social acceptance of marijuana has dramatically increased.  A 1969 Gallup survey found only 12% of respondents thought marijuana should be legalized; by 2015 that number increased to 58% overall, and 68% of millennials, in favor of legalization.  I don’t expect those statistics to alter your sentiment about marijuana, but I hope the widespread acceptance spurs you into action.  With nearly half the country accessing medical marijuana, it’s more important than ever to talk to your kids about cannabis.
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