8.3 Adverse Effects & Patient Information

Marijuana: Adverse Cardiovascular Systemic Effects

• Cardiovascular problems

  • Increased HR and BP

  • Increased myocardial oxygen demand

  • Increased risk of ischemia stroke

Marijuana: Adverse Pulmonary Systemic Effects

• Airway inflammation

• Airflow obstruction

• Wheezing, coughing, increased sputum

Marijuana: Adverse GI Systemic Effects

• Increased nausea and vomiting

• Lower doses may increase these systems

Acute CNS Effects of Marijuana

• Marijuana high

• Confusion, hallucinations, panic reactions, paranoia

• Decreased cognition, A&O

• Decreased balance and coordination

Chronic CNS Effects

• Long term adverse effects no well understood due to lack of studies

• Info obtained from heavy habitual recreational users may not apply to medical marijuana setting

• Cannabis use disorder

CUD

• Drug being taking in larger amounts over a longer period of time than intended

• Persistent desire and unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use

• Great deal of time spent in activities to obtain, use, and recover from its effects

• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis

• Failure to fulfill obligation

• Persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems

• Important social or occupational activities given up

Is marijuana a gateway drug?

• Most users do not progress to harder drugs

• Early use has been associated with use of other drugs

• Should be avoided if there is a history of addiction, mental health, and developing nervous system

Marijuana rehab issues

• PTs can assess potential positive effects

  • Decreased pain, spasticity, seizures

  • Decreased disability, and health related QoL

• PTs can assess p-ossible adverse effects

  • Decreased balance, coordination, reaction time

  • Adverse CV and respiratory effects

  • Monitor excessive inappropriate use

What can we tell our patients?

• Smoking is not the only administration route

• Oral/edible forms are available but have certain drawbacks

• Composed of many compounds/chemicals (cannabinoids)

  • Certain have been isolated and can be administered in various ways