In the sixties, being offered a “joint” was not alarming…like being offered a beer or a glass of wine. It was a social thing. At that time, marijuana was illegal. What bothered me the most about the drug, as with alcohol, was the possibility of not having control in any given situation. As a wise, old bipedal primate mammal, young people should take that advice into account! Being an Art (and English) major in college, one was often exposed to stoned hippies. Some of them seemed to be permanently high. I was not surprised to learn that seventeen years ago, a discovery was made that the daily use of marijuana can cause a serious health issue, namely cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). What are the symptoms of CHS? Twenty-four to forty-eight hours of stomach cramps and belly pain, nausea and repeated intense vomiting or dry heaves. That is an overabundance of retching! Much about what causes this recurring illness is theory and more studies need to be made. Not all daily users of marijuana will develop the syndrome. However, there have been complications in these episodes: electrolyte inconsistencies, kidney failure, ruptured esophagus and, of course, dehydration.
What is known is that marijuana contains at least a hundred different chemical compounds. The commercial THC content is becoming more potent. These strong cannabinoid compounds are stored in the body—in fat tissue, in the digestive tract, in the nervous system and brain. Scientists are not quite sure why taking a hot shower helps relieve the symptoms of CHS but it is theorized that the hot water directs the blood flow back to the skin and away from the abdomen. But that is temporary relief. There are often long lengths of time between bouts of sickness which makes it difficult to diagnose until the connection between daily indulgence and the syndrome is discovered. The only way that a person can prevent cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is to completely stop using marijuana. If you think you can have an occasional joint, you are likely to be revisited by CHS. Another chemical compound in hemp is CBD or Cannabidiol. This compound also has effects on the brain. CBD has been found to alleviate pain, anxiety and depression. Studies have also discovered it has benefits for those who have Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer treatments. The sale of CBD products is a thriving business. Farmers, too, are discovering how lucrative growing hemp has become…if it is legal to do so in your state. Thus far, there have been no reports of people having unhealthy side effects who use a CBD product daily. Although studies do show that CBD is more effective if a little THC is in the oil or cream. Could that eventually accumulate in the body and cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome? Time will tell! Be aware of what you are putting in and on your body. Since 30 states have decriminalized marijuana and eleven have legalized its use recreationally, THC, CBD and CHS are now a part of the national landscape. But, like alcohol, opiates and other drugs, beware of the risks—known and unknown! [email protected] ©Ann Rains March, 2021
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