For decades the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively banned the use and sales of cannabis (marijuana) in the US. Prior to 1937, cannabis had enjoyed a 5000 year history as a therapeutic agent across many cultures.
About half of the states have now relaxed the cannabis laws. Since 1998 patients in Oregon have been able to legally grow and possesses cannabis for medical use. Now in Oregon, cannabis can be legally grown and possessed by anyone 21 and over. People use cannabis for a variety of reasons. Some use it to socialize and relax, to sleep, to enhance appreciation of music, art or a romantic experience and to find relief from a variety of medical conditions.
Cannabis can also adversely affect people who are not familiar with its effects. The use of cannabis should be carefully studied to avoid any negative effects. Misuse of cannabis can be serious, even putting people in life threatening situations. Below is some basic information to educate those who are considering using cannabis.
Interactions of Cannabis
Cannabis can interact with other drugs one might be taking.
It can cause some drugs to be less effective, such as certain heart medications and psychiatric drugs.
It can enhance the effects of other drugs. In some medical cannabis cases, this has allowed patients and doctors to reduce the amount of other drugs used.
Cannabis use with:
• Antihistamines and sleeping aids can increase sedation.
• Alcohol, benzodiazepines and opiates can increase sedation.
• Amphetamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers and diuretics can increase cardiac effects.
• Amphetamine and cocaine Increase cardiac effects.
• Alcohol can increase sedation.
• Caffeine can increase cardiac effects.
To determine drug interaction MAMA recommends the “Complete Guide to Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs” by H. Winter Griffith, MS, revised and updated by Stephen W. Moore, M.D.
This book tells about hundreds of possible drug interactions, including the use of cannabis. MAMA recommends this book for use when applying MAMA’s “Drug Consumer Safety Guidelines” to weigh the benefits versus the risks of prescription and nonprescription drug use. www.mamas.org
Forms of Cannabis
Cannabis can be used in a variety of ways with different effects (smoked, eaten, vaporized and applied topically). Many use cannabis infused butter, tincture, salves, ointments and oils.
It is important to understand the time of onset and duration of any medication, and to know how to adjust the dosage for maximum benefit and minimal problems. Cannabis that is smoked, vaporized or used topically can be felt very quickly (a few minutes) and the effects will last for about 90 minutes. The effects of cannabis that is eaten takes much longer to feel (up to 2 hours) and those effects last for up to eight hours. When consuming cannabis orally, it is advised to err on the side of caution.
First Time Users
Using cannabis for the first time can be a very interesting experience. The body is full of receptor sites that are specific to cannabis-like chemicals in the body called endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is a group of nervous systems in the body that use this cannabis-like chemical (anamide) and are involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The first time these receptor sites are stimulated by the use of cannabis, patients may feel new sensations throughout their body. Not only will there be new physical feelings, but mental stimulation is also reported by many.
Knowing what is occurring can prevent first time users from being frightened by the new feelings. It is good to have someone present who is familiar with the effects. It is best to use methods that allow easy dosage control, (smoking, vaporizing or using tincture) since one can be aware of the effects in a few minutes, thus it is easier to prevent overdose.
Again, it is harder to determine the correct dosage of orally consumed cannabis, as it might take an hour or more before the effects are felt. Once dosage and timeline are determined though, this can be a good way to extend the effectiveness of the medicine.
Cannabis, like any other drug, should be stored in a place that is inaccessible to minors. Also be aware that driving while under the influence of any intoxicating drug is illegal.
Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse (MAMA) is a nonprofit organization that has existed since 1982. MAMA does not advocate drug use by anyone. MAMA’s goal is to teach people how to evaluate any drug use for benefits versus risks, so they can make informed decisions to reduce harm.
— Sandee Burbank resides in Mosier and is the executive director of MAMA, which has medical marijuana clinics in The Dalles, Portland and Bend,
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