More than half of people using medical cannabis for pain experience withdrawal symptoms

The use of cannabis, while safer than many other drugs, is not entirely without risk. AP Photo / David Zalubowski, file

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In stark contrast to the exaggerated fears portrayed in decades past, most people think cannabis is relatively harmless. While the herb is indeed less dangerous than some other drugs, it is not without risks.

In a study published Jan. 5, my colleagues and I found that 59% of people who used medical cannabis for chronic pain had moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms if they stopped ingesting the weed for hours or hours. days.

Most states in the US have legalized cannabis for medical purposes and 15 have legalized it for recreational purposes. More and more people are using cannabis, especially the elderly, and the perceived harms of weed use are steadily decreasing. While many people report therapeutic benefits or enjoy the recreational use of cannabis, it is important that people understand the potential risks of cannabis use as well.

What withdrawal from cannabis looks like

Symptoms of cannabis withdrawal can include both physical and psychological experiences that occur when someone comes back down from being high or going for a period of time without use.

When people consume cannabis regularly – daily or almost daily – parts of the brain become dependent on cannabinoids, the psychoactive chemicals in cannabis. Cannabinoids are produced naturally in the body, but at a much lower level than that available in most cannabis products. Among those who do not use weed for several hours or days, cannabinoid levels drop and they experience withdrawal symptoms. These may include irritability, depressed mood, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, desire or urge to use cannabis, agitation, anxiety, increased aggression, headaches, tremors, nausea, increased anger, strange dreams, stomach pain and sweating.

Symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis usually resolve within one to two weeks after stopping use, as the body adjusts to its own natural production of cannabinoids. Unlike withdrawal from certain psychoactive substances – such as alcohol – withdrawal from cannabis is not life-threatening or medically dangerous. But it does exist. Withdrawing from cannabis can also be quite unpleasant, and people can end up continuing to use cannabis – even if they want to reduce their use – just to avoid withdrawal.

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How common are withdrawal symptoms?

To determine the frequency of withdrawal symptoms, over two years, my colleagues and I repeatedly surveyed 527 people who used herbal medicine for chronic pain. We found that 59% of people who used medical cannabis for chronic pain had moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms were trouble sleeping, irritability, and anxiety.

We also found that cannabis withdrawal symptoms were more severe in younger people, people with mental health issues, people who had a longer history of cannabis use, and people who used it more frequently or in larger quantities. Additionally, we found that smoking cannabis – rather than eating it or applying it topically – correlated with more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Our team also looked at how people’s withdrawal symptoms evolved over time. Most continued to experience the same severity of withdrawal symptoms whenever they stopped ingesting cannabis during the two years of the study, but around 10% – especially the younger ones – got worse with the drug. time. As with most addictive substances, reducing the frequency or amount of cannabis use can help alleviate these symptoms.

Our study looked at people who used medical cannabis purely for pain. But in another recent meta-analysis that included both recreational and medical use, researchers found that 47% of frequent cannabis users experience withdrawals.

Cannabis may not be the evil drug of “Reefer Madness”, but it is also not a miracle plant with unlimited benefits and no drawbacks. As cannabis use increases across the United States, it is important for people to understand that regular use can lead to withdrawal and to know what these symptoms are.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Lara Coughlin, University of Michigan.

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Lara Coughlin receives funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.