Side effects of edibles

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Side Effects of Cannabis Edibles

Introduction to Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles have gained popularity due to their perceived health benefits and the increasing legalization of cannabis products. These edibles contain cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are derived from Cannabis sativa. While these products are generally considered safe, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects associated with their consumption .

Common Side Effects of Cannabis Edibles

Psychoactive Effects and Overdose Risks

One of the primary concerns with cannabis edibles is the risk of unintentional overdose. Unlike smoking or vaping, the effects of edibles can take longer to manifest, leading individuals to consume more than intended. This can result in severe psychoactive effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations . The delayed onset of effects can be particularly dangerous for inexperienced users who may not realize the potency of the edibles they are consuming.

Accidental Ingestion by Children

Another significant risk is the accidental ingestion of cannabis edibles by children. These products often resemble regular snacks and candies, making them appealing to young children. Accidental ingestion can lead to serious adverse effects, including severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and in extreme cases, coma . Proper packaging and labeling are essential to prevent such incidents.

Long-Term Health Concerns

Cognitive and Psychological Effects

Long-term consumption of cannabis edibles can have cognitive and psychological effects. Regular use, especially in high doses, has been linked to memory impairment, reduced cognitive function, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety . These effects are more pronounced in adolescents and young adults, whose brains are still developing.

Physical Health Risks

While the immediate physical health risks of cannabis edibles are generally low, there are potential long-term concerns. Chronic use can lead to respiratory issues if the edibles are combined with smoking or vaping. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that long-term use of high-THC products may contribute to cardiovascular problems .

Conclusion

Cannabis edibles offer a convenient and often enjoyable way to consume cannabinoids, but they come with significant risks. Unintentional overdose, accidental ingestion by children, and long-term cognitive and physical health concerns are critical issues that need to be addressed. Proper education, packaging, and labeling can help mitigate some of these risks, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the benefits of cannabis edibles safely.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Cannabis sativa Cannabinoids as Functional Ingredients in Snack Foods—Historical and Developmental Aspects

Cannabis sativa edibles are considered safe, but packaging and labeling should be differentiated to reduce the appeal to children and reduce potential side-effects.

Literature ReviewRigorous Journal

2022·

44citations

·Marlize Krüger et al.

Plants·

DOI

The role of edible mushrooms in health: Evaluation of the evidence

Edible mushrooms show potential health benefits, including immune modulation and anti-tumor effects, due to their polysaccharide content, which enhances cellular immunity through T helper cell balance and interleukins.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2012·

272citations

·P. Roupas et al.

Journal of Functional Foods·

DOI

Edible Mushrooms as Novel Myco-Therapeutics: Effects on Lipid Level, Obesity, and BMI

Edible mushrooms may help prevent obesity and other chronic ailments by reducing lipid levels, cholesterol, and glucose levels.

Literature Review

2022·

33citations

·Faheem Mustafa et al.

Journal of Fungi·

DOI

Edible Insect Consumption for Human and Planetary Health: A Systematic Review

Edible insect consumption can improve human and animal nutrition and reduce environmental impact, with potential benefits for gut health, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels.

Systematic ReviewRigorous Journal

2022·

54citations

·Marta Ros-Baró et al.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·

DOI

An update on the health benefits promoted by edible flowers and involved mechanisms.

Edible flowers, particularly those from Rosa, Chrysanthemum, and Osmanthus, show promising health benefits, including anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive properties, with safe toxicity levels at hundreds of parts per million.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2020·

76citations

·Jin-shu Zheng et al.

Food chemistry·

DOI

Biological fate of food nanoemulsions and the nutrients they carry – internalisation, transport and cytotoxicity of edible nanoemulsions in Caco-2 intestinal cells

Edible nanoemulsions can enhance nutrient solubilisation and bioavailability, but their toxicity is influenced by surfactant composition, physical location, and reactive ingredients like -carotene.

2017·

33citations

·T. Wooster et al.

RSC Advances·

DOI

Wild edible onions - Allium flavum and Allium carinatum - successfully prevent adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin.

Wild edible onions, Allium flavum and Allium carinatum, effectively reduce side effects of doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug, while increasing its anticancer activity and protecting normal cells from cytotoxicity.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2019·

25citations

·Pavić Aleksandar et al.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie·

DOI

Edible flowers: A review of the nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and effects on human health

Edible flowers have nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which can enhance their popularity among food industry and consumers.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2017·

266citations

·L. Fernandes et al.

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis·

DOI

Amorfrutins are potent antidiabetic dietary natural products

Amorfrutins, found in edible parts of Glycyrrhiza foetida and Amorpha fruticosa legumes, show potential as powerful antidiabetic natural products without undesirable side effects or fat storage.

Highly Cited

2012·

198citations

·Christopher Weidner et al.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·

DOI

Impacts of Commonly Used Edible Plants on the Modulation of Platelet Function

High intake of fruits, vegetables, and spices may help modulate platelet function, reducing the risk of stroke and coronary heart diseases.

2022·

9citations

·D. Albadawi et al.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences·

DOI

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