Introduction
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects the overall brain functioning. It induces pain, headache, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, slurred speech, and forgetfulness in an individual.
Many individuals suffering from concussion smoke weed to help manage their symptoms. However, taking marijuana form of a substance after a head injury poses health risks that create difficulty concentrating, thinking, remembering, and balancing.
In this post, we’ll discuss the effects of smoking weed on concussion and answer your query can i smoke weed with a concussion?
Effects of Weed on the Body
Weed is derived from a Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant that contains the mind-altering chemical THC. Consuming weed regularly has both short-term and long-term effects on the body.
Short-term effects produced by weed on your body include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Impaired memory
- Impaired body movement
- Altered senses
Long-term effects produced by weed on your body include:
When you smoke weed, the smoke compounds enter your bloodstream and make a quick way to the brain and other organs creating physical and psychological effects on the body. It causes:
- Breathing Problems: Weed smoke irritates the lungs and causes breathing problems such as phlegm and cough in an individual. The person smoking weed has a higher risk of developing lung diseases such as bronchitis and cancer.
- Heart Problems: When you smoke weed, your heart rate rises, which increases your chances of getting a heart attack. So, the person ingesting weed is at a higher risk of getting heart problems.
- Mental Health Problems: Smoking weed consistently is linked to various mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. An individual taking high doses of weed has worsening psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and more.
Effects of Concussion on the Body
Now, to answer your question, can I smoke weed with a concussion? Concussion damages the delicate cells inside your brain, which produces the following effects:
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression and other psychological problems
- Disorders of smell and taste
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of a Concussion include:
- Headache
- Delayed response to questions
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in your ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Complications of Taking Both
When an individual with a concussion ingests weed, it has positive and negative effects on the body.
Positive Effect: The anti-inflammatory properties of THC in marijuana relieve concussion symptoms.
Negative Effect: Weed exacerbates the existing concussion symptoms, impairs cognitive functionality, and increases various health risks in an individual.
Interaction Between Weed and Concussion
Weed potentially protects against neurological damage and relieves psychiatric symptoms following a concussion. In some cases, weed intake creates problems with concentration, increases the risk of seizures, and slows recovery.
Possible Side Effects
The effects of consuming weed on concussion vary from person to person, depending on the disease’s severity. The possible side effects after the trauma are:
- Brain development issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychiatric disorders
- Addiction
- Lungs damage
Risks of Taking Both
The neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids in weed have various risks associated with its consumption. It increases the chances of getting fatal brain swelling, vascular congestion, and increased intracranial pressure that may be challenging to control.
Conclusion
So if someone asks can i smoke weed with a concussion, it has a mixed review. Smoking weed on concussion has positive as well as negative effects on the body. It provides immediate relief from pain, reduces inflammation, and helps the brain to recover from injury. On the other hand, it causes dizziness, confusion, impaired coordination, change in mood & behavior, and increased risk of further brain injuries. If you suffer any brain injury, talk to the health providers before taking any form of marijuana, as it can affect the concussion treatment process.
FAQ
Is it safe to smoke weed while having a concussion?
Smoking weed while having a concussion is not recommended. Weed relieves the symptoms of the concussion, but on the other side, it interferes with the overall healing process. So, it is recommended to intake weed or any form of marijuana after consulting it with medical professionals.
Does smoking weed affect the recovery process of a concussion?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive element found in the weed, has short-term and long-term effects on brain development. It interferes with the recovery process of the concussion and slows down healing in an individual.
Are there any health risks associated with smoking weed while having a concussion?
Potential health risks are associated with smoking weed while having a concussion. It increases the risk of cognitive impairment, affects the respiratory system, and causes neurological issues.
