Medical marijuana has the potential for a range of benefits, including enhanced relaxation, pain mitigation, improved sleep aid, and reduced nausea. However, these results do not guarantee to all users, as with any substance. In some cases, especially when consuming overly strong doses, marijuana can cause undesirable side effects.
It is generally considered that any adverse reactions are minor: headache, dizziness, and anxiety. Nonetheless, although rare, a subset of users sometimes report experiencing fainting after using cannabis. No one enjoys fainting after using cannabis. This could make it embarrassing or even dangerous for your health.
What is the likelihood of experiencing fainting after smoking? How to prevent it from happening?
In this blog post, we will look at everything you need to know about the causes of cannabis-induced fainting and ways to minimize the risk, and what you can do to ensure it never happens to you.
But firstly, if you want to consume marijuana legally in Oakland, you need to get a medical marijuana card Oakland.
Distinctive Signs and Cases of Fainting After Smoking Weed
What sensations might one experience when at risk of fainting due to overconsumption of weed? Individuals have experienced the following symptoms before fainting:
- Tunnel Vision
- Whiteness or Paleness of the skin or Marijuana Grays
- Vomiting or Nausea
- Ringing of the ears
- Excessive sweating
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Four Reasons of Cannabis-Induced Fainting
Several factors could explain why specific individuals are more exposed to fainting after using marijuana than others. The four leading causes are listed below.
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Way of Consumption
Another general reason for fainting after consuming marijuana is the way you are consuming marijuana. Cannabis extracts play a vital role in these cases. These products possess high potency, bragging THC levels and reaching as high as 90% or even more than that. Individuals who are unpracticed to such powerful doses or have lower tolerance levels can encounter heightened levels of intoxication on consuming such products.
In addition, it is frequently necessary to swallow longer and deeper breaths than usual while consuming dabs or bong hits, increasing the risk of suffering an episode of dizziness. There are inherent advantages and disadvantages to each method of consumption. You may feel at ease while smoking a joint, but it does not necessarily mean you are ready to consume high doses of edibles.
How you consume marijuana encompasses more than just the product itself. In this case, it would be possible to decrease lung oxygen levels by significantly inhaling or ‘hitting’ from a bong. If you suddenly rise to your feet, this can lead to an abrupt surge of head pressure, known as orthostatic hypotension. This head rush may cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or even fainting.
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Vasodilation
Researchers have observed that a prevalent factor leading to cannabis-induced fainting is blood pressure alteration and abrupt heart rate. Numerous investigations have highlighted that cannabis and THC can cause Vasodilation as an unexpected outcome. Vasodilating is a procedure to widen or expand blood vessels. Consequently, this enlargement is beneficial for lowering blood pressure because the blood volume flowing into these vessels can increase.
A slight drop in blood pressure may not be noticeable in most cases. The reason is that vasodilation occurs naturally in your body and may take place at a periodic rate. Nevertheless, a range of symptoms may develop due to an abrupt drop in blood pressure, including vision problems, dizziness, and vasovagal syncope (fainting).
A sudden reduction in heart rate and blood pressure is referred to as Vasovagal syncope. This exact mechanism prompts some individuals to faint upon experiencing the sight of blood or partaking in certain emotionally intense situations.
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Consuming Marijuana While Standing
Due to the sudden drop in blood pressure from standing, head jerks occur frequently. Nonetheless, even if you’re already standing when you start smoking, cannabis can lead to a decline in blood pressure.
If worried about potential fainting post-cannabis consumption, it is advised to avoid smoking while standing. Instead, try to find a comfortable sitting spot and relax for several minutes after smoking.
Head Rushes are generally relatively small and do not cause much concern. However, if these manifestations occur regularly or significantly, it is always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
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Utilizing Marijuana Contaminated with Impurities
An additional factor that leads to instances of fainting is consuming contaminated marijuana. It occurs when marijuana gets mixed with or comes in contact with harmful substances, like formaldehyde or tobacco.
“Smoking Wet” term pertains to consuming such contaminated marijuana. For example, “wet” joints include cannabis dipped in phencyclidine, formaldehyde, or both. This practice is dangerous and can lead to several damaging effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, brain damage, and fainting.
Similar disturbing effects have been reported following the consumption of spice. This term consists of several synthetic cannabinoid products linked to an increasing number of harmful side effects necessitating visits to the emergency room.
Avoiding Fainting Due to Marijuana Consumption
Although it is correct that marijuana can potentially lead to fainting incidents, the majority of people usually experience full recovery within a few minutes.
You can enforce various measures to reduce further cannabis-induced fainting after consuming cannabis.
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Choose a Cannabis Strain with Lower THC Content
Suppose the chance of experiencing fainting is a concern, especially when you are a medical cannabis patient with low blood pressure. In that case, it is advised to steer clear of exceptionally high THC strains of cannabis.
In the past few years, there have been various changes in cannabis laws. On average, there has been more than 200% growth in THC power since the 1990s.
Likewise, avoiding strains that may cause dizziness or confusion is necessary. The interplay of terpenes and cannabinoids within a strain can produce more powerful effects than expected, regardless of THC levels.
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Stay Hydrated
It is recommended to ensure you stay hydrated while consuming cannabis. Dehydration will limit your body’s ability to efficiently obtain blood from vital organs. You can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of developing a fainting episode if you drink enough water.
Furthermore, staying hydrated is among the most effective ways to expedite the elimination of THC from your body.
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Ease Yourself Into Marijuana
Excessive doses can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness in many users. To control such effects, it is excellent to initiate your marijuana journey by starting with a low dose and slowly increasing it.
The basic idea is to approach every new product or strain from a newcomer’s perspective. Utilizing this approach every time your smoke allows you to grow an enjoyable, positive, and productive marijuana experience while minimizing harmful effects, including fainting.
If you want to take the therapeutic benefits of marijuana, you can get consultation from a California Marijuana Doctor.