Medical Marijuana for Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a combination of negative symptoms that occur due to exposure to limited oxygen at a very high altitude. The low atmospheric pressure at an elevation of 5,000 ft and above causes various symptoms, including:

• Headaches that don’t subside after taking medication
• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as vomiting, churning in the stomach, nausea and lack of appetite
• Fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness
• Edema — the swelling of the face, feet and hands
• Shortness of breath and nose bleeding
• Weakness and inability to walk
• Coma

Altitude sickness is divided into three categories based on the severity of the symptoms:

• Acute Mountain Sickness: This is the mildest type of altitude sickness with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, muscle aches and headaches.
• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema: This form involves the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which may be life-threatening.
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema: This type of altitude sickness occurs when fluid builds up in the brain. It is also a life-threatening condition.

Altitude sickness is better prevented than cured. This is because the symptoms could appear suddenly if someone goes hiking or is climbing a mountain. At such a time, the person may not be able to get prompt medical help unless they have made prior arrangements for this.

Tips for Using Cannabis for Altitude Sickness

While using marijuana for altitude sickness can be very effective, it’s also necessary to take the following precautions while hiking or climbing up a high mountain. Remember to follow these

1. Ascend Slowly

When one is going to a high altitude of 5,000 feet or higher, they need to move up slowly. If they’re flying in from a low altitude to a city at a high altitude, they should stay in a town with an elevation of about 3,500 feet first before making the final transition.

2. Stay Hydrated

While staying hydrated is vital on a typical day, it’s especially important during exercise at high altitudes. Remember to:

• Start additional hydration before the trip or hike
• Add electrolytes that contain trace minerals to the water
• Immediately drink a cup of water upon reaching the high altitude
• Consume a cup or two every hour
• Add coconut water or demulcent herbs to retain moisture

3. Avoid Consuming Alcohol

Drinking alcohols can worsen altitude sickness. Plus, alcohol is a respiratory depressant that diminishes the amount of oxygen in the body.

4. Use Marijuana With Care

The literature on marijuana use at high altitudes to treat altitude sickness is quite sparse. Few clinical studies have been done to simulate the conditions at high altitudes while using marijuana to mitigate the symptoms of this condition.

However, some studies show marijuana helps improve respiration in people that have bronchial asthma. Cannabis also cures most of the symptoms of mild or moderate altitude sickness such as insomnia, nausea, reduced appetite and headaches.

Cannabis Can Deal With Insomnia and Improve Quality of Sleep

Cannabis can help the user fall asleep faster. Taking a moderate amount of THC may increase the rate at which one falls asleep. Marijuana also helps clear up breathing problems that may result in sleep apnea. Taking CBD one or two hours before going to bed can help the user enjoy more restful sleep.

How Marijuana Helps Treat Migraines and Severe Headaches

Most people who have experienced altitude sickness have intense headaches that defy medication. But marijuana can help ease or even prevent migraine headaches from occurring.

Cannabis contains specific natural compounds known as cannabinoids. When these compounds reach the brain, they bind to the network of cannabinoid receptors, which influence the way the user feels. Cannabinoids in marijuana alter the way the cannabinoid receptors work and help shut down pain signals. Both THC and CBD, which are cannabinoids in cannabis, can help ease pain.

Best Cannabis Products to Use for Altitude Sickness

CBD eases pain without making the patient feel intoxicated. For reducing severe pain such as migraines, inhaling the marijuana seems to have a more powerful and quicker effect than consuming edibles.

Marijuana may also be used as an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting that accompanies altitude sickness. Cannabis has been used to help chemotherapy patients to overcome the vomiting and nauseating associated with this form of cancer treatment. The gut has endocannabinoid receptors that can bind to the THC cannabinoids in marijuana to reduce nauseating symptoms and vomiting.

For fast and effective relief, consider smoking — or vaping to stay away from the smoke. Take a vape pen along with to use marijuana while hiking. To avoid inhaling cannabis at all, consider using tinctures.

It’s also advisable to use the best strains of marijuana for treating nausea. Suitable sativa strains include Durban Poison, Sour Diesel and Trinity. Ideal indica strains are Sensi Star, MK Ultra, Purple OG Kush and Blackwater.

Taking marijuana at high altitudes helps improve the condition of anyone who has to climb up a mountain that’s over 5,000 feet. After deciding to use cannabis for a hitch-free hike, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Remember that marijuana can increase dehydration
• Smoke a small amount at a time
• Wait at least five minutes after smoking to see the effect it has
• Take more frequent lower doses of marijuana instead of larger ones
• Vaporize or take edibles instead of smoking as much as possible
• Allow 30 minutes to one hour to experience a positive effect from edible products
• Avoid overdosing and take time to rest so the cannabis can have time to work

Find a Marijuana Doctor Today

Marijuana can help people overcome altitude sickness if they take it with caution and observe the other precautions discussed above. Find a nearby cannabis doctor to learn more about marijuana medicine and altitude sickness.