Slurred Speech

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Like any other medicine your physician may recommend, medical marijuana can cause several side effects. Though they vary depending on your strain’s content and your administration method, one potential side effect of medical weed is slurred speech.

Other Side Effects of Medical Cannabis

In addition to slurred speech, medical cannabis can also cause red eyes, hunger and giddiness. When you meet with your medical marijuana doctor, they’ll consider these side effects with consideration to your past treatments, medical history and personal preferences before deciding if the benefits of medical weed will counter its side effects.

Most physicians find that the medicine does, though this can vary. In fact, in some cases, medical cannabis doctors recommend medical pot specifically because of its side effects, which include helping people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer gain back their appetite.

How Does Medical Weed Cause Slurred Speech?

Through an in-depth study, researchers discovered how medical weed causes slurred speech. The team found that cannabinoids, which are in all marijuana plants and total to more than 100, were involved. The cannabinoid involved was tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its psychoactive properties.

During their research, the team found THC affected the use of the tongue. They discovered that the cannabinoid slowed down mouth muscle movements by interacting with nerve cells, which saw the flow of messages across the synapses become delayed.

In an interesting twist, the researchers found this side effect is what may make medical cannabis a viable treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. The medication eases overactive motor neurons, which send messages.

Signs of Slurred Speech From Medical Cannabis

When your speech becomes slurred after using medical cannabis, you may notice these symptoms:

  • Trouble forming sentences or complete thoughts
  • Difficulty raising or lowering your voice
  • Noticeable decrease in the speed of your speech

If you experience slurred speech, contact your physician right away.

Long-Term Side Effects of Slurred Speech

Slurred speech is a side effect of medical weed that wears off. If you smoke or vaporize medical marijuana, for instance, your speech will likely return to normal within three hours — it could take longer if you’re using edibles or oils.

It’s critical to note that slurred speech can also be a sign of a more serious issue, including:

  • Brain tumor
  • Stroke
  • Brain injury
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Lyme disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease

If you’re experiencing slurred speech, do not hesitate to visit your local emergency room.

How to Prevent Slurred Speech From Medical Marijuana

Due to research efforts, the medical community understands how to prevent slurred speech from medical marijuana. Some methods include changing up your:

  • Strain: Choosing a medical cannabis strain with a higher content of CBD and lower amount of THC can help reduce the chance of seeing your speech become slurred.
  • Dosage: Your physician may recommend lowering your daily dosage of medical weed, especially if you’ve only begun using it, to limit potential side effects.
  • Administration: A long-lasting administration method can decrease the chance of some side effects, including slurred speech. Consider using edibles instead of a vaporizer in this instance.

Talk to Your Medical Marijuana Doctor About Your Slurred Speech

Even though many medical marijuana doctors recommend cannabis because of its extensive benefits, every patient is different. While one strain may work for another patient, it may not work for you. That’s why it’s essential to continue updating your physician on how you’re responding to your treatment plan and consult with them about any changes to it.