Side effects of medical cannabinoids
Researchers from McGill University in Montreal reviewed the evidence.
First, the details.
- Safety studies of medical cannabinoids published over the past 40 years were reviewed.
- After excluding articles on recreational cannabis, 31 studies (23 randomized controlled trials and 8 observational studies) of medical cannabis use were analyzed.
And, the results.
- In the 23 randomized controlled trials, the duration of cannabinoid exposure was about 2 weeks (range 8 hours to 12 months).
- 4779 side effects were reported.
- 97% were not serious.
- Among 164 serious side effects, the most common included relapse of multiple sclerosis (13%), vomiting (10%), and urinary tract infection (9%).
- The rate of nonserious side effects was higher among those assigned to medical cannabinoids vs controls.
- The rates of serious adverse events did not differ between the groups.
- Dizziness was the most commonly reported nonserious side effect (16%) among people exposed to cannabinoids.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Short-term use of existing medical cannabinoids appeared to increase the risk of nonserious adverse events.”
By comparison, “The risks associated with long-term use were poorly characterized… High-quality trials of long-term exposure are required to further characterize safety issues related to the use of medical cannabinoids.”
6/17/08 21:14 JR