Patients all over the world have sung the praises of medical cannabis. Adults undergoing chemotherapy often experience relief from nausea and vomiting thanks to weed. Others have shared that it helps reduce chronic pain. Despite anecdotal evidence that the plant has the potential to help these and other life-altering conditions, recent research has stirred up a heavy cannabis use warning.
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As legalization and normalization take hold in the U.S., cannabis-focused research has become more prominent, gleaning an understanding of how cannabinoids work in the human body.
“Cannabinoids hold great therapeutic promise for many conditions,” nurse and cannabis educator Mo Smyth told GreenState. “With proper dosing and professional guidance, patients on multiple medications can safely incorporate them into their treatment plans.”
However, it is not all gravy for cannabis consumers. That new study indicates that working with a doctor may be imperative to ensuring the efficacy of regular medications. New data shows that the prominent compounds that make weed work might also bioaccumulate.
What is cannabinoid bioaccumulation?
Bioaccumulation is a term used to describe the building up of toxic compounds in an organic system like the human body. A study sought to understand how cannabinoids build up and what that meant for people who consume weed.
Researchers tested the query using an analytical method miming how cannabinoids are distributed in the body. They found that the compounds accidentally bound to phospholipids instead of endocannabinoid receptors. This could lead to phospholipidosis, a drug-toxicity disease that can affect the liver, lungs, and kidneys.
The results also showed that cannabinoids bind better to the blood than a prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This could impact the efficacy of regular medications, making them more or less impactful depending on the compounds at play.
The information is very new, Leafwell chief medical officer Dr. June Chin shared with GreenState, and it is currently unknown whether bioaccumulation of cannabinoids would create a negative experience. She did point to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) as a potential gut health issue directly related to long-term use.
“This condition (CHS) causes severe morning sickness, ongoing nausea, intense stomach pain, repeated vomiting, and decreased appetite that can lead to weight loss,” Dr. Chin said. “It’s worth noting that these symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and some people might experience different effects than others. CHS, in particular, doesn’t affect everyone who uses cannabis long-term, and it can take years to develop in those who do experience it.”
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Cannabinoid bioaccumulation has not been directly correlated to CHS, as medical doctors have little concrete data about either. Most hope that additional research will uncover a connection if there is one. Until then, long-term cannabis consumers should be aware of the risk associated with unchecked, continued consumption.
The possible risks of long-term cannabis use
CHS can happen to long-time stoners, but that is not the only thing to be aware of when it comes to cannabinoid accumulation. The findings in this study support the notion laid forth in previous research. Cannabis may interact with medications but with one additional layer.
There has been caution around consuming cannabis alongside other medications for some time. This study takes it a step further by calling historical use into question. If cannabis bioaccumulates, then long-time consumers looking to go under anesthesia or looking to titrate a new pharmaceutical medicine with their doctor may need to consider bioaccumulation.
“Cannabinoids can affect medications that heavily bind to proteins in the blood, like warfarin, some antibiotics, and anti-seizure drugs by competing for the same protein-binding sites,” Smyth said. “However, drugs that don’t rely on these proteins for transport aren’t likely to be impacted much by cannabinoids.”
Still, Dr. Chin advises the utmost caution for those taking anticoagulants, particularly warfarin, antiepileptic drugs, immunosuppressants, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and so many more prescriptions.
“The extent and severity of these interactions can vary based on factors such as the specific cannabinoid, dosage, and individual patient characteristics,” Dr. Chin said. “It’s crucial for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before combining cannabis with any prescription medications to ensure safe and effective treatment.”
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Heavy cannabis use warning: work with your doctor
Long-time lovers of weed looking to avoid whatever may come with cannabinoid accumulation could take a few preliminary steps before being forced to quit forever due to experiencing something like CHS.
Taking regular tolerance breaks can help the body clear out natural cannabinoids. Support the body’s natural detox system during these breaks to help flush toxins. Do this by staying hydrated, eating food that fuels, and exercising to get the metabolism working like a well-oiled engine. Stoners experiencing brain fog, fatigue, headaches, or nausea may be due for a T-break.
This study illuminates a need for more research. If cannabinoid bioaccumulation has a toxic impact on the human body, cannabis consumers and medical doctors should pay attention–especially those regularly taking prescribed medications.
What bottom line was learned from this new study? Those who feel safe to do so should share cannabis consumption habits and history with their primary care practitioner.
