Public opinion about marijuana and cannabinoids has transformed significantly over the last several decades. Cannabinoids, marijuana, and THC products are now allowed for medical use in many states. The concept that some states (fewer) even allow the recreational usage of pot would have been unimaginable 10 years ago.
Cannabinoids are any substances derived from the cannabis plant (basically, the marijuana plant). In spite of their recent legalization (in some states), we’re still discovering new things about cannabinoids. It’s a common belief that cannabinoid compounds have extensive healing properties. There have been conflicting studies about cannabinoids and tinnitus but research indicates there may also be negative effects such as a strong connection between cannabinoid use and the development of tinnitus symptoms.
Various forms of cannabinoids
Nowadays, cannabinoids can be consumed in many varieties. Whatever name you want to give it, pot or weed is not the only form. These days, THC and cannabinoids are available in pill form, as topical spreads, as inhaled mists, and more.
The forms of cannabinoids available will differ state by state, and most of those forms are still technically federally illegal if the amount of THC is over 0.3%. So it’s important to be cautious when using cannabinoids.
The problem is that we don’t yet know very much about some of the long-term side effects or complications of cannabinoid use. Some new research into how cannabinoids affect your hearing are prime examples.
Research into cannabinoids and hearing
A wide array of conditions are believed to be effectively managed by cannabinoids. According to anecdotal evidence vertigo, nausea, and seizures are just a few of the afflictions that cannabinoids can help. So the researchers wondered if cannabinoids could help treat tinnitus, too.
Turns out, cannabinoids may actually cause tinnitus. According to the research, over 20% of study participants who used cannabinoid products reported hearing a ringing in their ears. And that’s in individuals who had never experienced tinnitus before. What’s more, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to describe experiencing tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption.
Further research suggested that marijuana use may worsen ear-ringing symptoms in people who already have tinnitus. So, it would appear, from this persuasive evidence, that the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus is not a beneficial one.
The research isn’t clear as to how the cannabinoids were used but it should be noted that smoking has also been connected to tinnitus symptoms.
Unclear causes of tinnitus
The discovery of this link doesn’t expose the root cause of the relationship. That cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and on tinnitus is rather clear. But what’s causing that impact is far less clear.
There’s bound to be more research. Cannabinoids today are available in so many varieties and types that comprehending the root link between these substances and tinnitus could help individuals make smarter choices.
Beware the miracle cure
There has definitely been no lack of marketing hype surrounding cannabinoids recently. That’s partly because mindsets associated with cannabinoids are quickly changing (this also shows a growing wish to get away from opioid use). But some negative effects can result from the use of cannabinoids, particularly regarding your hearing and this is demonstrated in this new research.
Lately, there’s been aggressive advertising about cannabinoids and you’ll never avoid all of the cannabinoid devotees.
But a powerful connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus is certainly implied by this research. So if you have tinnitus–or if you’re concerned about tinnitus–it might be worth avoiding cannabinoids if you can, no matter how many adverts for CBD oil you may come across. It’s not exactly clear what the connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids so use some caution.
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855477/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aaohnsf/82180