Important information about medical cannabis

When using medical cannabis, it’s important to know what it is, what are the potential side effects or risks of using it, and when to follow-up with your medical provider.

Call the Utah Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 if you think you took too much medical cannabis, you have serious side effects, or a child or pet takes it accidentally.

Call 911 if it is an emergency.

This page is for general education purposes. Always work closely with a medical provider and a pharmacist when using medical cannabis. They can provide specific recommendations for you and answer your questions.

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis is a treatment that uses the cannabis sativa plant to treat the symptoms for specific medical conditions, such as pain, seizures, or cancer. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemicals (called cannabinoids) that can help treat the symptoms of these medical conditions.

Each cannabinoid works differently and can help to treat different symptoms. The most common cannabinoids include:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.
CBD (cannabidiol): The main non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.

You will find THC and CBD in most medical cannabis products. A medical provider or pharmacist may recommend products with specific amounts of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids for your medical condition and symptoms.

Why should I use medical cannabis?

Your medical provider gave you a medical cannabis recommendation because they felt that it could be a good treatment option for your specific medical condition and that the potential benefits of medical cannabis outweighed the potential risks.

To make this decision, they completed a full medical assessment that included your diagnosed medical conditions, your health history, the treatments you’ve tried, any medications you take, your age, and any other health concerns you may have.

Does medical cannabis have side effects?

You may experience different side effects depending on the medical cannabis product you use and the cannabinoids they have. Most side effects are mild and only last a few hours.

Some people have more serious side effects when they use medical cannabis. Not everyone experiences side effects, but you should know what they are to stay safe.

Ask your medical provider or a medical cannabis pharmacist if you have questions about side effects or experience any serious side effects. Call the Utah Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you need help right away. Call 911 if you have an emergency.

Common side effects

Commonly reported side effects include:

Feeling anxious
Feeling dizzy
Feeling tired
Feeling lightheaded
Mild nausea
Dry mouth

Serious side effects

In rare cases, people have serious side effects from using medical cannabis, such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, cannabis use disorder, and cannabis withdrawals.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a rare side effect where someone has severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain when they use cannabis. Stop using medical cannabis and talk to your medical provider right away if this happens to you.

Cannabis use disorder

Cannabis use disorder is a mental health condition where someone develops a dependence on cannabis or can’t stop using it, even if they want or try to.

People may be at a higher risk for cannabis use disorder if they:

Are younger than 26 years old.
Use cannabis products with high amounts of THC.
Use cannabis every day.
Were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past.

Your medical provider will assess if you are at a higher risk for developing cannabis use disorder when you meet with them to get a medical cannabis recommendation. Ask them if you have questions or concerns about cannabis use disorder.

Cannabis withdrawal

Cannabis withdrawal describes the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when someone has become dependent on cannabis usage and suddenly stops using.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

Anxiety
Feeling angry
Headaches
Trouble sleeping

Talk to your medical provider or pharmacist if you have questions about cannabis withdrawal.

Can medical cannabis interact with other medications?

Medical cannabis can interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines or supplements, and anesthesia. Always tell a medical provider or a pharmacist that you use medical cannabis so they can check for medication interactions. This is especially important in the following situations:

Before you start medical cannabis

When you meet with a medical provider to get a medical cannabis recommendation, tell them about the other medications you use. They will make sure that it’s safe to use medical cannabis with your other medications before submitting your medical cannabis certification and recommendation.

They may give you specific recommendations about the types and amounts of cannabis to use based on possible interactions with your other medications. They may also schedule follow-up appointments more often to check on your medical conditions and the medications you take.

This is especially important if you take these medications:

Blood thinners or blood clot medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), or Cilostazol (Pletal).
Anti-seizure medications such as Clobazam (Onfi or Sympazan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), or valproic acid.
Cancer medications such as Everollimus (Afinitor).
Some mental health medications such as Citalopram (Celexa), Lorazepam (Ativan), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Remeron (Mirtazapine), Trazadone (Desyrel).
Heart medications such as Amiodarone (Pacerone).
Medications that make you feel tired such as Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Zolpidem (Ambien), and allergy or cold medicines.
Immunosuppressant medications such as Tacrolimus (Protopic, Prograf).

The first time you meet with a medical cannabis pharmacist

Before you purchase medical cannabis for the first time, you must meet with a medical cannabis pharmacist. This may be in-person or through a telehealth visit, depending on the pharmacy.

Tell the pharmacist about other medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter, and other supplements, during this conversation. They may give you specific recommendations about the types and amounts of cannabis to use based on possible interactions with your other medications.

When you start using any new medications

Always tell a medical provider that you use medical cannabis when they prescribe a new medication for you to take. They can check if it’s safe to take the new medication with cannabis, and may give you new recommendations for the types and amounts of cannabis to use with the new medication. Your medical provider may schedule follow-up appointments more often to check on your medical conditions and the new medication.

You should also tell a pharmacist about the new medication you’re taking. They can tell you about possible interactions between the medication and cannabis and give recommendations on the types and amounts of cannabis to use with your new medication.

Talk with a medical provider or a pharmacist when you take a new over-the-counter medicine, such as allergy medicines or cold medicines. Medical cannabis can alter the side effects of these medicines, like how quickly you feel tired after taking them or your coordination.

When you get anesthesia or sedation for a medical procedure

Always tell your medical provider that you use medical cannabis before medical procedures where you’ll get anesthesia or sedation. Cannabis can affect how much anesthesia or sedation you need.

When should I follow up with a medical provider?

Follow-up with a medical provider any time you have questions, start a new medication, or are diagnosed with new health conditions.

Some health conditions can affect if medical cannabis is still a good treatment option for you. They include:

Heart disease
Liver disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Some mental health conditions

What types of medical cannabis products are there?

Medical cannabis pharmacies in Utah sell many different types of products made from medical cannabis. These include products you take by mouth, inhale or vape, apply to your skin, or put in your vagina or rectum. Every product works differently and you may find that some products work better for you than others.

Products you eat, drink, or put under your tongue

Capsule or tablet
Gummy, chew, or lozenge
Liquid
Tincture

Products you inhale or vape

Aerosol
Unprocessed flower
Vape cartridge
Wax or resin

Products you apply to your skin

Lotion
Skin patch

Products you put in your vagina or rectum

Suppository

What products and amounts should I use?

Work with your medical provider and a medical cannabis pharmacist to figure out which products and amounts to use. They’ll give you recommendations based on your medical condition and health history.

Use these tips when you try a medical cannabis product:

Start low and go slow.

Take a small dose of a new medical cannabis product at first, and increase the dose slowly over time until you find what works best for you.
Doing this can decrease your side effects and make it easier to find the right dose.

Track your medical cannabis use.

Write down which product you used, the amount, and any effects (good or bad) that you had.
Share this information with your medical provider or a pharmacist to figure out products and doses that work best for you.

Should I vape medical cannabis?

Vaping can increase the risk of lung injuries. If your medical provider recommends vaping medical cannabis, ask them or ask a medical cannabis pharmacist about using whole (unprocessed) cannabis flower instead of a vape cartridge, wax, or resin.

Most people shouldn’t vape unless your doctor recommends it for your specific medical condition, especially if you’re younger than 26 years old.

How can I use medical cannabis safely?

Store it safely

Just like any medicine, medical cannabis should be stored safely. This will keep your family, friends, and pets safe.

Follow these safe storage guidelines:

Keep medical cannabis in its original package that’s child-resistant and has warning labels.
Store it in a child-proof container that is out of kids’ sight and reach.
Store it in a different place than the rest of your food.
Put it away right after using it.

Wait to drive after using medical cannabis

It’s not safe to drive after using cannabis because it slows down your motor skills, reactions, and attention. Wait at least 8 hours after using medical cannabis before driving.

Follow medical cannabis laws

You can find a list of all medical cannabis laws on the Utah medical cannabis law webpage. A few of the most important laws to follow when using medical cannabis include:

Only use medical cannabis you’ve bought from a Utah medical cannabis pharmacy.
Do not smoke cannabis (it’s legal to vape).
Do not use medical cannabis in public (indoors and outdoors) unless it’s a medical emergency.
Do not share, sell, or give away your medical cannabis.