From the Guidelines
Consuming a 5mg gummy daily for a year can have harmful effects, particularly if it contains THC or CBD, due to potential risks of cognitive impairment, hepatotoxicity, and other side effects. When considering the consumption of a 5mg gummy, it is essential to identify the active ingredient, as different substances can have varying effects on the body.
- If the gummy contains CBD, potential side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and possible liver damage with long-term use, as noted in a recent study 1.
- If the gummy contains THC, regular use could lead to cognitive impairment, memory issues, dependency, increased anxiety or paranoia in some individuals, and respiratory problems if combined with smoking. Key points to consider when consuming a 5mg gummy daily for a year include:
- Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing until the desired effect is achieved, as recommended in the ASCO guideline 1.
- Being aware of common side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and fatigue, as well as more serious side effects like tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, severe confusion, and paranoia 1.
- Monitoring for signs of hepatotoxicity, particularly with CBD use, as highlighted in a meta-analysis 1. Given the potential risks associated with consuming a 5mg gummy daily for a year, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement for an extended period, considering individual health conditions and medication interactions.
From the Research
Harmful Effects of Consuming a 5mg Gummy
- The evidence suggests that regular use of high THC products, such as a 5mg gummy, can produce addiction (cannabis use disorder or CUD) 2.
- Acute consumption of high THC doses can cause time-limited mental, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems and motor vehicle accidents 2.
- Chronic patterns of cannabis use have been associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including disrupted learning, impaired cognitive performance, reduced educational attainment, and an increased risk of CUD, psychosis/schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders, and suicidal behaviors 2.
- Physical health risks, such as respiratory and cardiovascular problems, have also been linked to repeated consumption of cannabis with a high THC content 2.
Specific Effects of 5mg THC Gummies
- There is limited research on the specific effects of consuming a 5mg THC gummy over the course of a year.
- However, a study on the effects of THC and CBD in social anxiety found that THC can either reduce or increase social anxiety measurements, depending on the dose 3.
- Another study found that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, may have potential benefits in reducing stress-related behaviors and promoting extinction of contextual fear memories 4.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Studies have shown that combining selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in treating depression and anxiety in youth 5, 6.
- However, these studies did not specifically examine the effects of THC or CBD on these conditions.
- More research is needed to determine the potential benefits and risks of using THC or CBD to treat mental health conditions, particularly in comparison to established treatments like SSRIs and CBT.