From the Guidelines
Consuming a 5mg THC gummy daily over the course of a year may lead to harmful effects, including increased risk of cannabis use disorder, cognitive impairment, and potential long-term physical and mental health problems, as reported in a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology 1.
Potential Harmful Effects
- Cognitive effects: impaired memory, attention, and decision-making, which may persist with regular use
- Psychological dependence and increased risk of cannabis use disorder, affecting approximately 9% of users
- Physical effects: increased heart rate, respiratory issues, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in some long-term users
- Potential long-term mental health problems, including anxiety, paranoia, or psychosis in susceptible individuals
- Impact on brain development in adolescents and young adults
Key Considerations
- Individual responses vary based on factors like age, genetics, mental health history, and concurrent medication use
- THC can interact with medications, potentially affecting their metabolism
- Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to weigh benefits against potential risks, especially when using THC for medical purposes
Relevant Evidence
- A 2024 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that cannabis use may have a deleterious effect on adolescent brain development and well-being, and is associated with conditions like neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental decline, elevated risk for psychotic disorders in adulthood, and higher risk for later depression and suicidal ideation 1
- The same study reported that components of vaporized cannabis may pose unique risks, including acute lung injury, and recommended that people not use THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly from informal sources 1
From the Research
Potential Harmful Effects of Consuming a 5mg THC Gummy
- Cardiovascular risks: Consuming a 5mg THC gummy over the course of a year may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, arrhythmia, and heart failure, as suggested by 2.
- Mental health concerns: There is limited evidence to suggest that cannabinoids, including THC, improve depressive disorders and symptoms, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis, and may even worsen negative symptoms of psychosis, as reported in 3.
- Increased adverse events: Pharmaceutical THC, with or without CBD, may increase the number of people who experience adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events, as found in 3.
- Individual factors: Youth and those with a family history or genetic liability for psychiatric disorders may be at higher risk for negative outcomes associated with cannabis use, including THC, as discussed in 4.
Cannabis Use Patterns and Mental Health
- Frequency and amount of use: The relationship between cannabis use and mental health is complex, and studies often report seemingly contradictory findings, highlighting the need to consider cannabis use patterns, including frequency and amount of use, as well as individual factors, as noted in 4.
- Cannabis use disorder: Interventions for cannabis use disorder, including psychosocial approaches and pharmacotherapy, may be effective in reducing cannabis use and related problems, as reviewed in 5 and 6.