Public opinion about marijuana and cannabinoids has changed significantly over the last several decades. Many states have legalized the use of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid products for medicinal purposes. The idea that some states (fewer) even allow the recreational use of pot would have been hard to imagine a decade ago.
Any compounds produced by the cannabis plant (the marijuana plant, basically) are known as cannabinoids. And we’re still discovering new things about cannabis in spite of the fact that it’s recently been legalized in a number of states. We often view these specific compounds as having universal healing properties. But research implies a strong link between the use of cannabinoids and tinnitus symptoms but there are also contradictory studies.
Various forms of cannabinoids
There are many forms of cannabinoids that can be utilized presently. Whatever name you want to give it, pot or weed is not the only form. These days, THC and cannabinoids are available in the form of a pill, as topical spreads, as inhaled mists, and more.
Any of these forms that contain a THC level higher than 0.3% are technically still federally illegal and the available forms will fluctuate depending on the state. So it’s essential to be careful 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 studies into how cannabinoids affect your hearing are prime examples.
Research into cannabinoids and hearing
A wide array of conditions are believed to be successfully managed by cannabinoids. Seizures, vertigo, nausea, and more seem to be improved with cannabinoids, according to anecdotally available evidence. So researchers made a decision to see if cannabinoids could treat tinnitus, too.
But what they discovered was that tinnitus symptoms can actually be triggered by the use of cannabinoids. Ringing in the ears was documented, according to the study, by 20% of the participants who used cannabinoids. And tinnitus was never previously experienced by those participants. Furthermore, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to describe experiencing tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption.
And for individuals who already cope with ringing in the ears, using marijuana would actually exacerbate the symptoms. So, it would appear, from this persuasive evidence, that the link between tinnitus and cannabinoids isn’t a beneficial one.
It should be noted that smoking has also been linked with tinnitus and the research wasn’t clear on how participants were using cannabinoids.
Unclear causes of tinnitus
Just because this link has been uncovered doesn’t necessarily mean the root causes are all that well known. That cannabinoids can have an influence on the middle ear and on tinnitus is rather clear. But what’s causing that impact is much less evident.
Research, obviously, will continue. Cannabinoids today come in so many selections and forms that understanding the root link between these substances and tinnitus could help individuals make better choices.
Beware the miracle cure
Recently, there has been a great deal of marketing publicity around cannabinoids. That’s partly because attitudes about cannabinoids are quickly changing (this also shows a growing wish to get away from the use of opioids). But this new research clearly demonstrates that cannabinoids can and do cause some negative effects, particularly if you’re concerned about your hearing.
Lately, there’s been aggressive marketing about cannabinoids and you’ll never avoid all of the cannabinoid devotees.
But a powerful link between cannabinoids and tinnitus is definitely indicated by this research. So regardless of how many ads for CBD oil you see, you should steer clear of cannabinoids if you’re worried about tinnitus. It’s not completely clear what the link between tinnitus and cannabinoids so exercise some caution.
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855477/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aaohnsf/82180