Because honesty and integrity are attributes that Christians are called to champion, we must be as consistent about cannabis’ potential for harm as we are about its potential for healing. While the possible negative effects of cannabis pale in comparison to other substances such as alcohol, opioids and many prescription medications, there does exist the potential for adverse side effects:
1. Do not drive and/or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis, which can impair motor skills. Persons who smoke, vape or ingest cannabis should wait a minimum of 4 to 8 hours before operating a motor vehicle.
2. Some individuals are believed to be at a higher risk of adverse short-and/or-long-term side effects due to cannabis consumption and should not use without a doctor’s recommendation:
- Persons currently using other prescription medications
- Children, adolescents and young adults (cannabis has the potential to harm underdeveloped brains)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Persons with a personal or family history of various psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia (potency matters, and high-THC cannabis increases the risk of psychotic episodes)
3. Possible Short Term Side Effects Include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Paranoia