Over the past several decades the public opinion about cannabinoids and marijuana has transformed considerably. Cannabinoids, marijuana, and THC products are now allowed for medical usage in many states. The idea that some states (fewer) even allow the recreational usage of pot would have been unimaginable 10 years ago.
Cannabinoids are any substances produced by the cannabis plant (essentially, the marijuana plant). Despite their recent legalization (in some states), we’re still learning new things about cannabinoids. It’s a common idea that cannabinoid compounds have widespread healing qualities. There have been conflicting studies about cannabinoids and tinnitus but research suggests there might also be negative effects such as a direct connection between the use of cannabinoids and the development of tinnitus symptoms.
Many forms of cannabinoids
Nowadays, cannabinoids can be consumed in a number of varieties. Whatever name you want to give it, pot or weed is not the only form. Other forms can include topical spreads, edibles, pills, inhalable vapors, and others.
The forms of cannabinoids available will vary state by state, and most of those forms are still actually federally illegal if the THC content is over 0.3%. So it’s essential to be cautious 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 research into how cannabinoids affect your hearing are perfect examples.
Studies linking hearing to cannabinoids
A wide array of conditions are believed to be successfully managed by cannabinoids. Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more seem to be improved with cannabinoids, according to anecdotally available evidence. So researchers decided to find out if cannabinoids could treat tinnitus, too.
Turns out, cannabinoids may actually trigger tinnitus. Ringing in the ears was reported, according to the study, by 20% of the participants who used cannabinoids. And tinnitus was never formerly experienced by those participants. And tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption were 20-times more likely with people who use marijuana.
Further investigation suggested that marijuana use could exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in individuals who already suffer from tinnitus. So, it would appear, from this persuasive evidence, that the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus isn’t a beneficial one.
It should be noted that smoking has also been associated with tinnitus and the research was unclear on how participants were consuming cannabinoids.
Unclear causes of tinnitus
The discovery of this link doesn’t reveal the root cause of the relationship. That cannabinoids can have an affect on the middle ear and on tinnitus is pretty clear. But what’s producing that impact is much less evident.
There’s bound to be additional research. People will be in a better position to make better choices if we can make progress in comprehending the link between the numerous forms of cannabinoids and tinnitus.
Don’t fall for miracle cures
In recent years, there has been lots of marketing publicity surrounding cannabinoids. In part, that’s the result of changing perceptions surrounding cannabinoids themselves (this also shows a growing wish to get away from opioid use). But some negative effects can result from cannabinoid use, especially with regards to your hearing and this is reflected in this new research.
Lately, there’s been aggressive marketing about cannabinoids and you’ll never escape all of the cannabinoid enthusiasts.
But a strong link between cannabinoids and tinnitus is definitely implied by this research. So regardless of how many ads for CBD oil you see, you should avoid cannabinoids if you’re concerned about tinnitus. The connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus symptoms is uncertain at best, so it’s worth exercising a little caution.
References
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.479
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855477/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aaohnsf/82180