Over the last several decades the public opinion about cannabinoids and marijuana has transformed considerably. Many states now allow the use of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid products for medicinal reasons. The idea that some states (fewer) even allow the recreational use of pot would have been hard to imagine 10 years ago.
Cannabinoids are any substances derived from the cannabis plant (basically, the marijuana plant). Despite their recent legalization (in some states), we’re still learning new things about cannabinoids. We often view these particular compounds as having universal healing properties. There have been conflicting studies about cannabinoids and tinnitus but research indicates there may also be negative effects like a strong connection between cannabinoid use and the development of tinnitus symptoms.
Numerous forms of cannabinoids
At present, cannabinoids can be utilized in many varieties. Whatever name you want to put on it, pot or weed isn’t the only form. Other forms can include topical spreads, edibles, inhaled vapors, pills, and more.
Any of these forms that contain a THC level over 0.3% are technically still federally illegal and the available forms will vary depending on the state. So it’s important to be careful with the use of cannabinoids.
The long-term complications and side effects of cannabinoid use are not well known and that’s the problem. A great example is some new research into how your hearing is affected by cannabinoid use.
Studies About cannabinoids and hearing
Whatever you want to call it, cannabinoids have long been associated with improving a wide range of medical conditions. According to anecdotal evidence vertigo, nausea, and seizures are just a few of the conditions that cannabinoids can help. So researchers decided to find out if cannabinoids could treat tinnitus, too.
But what they discovered was that tinnitus symptoms can actually be caused 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. And tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption were 20-times more likely with marijuana users.
And for individuals who already experience ringing in the ears, using marijuana could actually exacerbate the symptoms. So, it would appear, from this compelling evidence, that the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus is not a beneficial one.
The research isn’t clear as to how the cannabinoids were consumed but it should be pointed out that smoking has also been connected to tinnitus symptoms.
Causes of tinnitus are not clear
Just because this link has been uncovered doesn’t automatically mean the underlying causes are all that well comprehended. That cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and on tinnitus is pretty clear. But it’s a lot less clear what’s causing that impact.
There’s bound to be additional research. Cannabinoids today are available in so many selections and forms that understanding the underlying connection between these substances and tinnitus might help people make smarter choices.
Don’t fall for miracle cures
In recent years, there has been a great deal of marketing publicity around cannabinoids. That’s in part because perceptions about cannabinoids are swiftly changing (and, to some extent, is also a reflection of a desire to turn away from opioids). But this new research clearly demonstrates that cannabinoids can and do create some negative effects, particularly if you’re uneasy about your hearing.
Lately, there’s been aggressive marketing about cannabinoids and you’ll never avoid all of the cannabinoid enthusiasts.
But this research undeniably suggests a powerful link between tinnitus and cannabinoids. So if you have tinnitus–or if you’re concerned about tinnitus–it may be worth avoiding cannabinoids if you can, no matter how many advertisements for CBD oil you might come across. It’s not exactly clear what the connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids so use some 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
