The Connection Between Tinnitus and Cannabinoids

Researcher examining leaves of cannabinoids that have been linked to tinnitus.

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. Far fewer states have legalized pot for recreational reasons, but even that would have been unimaginable even just ten or fifteen years ago.

Cannabinoids are any substances produced by the cannabis plant (basically, the marijuana plant). In spite of their recent legalization (in some states), we’re still discovering new things about cannabinoids. We frequently view these specific compounds as having widespread healing properties. But research implies a strong connection between the use of cannabinoids and tinnitus symptoms but there are also conflicting studies.

Cannabinoids come in various forms

Today, cannabinoids can be used in a number of varieties. It’s not just pot or weed or whatever name you want to give it. Other forms can include topical spreads, edibles, inhaled vapors, pills, and more.

Any of these forms that have a THC level higher than 0.3% are technically still federally illegal and the available forms will differ by state. That’s why many individuals tend to be quite careful about cannabinoids.

The problem is that we don’t yet know much about some of the long-term side effects or complications of cannabinoid use. Some new research into how cannabinoids impact your hearing are prime examples.

Research into cannabinoids and hearing

A myriad of conditions are believed to be effectively managed by cannabinoids. According to anecdotal evidence vertigo, nausea, and seizures are just a few of the conditions that cannabinoids can help. So researchers made a decision to see if cannabinoids could treat tinnitus, too.

But what they found was that tinnitus symptoms can actually be triggered by the use of cannabinoids. According to the research, over 20% of study participants who used cannabinoid products documented hearing a ringing in their ears. And tinnitus was never previously experienced by those participants. And tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption were 20-times more likely with people who use marijuana.

And for individuals who already experience ringing in the ears, using marijuana may actually worsen the symptoms. Put simply, there’s some fairly convincing evidence that cannabinoids and tinnitus don’t really work well together.

The research is unclear as to how the cannabinoids were used but it should be noted that smoking has also been linked to tinnitus symptoms.

Causes of tinnitus are unclear

Just because this connection has been found doesn’t necessarily mean the root causes are all that well understood. That cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and on tinnitus is rather obvious. But what’s causing that impact is a lot less evident.

Research, obviously, will continue. Cannabinoids today come in so many varieties and forms that comprehending the fundamental connection between these substances and tinnitus might help individuals make smarter choices.

Beware the miracle cure

There has undeniably been no shortage of marketing hype surrounding cannabinoids recently. To some extent, that’s because of changing attitudes surrounding cannabinoids themselves (this also reflects a growing desire to get away from opioid use). But some negative effects can come from cannabinoid use, particularly regarding your hearing and this is reflected in this new research.

Lately, there’s been aggressive advertising about cannabinoids and you’ll never avoid all of the cannabinoid devotees.

But a powerful link between cannabinoids and tinnitus is certainly indicated by this research. So if you are dealing with tinnitus–or if you’re worried about tinnitus–it might be worth steering clear of cannabinoids if you can, no matter how many advertisements for CBD oil you might come across. The link between cannabinoids and tinnitus symptoms is unclear at best, so it’s worth exercising some caution.

References

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/26/facts-about-marijuana/ft_19-06-26_marijuana_us-public-opinion-on-legalizing-marijuana-1969-2018/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.479
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855477/

Marijuana and Tinnitus


https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aaohnsf/82180

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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