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

Public opinion about marijuana and cannabinoids has transformed remarkably over the past several decades. Many states have legalized the use of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid products for medicinal purposes. The concept that some states (fewer) even allow the recreational usage of pot would have been unimaginable 10 years ago.

Any substances produced by the cannabis plant (the marijuana plant, essentially) are known as cannabinoids. 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 qualities. There have been conflicting studies about cannabinoids and tinnitus but research suggests there may also be negative effects like a direct connection between the use of cannabinoids and the development of tinnitus symptoms.

Many forms of cannabinoids

There are numerous varieties of cannabinoids that can be consumed today. Whatever name you want to put on it, pot or weed is not the only form. These days, THC and cannabinoids are available in the form of a pill, as inhaled mists, as topical spreads, and others.

The forms of cannabinoids available will vary state by state, and many of those forms are still actually illegal under federal law if the amount of THC is over 0.3%. So it’s essential to be cautious when using cannabinoids.

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

Research linking hearing to cannabinoids

A wide array of disorders are believed to be effectively managed by cannabinoids. Seizures, vertigo, nausea, and more seem to be helped with cannabinoids, according to anecdotally available evidence. So the researchers wondered if cannabinoids could help treat tinnitus, too.

Turns out, cannabinoids may actually cause tinnitus. According to the research, more than 20% of study participants who used cannabinoid products reported hearing a ringing in their ears. And tinnitus was never previously experienced by those participants. What’s more, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to report experiencing tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption.

Further investigation indicated that marijuana use may worsen ear-ringing symptoms in those who already have tinnitus. So, it would appear, from this compelling evidence, that the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus is not a positive one.

The research isn’t clear as to how the cannabinoids were used but it should be mentioned that smoking has also been linked to tinnitus symptoms.

Unclear causes of tinnitus

Just because this connection has been found doesn’t automatically mean the root causes are all that well understood. It’s fairly clear that cannabinoids have an influence on the middle ear. But what’s producing that impact is a lot less clear.

There’s bound to be more research. Cannabinoids today come in so many selections and types that understanding the root link between these substances and tinnitus could help people make better choices.

Beware the miracle cure

Recently, there has been lots of marketing publicity around cannabinoids. To some extent, that’s due to changing perceptions surrounding cannabinoids themselves (this also reflects a growing wish to get away from the use of opioids). But this new research makes clear that cannabinoids can and do produce some negative effects, particularly if you’re concerned about your hearing.

You’ll never be capable of avoiding all of the cannabinoid enthusiasts and evangelists in the world–the advertising for cannabinoids has been especially intense lately.

But this research undeniably indicates a strong link between tinnitus and cannabinoids. So if you have tinnitus–or if you’re worried about tinnitus–it might be worth steering clear of cannabinoids if you can, no matter how many adverts for CBD oil you may come across. The connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus symptoms is uncertain at best, so it’s worth using a little caution.

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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

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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