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

Public opinion about marijuana and cannabinoids has changed significantly over the past several decades. Cannabinoids, marijuana, and THC products are now allowed for medical use in many states. Substantially fewer states have legalized pot for recreational purposes, but even that would have been unthinkable even just ten or fifteen years ago.

Any compounds produced by the cannabis plant (the marijuana plant, essentially) are known as cannabinoids. Despite their recent legalization (in some states), we’re still discovering new things about cannabinoids. We frequently think of these particular compounds as having widespread healing qualities. There have been contradictory studies about cannabinoids and tinnitus but research suggests there may also be negative effects such as a strong connection between cannabinoid use and the development of tinnitus symptoms.

Cannabinoids come in various forms

Nowadays, cannabinoids can be utilized in many forms. Whatever name you want to put on 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 many of those forms are still technically illegal under federal law if the THC content is above 0.3%. That’s why most individuals tend to be quite cautious about cannabinoids.

The long-term complications and side effects of cannabinoid use are not well known and that’s the issue. Some new studies into how cannabinoids impact your hearing are prime examples.

Studies connecting hearing to cannabinoids

A myriad of disorders are believed to be successfully managed by cannabinoids. According to anecdotal evidence vertigo, nausea, and seizures are just a few of the afflictions that cannabinoids can benefit. 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. 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. Furthermore, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to report experiencing tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours of consumption.

And for those who already cope with ringing in the ears, using marijuana would actually worsen the symptoms. In other words, there’s some rather convincing evidence that cannabinoids and tinnitus don’t really mix all that well.

It should be noted that smoking has also been associated with tinnitus and the research was unclear on how participants were consuming cannabinoids.

Causes of tinnitus are not clear

The discovery of this connection doesn’t reveal the root cause of the relationship. It’s fairly clear that cannabinoids have an influence on the middle ear. But what’s causing that impact is much less evident.

There’s bound to be further research. Cannabinoids today are available in so many selections and types that comprehending the fundamental connection between these substances and tinnitus might help people make wiser choices.

Don’t fall for miracle cures

In recent years, there has been lots of marketing hype surrounding cannabinoids. That’s in part because mindsets surrounding cannabinoids are rapidly changing (this also shows a growing wish to get away from opioid use). But this new research makes clear that cannabinoids can and do create some negative effects, particularly if you’re uneasy about your hearing.

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

But this research certainly indicates a strong link between tinnitus and cannabinoids. So if you are dealing with tinnitus–or if you’re concerned about tinnitus–it may be worth avoiding cannabinoids if you can, no matter how many adverts for CBD oil you may come across. The link between cannabinoids and tinnitus symptoms is uncertain at best, so it’s worth exercising some caution.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

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.