Medical Cannabis Side Effects Like Sedation and Dizziness Could Increase Workplace Injury Risk
A scoping review of 31 systematic reviews found that sedation, dizziness, nausea, and euphoria were the most common side effects of medical cannabis, all of which could reduce workplace alertness and increase injury risk.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across 31 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the most predominant adverse events of medical cannabis were sedation, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, and euphoria. These could translate to decreased alertness and reaction times, increased absenteeism, reduced ability to safely drive or operate machinery, and increased fall probability.
Key Numbers
1,326 papers screened, 31 included. Most common adverse events: sedation, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, euphoria. Pain was the most prevalent condition studied.
How They Did This
Scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published from 2015 to March 2021, identified from six databases. Of 1,326 papers initially identified, 31 met inclusion criteria.
Why This Research Matters
As medical cannabis prescriptions increase, more workers are using cannabis therapeutically while on the job. Employers and occupational health professionals need to understand the specific adverse effects that could compromise safety.
The Bigger Picture
Workplace cannabis policies have traditionally focused on recreational use. Medical cannabis creates a new challenge: balancing legitimate therapeutic needs against safety-sensitive job requirements.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Scoping review of reviews means original data was not directly assessed. Cannot quantify actual workplace accident rates. Does not distinguish between formulations or dosing schedules.
Questions This Raises
- ?Can workplace accommodations mitigate the safety risks of medical cannabis?
- ?Do adverse effects diminish with tolerance over time?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Sedation, dizziness, nausea, and euphoria were the most common workplace-relevant side effects
- Evidence Grade:
- Scoping review synthesizing 31 systematic reviews provides broad overview but is limited by heterogeneity.
- Study Age:
- Published 2023, reviewing literature from 2015-2021.
- Original Title:
- Medicinal Cannabis and Implications for Workplace Health and Safety: Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews.
- Published In:
- Workplace health & safety, 71(9), 400-410 (2023)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04820
Evidence Hierarchy
Maps out the available research on a broad question.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can medical cannabis affect work performance?
Yes. This review found sedation, dizziness, nausea, and euphoria were common side effects that could reduce alertness, reaction times, and ability to safely operate machinery.
What are the main workplace risks from medical cannabis?
Decreased alertness and reaction times, increased absenteeism, impaired driving and machinery operation, and increased fall probability.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04820APA
O'Neill, Veronica; Karanikas, Nektarios; Sav, Adem; Murphy, Patricia. (2023). Medicinal Cannabis and Implications for Workplace Health and Safety: Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews.. Workplace health & safety, 71(9), 400-410. https://doi.org/10.1177/21650799231157086
MLA
O'Neill, Veronica, et al. "Medicinal Cannabis and Implications for Workplace Health and Safety: Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews.." Workplace health & safety, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/21650799231157086
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Medicinal Cannabis and Implications for Workplace Health and..." RTHC-04820. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/o-neill-2023-medicinal-cannabis-and-implications
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.