Daily Dose Q&A - The Answer Page

2026-02-25

Side effects of short-term cannabinoid therapy may differ from person to person, and the same person may experience different side effects at different times. What factors influence the probability and the severity of adverse events?

Many factors influence the likelihood and the severity of adverse events, including the type of cannabinoid preparation, the mode of administration, the dose administered, the patient’s expectations, the patient's prior experience with cannabinoid-based therapies, the health of the patient, and the age of the patient. Drug–drug interactions may also lead to adverse events.

Vulfsons S, Minerbi A, Sahar T. Cannabis and Pain Treatment-A Review of the Clinical Utility and a Practical Approach in Light of Uncertainty. Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020 Jan 30;11(1):e0002. doi: 10.5041/RMMJ.10385. PMID: 32017678; PMCID: PMC7000155.

2026-02-24

Is there a US governmental office to which patients can report any adverse effects from CBD products?

Yes, even though CBD (with the exception of Epidiolex) is not approved by the FDA, patients can report any adverse effects from CBD products to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Joshi K. Cannabis-derived compounds: What you need to know Current Psychiatry. 2020 October;19(10):64-65 | 10.12788/cp.0050

2026-02-23

What is the clinical presentation of severe cannabis intoxication in the pediatric population?

The presentation of severe intoxication due to THC consumption in the pediatric population may include bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions, and respiratory depression that may require orotracheal intubation.

Fradera AS, Campos LS, Profumo AD et al. Accidental cannabis intoxication with an unexpected outcome. Emergencia Pediatricas. 2024; 3(2): 91-93

2026-02-20

Would the rescheduling of cannabis change workplace policies?

Depending on the policy, it may not. For example, rescheduling does NOT override employer, hospital, or federal workplace drug policies.

Congressional Research Service. (n.d.). Cannabis and the Controlled Substances Act. https://crsreports.congress.gov Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801–971 (1970). Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Schedules of controlled substances. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Basis for the recommendation to reschedule marijuana. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/marijuana-rescheduling-recommendation U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (2024). Schedules of controlled substances; rescheduling of marijuana (Proposed rule). Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov

2026-02-19

The initiation of a federal review to potentially reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act represents a pivotal regulatory step. What changes to cannabis policy would take place if cannabis were to be rescheduled?

Rescheduling cannabis may reduce barriers to research, improve product standardization, clarify regulatory oversight, and reduce certain federal tax restrictions. In turn, these changes may positively affect clinician education, patient counseling, pharmacovigilance, and evidence-based decision-making. Importantly, rescheduling cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act would NOT legalize cannabis. Rescheduling only changes a substance’s placement within the federal scheduling framework. Cannabis would remain regulated and controlled, subject to federal oversight by the DEA, FDA, and other agencies.

Congressional Research Service. (n.d.). Cannabis and the Controlled Substances Act. https://crsreports.congress.gov Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801–971 (1970). Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Schedules of controlled substances. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Basis for the recommendation to reschedule marijuana. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/marijuana-rescheduling-recommendation U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (2024). Schedules of controlled substances; rescheduling of marijuana (Proposed rule). Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA and cannabis: Research and drug approval process. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process