When using higher doses of medicinal cannabis, the user may become ‘high’. People cannot get high from passive smoking, as is often thought.

The main component of cannabis, THC, is responsible for the euphoric effect. With large doses of THC, uncontrolled fits of laughter, a feeling of joy and mild euphoria, or a distorted reality (in colors and sounds) can occur. Some patients may experience mild feelings of anxiety. This is also called overdose.

Especially for people who have no experience with cannabis, the feeling of getting high is often unpleasant or even frightening. During treatment with medicinal cannabis, the patient is supervised by a doctor. This can adjust the dosage so that the chance of overdose, and therefore getting high, is very small.

In general, patients report no or few side effects from medicinal cannabis. The side effects that can occur include: dry mouth, increased appetite, higher heart rate, dizziness and being easily distracted.