Marijuana and Nicotine Use and Effects: What Virginians Should Know

Don’t miss important updates about Virginia’s marijuana program. Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest straight to your email!

Understanding how marijuana and nicotine affect the body can help patients make informed decisions about their health and daily habits. These substances interact with the brain and body in very different ways, and their effects can vary depending on how frequently and how much they are used.

Understanding Marijuana

Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant and contains compounds known as cannabinoids. The most well-known of these is THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana. Other cannabinoids, such as CBD, do not produce a high and may affect the body differently.

Marijuana interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like pain, mood, sleep, appetite, and inflammation. Because of this, marijuana may help some individuals manage symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and nausea when used appropriately.

In Virginia, recreational use is legal, but there is currently no retail framework in place. The only way to access Virginia dispensaries and legally purchase marijuana is through the state’s medical program with a valid medical marijuana card in hand.

What Is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a stimulant found in tobacco and many vaping products. It affects the brain by increasing dopamine levels, which can create temporary feelings of alertness or relaxation. However, nicotine is highly addictive and can quickly lead to dependence.

Long-term nicotine use is linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and a risk of cardiovascular problems. Smoking or vaping nicotine products can also negatively affect lung health over time.

Why People Use Marijuana and Nicotine Together

Some individuals use marijuana and nicotine together, whether intentionally or as part of routine habits. This may include smoking, vaping, or alternating between products that contain either substance.

Some people report that nicotine intensifies certain marijuana effects, while others feel marijuana counteracts nicotine’s stimulating properties. Combining the two can make it more difficult to understand how each substance is affecting the body individually.

Effects on the Brain

Marijuana and nicotine both influence brain chemistry, but they do so in different ways.

Marijuana can temporarily slow short-term memory, make it harder to concentrate, and reduce reaction time, especially with higher THC levels or frequent use. These effects are typically temporary but may be more noticeable in new users.

Nicotine stimulates the brain’s reward system, reinforcing repeated use and increasing the risk of addiction. Over time, this can make quitting nicotine challenging.

Using marijuana and nicotine together may increase cognitive strain, particularly with regular or heavy use.

Effects on the Heart and Circulation

Nicotine commonly raises heart rate and blood pressure shortly after use. Marijuana can also increase heart rate, especially in higher doses or for individuals with little experience using it.

When combined, these effects may place added stress on the cardiovascular system. Patients with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or related health concerns can discuss their situation with one of our doctors during their medical marijuana evaluation, who can provide personalized recommendations based on their condition.

Lung and Respiratory Health

Smoking any substance exposes the lungs to heat and irritants. Tobacco smoke is well known for its long-term respiratory risks, while marijuana smoke may also cause coughing, irritation, and discomfort with repeated use.

Virginia allows a range of marijuana product types, including non-smokable options such as edibles, oils, tinctures, and vaporized products. These alternatives may reduce exposure to smoke and are often preferred by patients concerned about lung health, especially those who also use nicotine products.

Dependency and Habit Formation

Nicotine is widely recognized as addictive, with many users experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

When used as directed for medical purposes, marijuana can be a safe option for managing symptoms. If you also use nicotine, talking with your healthcare provider can help you understand how both substances may affect your overall health.

Being mindful of frequency, dosage, and purpose of use can reduce potential risks.

Making Informed Choices in Virginia

Virginia residents who are interested in medical marijuana must receive a written certification from a licensed practitioner - that’s where we come in! Patients can then legally access regulated marijuana products from licensed dispensaries.

Virginia’s medical marijuana program offers a variety of product options, allowing patients to choose forms that best fit their needs and preferences. Understanding product types, dosage, and state rules can help ensure safe and responsible use.

If you currently use nicotine or tobacco products, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you better understand how marijuana may interact with your overall health.

Final Thoughts

Marijuana and nicotine affect the body in different ways, and using them together may intensify effects on the brain, heart, and lungs. While marijuana may offer benefits for some individuals, nicotine carries well-established health risks, particularly with long-term use.

Learning how each substance works and understanding Virginia’s marijuana laws can help people make informed, responsible decisions about their health and wellness.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today

Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today! 

Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.

If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. There’s no list of qualifying conditions, so anyone with a medical condition could get a medical marijuana card! With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!

Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.

---

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Virginia Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Virginia’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (888) 633-5808 or schedule your evaluation today

For more blogs like this, plus patient resources and state updates, sign up for our newsletter!