Is Smoking Marijuana Advisable Post Brain Injury?

Posted on Fri, 15 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 Answered on

Sat, 11 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a brain injury about two weeks ago and there was a small bleed no bigger then 4mm and was like woundering if it would be safe to smoke marijuana? Or if I was around it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to avoid for couple of weeks more...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I would not advice you to smoke or be exposed to marijuana for another 2-4 weeks atleast, due to following reasons.

1. There are uncertain reports that marijuana may increase chances of bleeding. So you might bleed more.
2. A small bleed in the brain is a potential epilepsy (seizure) focus. Marijuana and other illicit drugs can accentuate this seizure potential.
3. All patients with intracranial bleed caused by an injury are observed for a period of time where there are chances of worsening. In most cases, the chances of worsening are more during the first month to 6 weeks. Marijuana and other illicit drugs use can make your doctors miss those subtle symptoms / signs of worsening.

Therefore I will strongly object you to smoke marijuana or use any other drugs during these crucial period of recovery.

Hope you will take my words.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar