Important Medical Information & Disclaimers
Medical disclaimer
The information on this CertaMD page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
All medical marijuana evaluations and recommendations through CertaMD are performed exclusively by licensed U.S. healthcare providers using secure telemedicine technology, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
Always speak with a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, changing existing medications, or starting any new treatment, including medical cannabis.
Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process
Individual results and treatment response
Medical cannabis does not work the same way for every patient. Symptom relief can depend on factors such as the type of product (THC/CBD ratio, route of administration), dose, frequency of use, underlying medical conditions, concurrent medications, and lifestyle variables like diet, stress, and sleep.
Because response and tolerability vary, ongoing follow-up with your CertaMD provider is important to review benefits, monitor side effects, and adjust your treatment plan safely over time.
Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Possible risks and side effects
Like any therapeutic option, medical marijuana can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, red or irritated eyes, increased appetite, headache, and temporary problems with attention, concentration, or short-term memory.
Some patients, especially with higher-THC products, may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, worsened mood, or perceptual changes; in rare cases, serious effects such as psychosis, significant mood changes, heart rhythm disturbances, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (recurrent nausea and vomiting) have been reported. If you notice severe, unexpected, or persistent symptoms, stop using cannabis and contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects
Legal and regulatory notice
Medical marijuana programs are created and regulated at the state level, and eligibility, product access, and telemedicine rules vary by jurisdiction. Under U.S. federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, and clinicians typically “recommend” or “certify” medical cannabis use rather than prescribe it in the traditional sense.
Some states require an initial in-person visit before medical cannabis certification, while others allow both initial and renewal evaluations via telehealth; CertaMD operates within the specific requirements of each state it serves.
Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act
Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth
Product quality, sourcing, and safety
For your safety, use only medical cannabis products obtained from licensed, state-regulated dispensaries that perform appropriate laboratory testing for potency and contaminants. Unregulated or illicit products may contain pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, which can increase health risks and lead to unpredictable effects.
Ask your CertaMD clinician or dispensary pharmacist about product selection, dosing, onset and duration of effects, and how to store products safely away from children and pets.
Source: FDA – What to Know About Cannabis Products
Reporting adverse events and safety concerns
If you experience serious or unexpected side effects while using medical cannabis, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency care when appropriate.
Patients and caregivers in the United States can also report adverse events and product problems to the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by phone at
1-800-FDA-1088, which helps regulators monitor safety trends and protect public health.
Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting
