An adverse event is any unwanted or potentially harmful occurrence that happens during medical treatment. This is different from a side effect, which is directly caused by a specific drug or treatment.
Adverse events aren’t always linked to the treatment itself — they include any unexpected issue that arises while treatment is ongoing, regardless of the cause.
For medical cannabis patients, adverse events may happen because of interactions with other medications, or as part of the underlying health condition being treated. Some commonly reported adverse events include dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, or short-term effects on memory and concentration.
Adverse events can’t always be prevented, as they are often unexpected. However, their likelihood may sometimes be reduced through careful prescribing, close monitoring, and good communication between patients and their healthcare team. Any changes to dose or frequency should only ever be made under medical supervision.
It’s important to pay attention to changes in your physical or mental health during treatment. Adverse events can vary, but some examples may include unusual tiredness, changes in mood, fever, or other unexpected symptoms. If you notice anything new, severe, or worrying, please report it to us immediately so we can support you and review your treatment if needed.
In the United Kingdom, all adverse events can be reported to the Yellow Card scheme. If you’re a Curaleaf Clinic patient and experience any adverse events, you should report these immediately to [email protected] or via your Curaleaf Clinic Online Account under ‘Report’.