Glossary term

Side effect: A side effect is an unwanted effect that can happen while taking a medicine. NHS lists examples for medical cannabis including dizziness, tiredness, diarrhoea, nausea, hallucinations and mood or behavioural change.

EssentialSafetySource quality: HighLast updated: 29 June 2026

Why this term matters

This is one of the most searched patient terms.

UK medical cannabis context

NHS and NICE both encourage active side-effect reporting and monitoring.

What not to assume

Patients should report side effects to their medical team and may also report them through Yellow Card.

Careful wording: Avoid “minor side effects only” language.

Related glossary terms

Related MCPH pages

Sources and review notes

This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.