Cannabis

Cannabis can affect young people differently than adults. The brain keeps growing and developing until about age 25. THC (the part of cannabis that causes the “high”) affects the same parts of the brain that is still developing. Because of this, youth and young adults under 25 are at higher risk of harm. Some of these effects may last a long time or even become permanent.

What are the risks for young people?

Young people who use cannabis are at higher risk of: 

• Struggles with mental health (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or other psychosis), 
• Addiction (Cannabis Use Disorder), 
• Problems with memory, thinking, learning, problem-solving skills, 
• Behavioural issues 
• Difficulties with relationships at home, school or work
• Lung and breathing problems from smoking cannabis

For more information: 

• Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know 
• Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (Youth) 
• https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Cannabis-Talk-Kit_EN.pdf
• https://parentactionpack.ca/cannabis-addiction-and-withdrawal/
• https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/cannabis-parent-infosheet-pdf.pdf[LT1] 

Cannabis is legal for adults in Canada, but there are rules you must follow. The Government of Canada has Federal Cannabis Laws. Each province or territory also has its own rules. Make sure you know Ontario’s Cannabis Laws to help keep you safer if you choose to use cannabis. The rules cover things like:

•      How old you must be to use cannabis
• Where you can buy it
• Where you can use it
• How much you can carry

Cannabis-impaired Driving

Driving while high is illegal. Cannabis can affect:

•      Your reaction time
• Your focus
• Your judgement
• Your ability to make quick decisions

These are all skills you need to drive safely. Driving after using cannabis increases your chances of being in a car crash. It also puts others at risk.

If you plan to use Cannabis:

• Do not drive
• Do not get in a car with someone who has consumed cannabis
• Plan a safe ride home

-       You can learn more about the Myths and Facts of Impaired Driving from the Ministry of Transportation. 

For more information about Cannabis visit: Cannabis in Canada - Canada.ca 

Using cannabis can be harmful to your health, especially if you are young. It can harm your memory, focus, and ability to learn. It can also make it harder for you to do things that need balance and quick thinking, like driving, playing sports, or riding a bike. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider you trust if you have any questions or concerns about cannabis and your health.  There are also risks associated with cannabis from places that are not legal or regulated, and you can’t be sure what is in them or how strong they are.

Cannabis can affect everyone differently. Some effects can feel unpleasant such as

• confusion and difficulty concentrating, 
• anxiety, fear or panic, 
• psychotic episodes of paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, 
• poor co-ordination and slow reaction time, 
• increased risk of injury (e.g., car crash, falls), 
• sleepiness, 
• coughing, wheezing, 
• shortness of breath, 
• low blood pressure (which can cause fainting or passing out), 
• fast heart rate (increased risk of heart attack), or 
• severe vomiting (called hyperemesis syndrome)

What could be the harms of cannabis use if I use it over a long period of time? 

• addiction (Cannabis Use Disorder), 
• depression or anxiety, 
• schizophrenia or other psychosis, 
• problems with memory and concentration, 
• lowering of intelligence or IQ, 
• negative effects on your ability to think and make decisions, 
• chronic (long-term) cough (when smoked), 
• increased mucus buildup in the throat (when smoked), 
• bronchitis (when smoked), or 
• lung infections (when smoked). 

Cannabis can help some people with certain health problems. If you are thinking about using cannabis for your health, talk to your doctor or another health care provider first.

Even if Cannabis is used for medical reasons, you still have to follow the law. This includes rules about impaired driving and smoke free spaces.

Some people may use cannabis with alcohol or other drugs.

This can:

•      Make the effects stronger

•      Increase health risks

•      Worsen judgement

• Lead to risky behaviour (For example driving while impaired or having unprotected sex) 

Mixing substances makes it harder to think clearly and stay safe. People who use cannabis may be tempted to use it with other substances such as alcohol, which intensifies the effects and can lead to more health risks and worsening judgment leading to risky behaviour. 

Cannabis use can cause unpleasant, unwanted or negative effects on your brain and body, including: 

• confusion and difficulty concentrating, 
• anxiety, fear or panic, 
• psychotic episodes of paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, 
• poor co-ordination and slow reaction time, 
• increased risk of injury (e.g., motor vehicle collision, falls), 
• sleepiness, 
• coughing, wheezing, 
• shortness of breath, 
• decreased blood pressure (risk of fainting or passing out), 
• increased heart rate (increased risk of heart attack), or 
• hyperemesis syndrome (uncontrollable vomiting). 

What are the harms of cannabis use if I use it over a long period of time? 

Long-term effects develop when someone uses cannabis every day or almost every day for weeks, months, or years. The effects can last from several days to months or longer after you stop using cannabis. For those who begin consuming cannabis at a young age (i.e. under 25) or use often, the following effects may become permanent: 

• addiction (Cannabis Use Disorder), 
• depression or anxiety, 
• schizophrenia or other psychosis, 
• harms to memory and concentration, 
• lowering of intelligence or IQ, 
• negative effects on your ability to think and make decisions, 
• chronic (long-term) cough (when smoked), 
• increased mucus buildup in the throat (when smoked), 
• bronchitis (when smoked), or 
• lung infections (when smoked). 

Edible cannabis is food or drink that has cannabis. Edibles often look like regular food such as candy, chocolate and baked goods. Edibles can affect you differently than smoking or vaping cannabis.

When you eat cannabis: 

• It can take up to 2 hours to feel the effects
• The effects can last longer

Eating too much tetrahydrocannabinoil (THC), a chemical found in cannabis can cause:

• Anxiety or panic
• Nausea and vomiting
• Paranoia
• Psychocsis

How to lower your risk with edibles if you choose to use cannabis:

•       Start with a low dose and go slow
•  Read the label carefully. 
• Follow the serving size on the package
• Don’t mix with alcohol or other drugs
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the effects have worn off. 
• Stop using it and get medical help if you feel very sick or unsafe.

Keeping children safe

Cannabis in food products can be very dangerous for children. Keep all cannabis products in child resistant packaging, locked up and out of sight and reach of children and pets. Children may think edibles are normal treats like brownies or cookies. If a child eats cannabis they can become very sick and you should: 

• Get medical help right away
• Call the Ontario Poison Centre (1-800-268-9017) or 9-1-1 immediately.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

• THC is the part of cannabis that makes you feel "high”
• It can change your mood, thinking and behaviour 
• It is usually found in higher amounts in non- medical cannabis 

CBD (cannabidiol)

• CBD does not usually make you feel hig
• It may help with pain, swelling, nausea, anxiety, seizures and muscle spasm
• It is often found in higher amounts in medical cannabis
• CBD is found in higher amounts in medical cannabis. It is  used for reducing pain and inflammation, nausea, anxiety, seizures, and spasms.