Cannabis Health & Safety

• What are some of the safety features of cannabis packaging? Open Close

  Every legal cannabis product is packaged in child-safe, tamper-proof packaging to protect youth from the harms of cannabis. Additionally, because THC is intoxicating, the package for any product containing THC above 10 micrograms per gram, will feature a red icon to indicate the presence of THC and a message highlighted in yellow carrying a health-related warning.

• How can I safely dispose of cannabis? Open Close

  To help protect others, especially children or youth, Health Canada suggests that you make cannabis unfit for consumption prior to disposing of it. One method of disposing cannabis is to blend the cannabis with water and mix it with cat litter, to mask the odour, and then place it in your regular household garbage.

• How can I reduce the risks of consuming cannabis? Open Close

  Cannabis use has health risks that are best avoided by not using it. However, there are steps that can be taken that will reduce the health risks associated with use:
  
  

  • Delay cannabis use until later in life (after the age of 25)
  • Avoid using synthetic cannabis (e.g., K2, Spice) 
  • Avoid use of cannabis before operating a vehicle, and wait at least six hours after using cannabis before operating a vehicle
  • Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or tobacco
  • Avoid smoking cannabis
  • Limit and reduce how often you use cannabis

   

• Can I use cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding? Open Close

  There is no known safe amount of cannabis to use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, and can harm a child’s brain development. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume cannabis, as it could harm the fetus or baby.

• Does cannabis consumption lead to other drug use? Open Close

  There is limited evidence that suggests cannabis use is likely to precede the use of other legal and illicit substances and the development of addiction to other substances. The majority of people who consume cannabis do not go on to use other harder substances, such as stimulants or opioids.

• Is it unhealthy to inhale cannabis smoke? Open Close

  Inhaling smoke of any kind can lead to lung damage and respiratory problems. Certain smoking practices such as deep-inhalation or holding one’s breath increases these risks. It is known that cannabis smoke contains chemicals and tar that are similar to tobacco smoke.

• Is it possible to overdose on cannabis? Open Close

  Consuming too much cannabis can result in significantly unpleasant effects, but they should be experienced temporarily. There is no documented case of death resulting from a toxic overdose of cannabis.

• Are there programs to help me if I think I’ve become addicted? Open Close

  If you feel you have developed a cannabis-use disorder or addiction, help is available. Click here.

• Why shouldn’t alcohol be consumed with cannabis? Open Close

  Combining cannabis and alcohol can elevate the felt effects and lead to extreme intoxication, dizziness and nausea. Combining cannabis with alcohol can also increase the risk of vulnerable people experiencing psychotic symptoms. Combining the two further lowers concentration and reaction times.

• Why shouldn’t tobacco be consumed with cannabis? Open Close

  Tobacco is harmful on its own, and the co-use of tobacco and cannabis has been associated with developing a dependence on either substance, negative mental health outcomes, engagement in other risk-taking behaviours, and increased difficulty stopping cannabis use. There is some evidence that suggests combining tobacco with cannabis can lead to smoking initiation as well. In addition, using both substances may also lead to increased health risks compared to using just one or the other, such as the impact on the respiratory system.

• Can I drive while or after using cannabis? Open Close

  No. Consuming cannabis can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Cannabis consumption affects critical driving skills, for example, causing drowsiness, slowing reaction time and impairing your ability to respond to multiple things at once. 

  Impaired driving is also illegal — in Canada, it’s a criminal offence with serious consequences, including possible jail time. 

  The effects of cannabis can last up to 24 hours, depending on individual factors such as your age and genetic makeup, the method of consumption and the potency of the cannabis product. But unlike alcohol, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest a limit that’s safe for driving or a how long a driver should wait to drive after consuming cannabis. 

  Learn more about how cannabis consumption affects drivers. 

• What are the mental health effects of cannabis use? Open Close

  In some people, cannabis use increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, such as psychosis or schizophrenia. Any cannabis use is associated with a 40% increased risk of psychosis. Consuming cannabis can produce effects that induce mild or temporary symptoms of anxiety, paranoia and delusional beliefs or cause more permanent mental impairment.
  
  Those who start using cannabis at a young age, use it daily, and have a family history of mental illness are at a greater risk. The effects and onset of these illnesses may also be worsened by using higher-strength cannabis products.
  
  Frequent cannabis use has also been associated with an increased risk of suicide, depression and anxiety disorders. Cannabis use may also exacerbate symptoms of existing mental health problems, though further research is required.

• Can I get hurt consuming cannabis? Open Close

  There is no documented case of death resulting from a toxic overdose of cannabis.
  
  However, it is possible to “overconsume” cannabis, whereby short-term and long-term adverse effects can occur, especially if you consume large amounts. Short-term adverse effects may include confusion, fatigue and anxiety, panic, paranoia, elevated heart rate, and a significant impact to your ability to make decisions and react quickly.
  
  The potential long-term risks include harm to your memory, decision-making ability, concentration, intelligence and mental health harms. Inhaling cannabis long term may also lead to lung damage and infections.
  
  Driving or operating large machinery after consuming cannabis would present great risks to yourself and others. Remember that driving while impaired is against the law.
  
  It’s also crucial to keep all cannabis products stored safely to avoid consumption by children or pets.

• Is cannabis addictive? Open Close

  It can be. Some people are more prone to becoming addicted than others, and studies suggest that using cannabis in youth increases the risk of addiction.
  
  Approximately one in 10 adults who have ever consumed cannabis will develop an addiction, also known as “cannabis-use disorder.” The early onset of use, long-term use and combining cannabis with tobacco increase the potential of addiction and other health risks. Initiation of use in adolescence increases risk of developing cannabis use disorder to one in six.

• Is second-hand smoke harmful? Open Close

  Second-hand smoke is harmful, but the relationship is mediated by several factors, including the amount of smoke, frequency of use, ventilation and more. Little is factually known about the effects of cannabis smoke on lung health. However, cannabis smoke irritates the throat and lungs, and contains chemicals and tar that are similar to tobacco smoke, which can raise risks for cancer, and lung disease.

• What should I do if I’ve consumed too much cannabis? Open Close

  Stay calm and in a safe place. Try to distract yourself by listening to music or watching a movie. Have something to eat and drink plenty of water. If you are feeling distressed, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or 1-866-797-0007 (TTY). If you’re experiencing a frighteningly rapid heartbeat, call 911.

• Can cannabis have adverse effects when used with any medications? Open Close

  Yes. Cannabis can have interactions with other drugs or medicinal products. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist for possible adverse effects when combining with medication.

• What should I do if my child ingests cannabis? Open Close

  Contact 911 immediately.

• How should I store cannabis? Open Close

  Dried cannabis should be kept in a dry, cool place. If you have children or pets in your home, ensure that all cannabis products are kept safely out of reach and ideally kept in a secure childproof container.