Cannabis Health & Safety
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How do I report an adverse reaction?
If you purchased a product from an Authorized Cannabis Store and you’ve experienced an adverse reaction, reach out to the retailer to initiate a return or exchange. The store will then open an investigation with the OCS regarding the product.
If you purchased a product directly from OCS.ca and you’ve experienced an adverse reaction, please contact us at 1-888-910-0627, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, from Monday to Saturday. One of our customer service representatives will be able to assist you further.
You may also choose to report an adverse reaction directly to Health Canada.
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What are some of the safety features of cannabis packaging?
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 label 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.
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How can I safely dispose of cannabis?
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.
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How can I reduce the risks of consuming cannabis?
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
Find out more about how to reduce the risks of consuming cannabis.
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Can I use cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no evidence to suggest that any level of cannabis consumption is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may pose risks to both the pregnant person and the baby.
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Does cannabis consumption lead to other drug use?
There is limited evidence that suggests cannabis consumption is a “gateway drug,” likely to precede the use of other legal and illegal substances and the development of addiction to other substances. The majority of people who consume cannabis do not go on to use other substances, such as stimulants or opioids.
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Is it unhealthy to inhale cannabis smoke?
Inhaling smoke of any kind can lead to lung damage and respiratory problems. Certain smoking practices, such as deep inhalation or holding your breath, increase these risks. Cannabis smoke contains chemicals and tar that are similar to tobacco smoke.
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Is it possible to overdose on cannabis?
It is possible to consume too much cannabis, but understanding the signs and risks of overconsumption will ensure you’re making informed decisions.
While there have been no reported adult deaths from overconsumption of cannabis, you’re not likely to hear anyone recommend the experience. Consuming too much cannabis can be quite unpleasant, although the effects are generally temporary. If you’re new to cannabis — especially if you’re new to edibles — the best approach is to start low and go slow.
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Are there programs to help me if I think I’ve become addicted?
Free, confidential help is available in Ontario. You can talk to a healthcare provider or contact a support group. Learn more about cannabis use disorder.
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Why shouldn’t alcohol be consumed with cannabis?
Combining cannabis with alcohol or medications can lead to unpredictable effects and increased risk of addiction or adverse reactions. Find out more about the risks of mixing substances.
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Why shouldn’t tobacco be consumed with cannabis?
Tobacco is harmful on its own, and consuming tobacco and cannabis together has been associated with developing a dependence on either substance, negative mental health outcomes, engagement in risk-taking behaviours and increased difficulty stopping cannabis use. In addition, consuming both substances may also lead to increased health risks compared to consuming just one or the other, such as negative impacts on the respiratory system.
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Can I drive while or after using cannabis?
No. Impaired driving is 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 how long a driver should wait to drive after consuming cannabis.
Consuming cannabis can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Cannabis consumption affects critical driving skills, for example, by causing drowsiness, slowing reaction time and impairing your ability to respond to multiple things at once.
Plan your ride home in advance, grab a lift from a sober friend, use public transit or call a rideshare service or taxi.
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What are the effects of consuming cannabis on mental health?
Consuming cannabis can produce effects that induce mild or temporary symptoms of anxiety, paranoia and delusional beliefs or cause more permanent mental impairment. In some people, cannabis consumption increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, such as psychosis or schizophrenia.
Those who start consuming cannabis at a young age, consume 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 consuming high-THC cannabis products. Frequent cannabis consumption has also been associated with an increased risk of suicide, depression and anxiety disorders.
Cannabis consumption may also exacerbate symptoms of existing mental health problems, though further research is required.
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Is cannabis addictive?
Yes, cannabis can be addictive. Not everyone who consumes cannabis will develop problematic use, but regular consumption can have adverse effects on health. Approximately one in 10 adults who have ever consumed cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder. Consuming cannabis before age 25, over a long period and combining cannabis with tobacco all increase the potential of cannabis use disorder and other health risks.
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Is second-hand smoke harmful?
Second-hand smoke is harmful, but the severity depends on many factors, including the amount of smoke, frequency of use, ventilation and more. Little is 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 increase your risk for cancer and lung disease.
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What should I do if I’ve consumed too much cannabis?
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing chest pain, panic attacks, loss of contact with reality or seizures or if your instincts tell you something serious is happening.
Consuming too much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can lead to unpleasant short-term effects, both physically and mentally, including anxiety, paranoia and panic. The good news is these effects, while uncomfortable, are temporary and will pass.
While you wait, stay calm, hydrate, eat a snack and relax in a safe place. Distraction techniques such as listening to music or watching TV can also help. If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, panic attacks or loss of contact with reality, seek immediate medical attention.
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Can cannabis have adverse effects when used with any medications?
Yes. Avoid mixing cannabis and other drugs, including alcohol and prescription medications. Cannabis can increase the rate at which some drugs are metabolized. It can also amplify the effects of some substances, including central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines (like Valium, Klonopin, Xanax and Ativan), and stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine.
If you’re currently taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist about possible interactions and adverse effects.
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What should I do if my child ingests cannabis?
Seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 if the child appears ill or has trouble breathing. Symptoms may include drowsiness, anxiety or lack of coordination.
Learn more about safe storage.
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How should I store cannabis?
Dried cannabis should be kept in a dry, cool place. If you have children or pets in your home, ensure all cannabis products are kept safely out of reach and ideally kept in a secure childproof container.
