Cannabis
Education

Consumer Information – Cannabis

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. It is also called as Marijuana.

Cannabis contains substances that affect the brain and body, including THC and CBD. THC causes the intoxicating effects of cannabis. CBD is not intoxicating and may reduce some of the effects of THC; however, it does have an effect on the brain.

Cannabis Effects – What to Expect and for How Long

Everyone's response to cannabis differs and can vary from one time to the next. To minimize your risk or if you are a new consumer, look for a product containing 2.5 mg of THC or less or 10% THC (100 mg/g) or less, and an equal or higher amount of CBD.

• Common immediate effects of THC includes Euphoria ("high"); drowsiness; anxiety; impaired ability to remember, concentrate or react quickly.
• Smoking/vaping cannabis causes effects to surface within seconds to minutes. These effects can last up to 6 hours
• Eating/drinking/swallowing cannabis can cause effects to rise within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consumption. These effects can last up to 12 hours

• Some effects can last as long as 24 hours

Important Notes about Eating Or Drinking Cannabis and Consuming Products with High THC

• It can take up to 4 hours to feel the full effects from eating or drinking cannabis. Consuming more within this time period can result in adverse effects that may require medical attention.
• The higher the THC content of a product, the more likely you are to experience adverse effects and greater levels of impairment.
• Store all cannabis (particularly edible cannabis) securely and out of reach of children and pets.

Emergency Response

If you or someone you know has accidently consumed cannabis or consumed too much cannabis and is not well, contact your local poison center or seek medical attention.

Risks Attached and How to Lower Them?

• Delay using cannabis to later in life. Teenagers and young adults are at greater risk of harms because the brain continues to develop until around the age of 25.
• Don’t drive or operate heavy equipment after using cannabis. Cannabis can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to concentrate and make quick decisions.
• Avoid frequent use. Frequent and prolonged use (daily or near-daily use across months or years) increases the risk of dependence and may bring on or worsen disorders related to anxiety and depression.
• Avoid smoking cannabis. The smoke from cannabis contains the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
• Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol and/or other substances. Using cannabis at the same time as alcohol and/or other drugs can cause more severe levels of impairment and adverse effects.

Know the Rules

• It is your responsibility to know the rules and to follow them. To find out more about the rules for cannabis, please visit Canada.ca/Cannabis.

Take Medical Advise

• Talk to your health care practitioner if you have any questions or concerns regarding cannabis use and your health.

For questions or concerns about a product, or to report adverse reactions, contact the manufacturer. You can also report concerns, complaints or adverse reactions to Health Canada.