Consider the effects, risks of cannabis before using

As April 20 (4/20) approaches, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding Albertans to educate themselves about the effects of cannabis use.

Cannabis can have short- and long-term effects, and its smoke contains many of the same toxins found in tobacco smoke. Vaping cannabis comes with its own set of risks, including harmful ingredients, risk of the vape exploding, and damage to your lungs.  

Short-term, using cannabis can make a person feel drowsy, cause slow reaction times, and decrease coordination. It can also make it harder to focus, concentrate, remember and make decisions. In addition, short-term cannabis use can: 

• Cause dizziness, headaches and vomiting.
• Change mood and judgment.
• Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Make eyes red/bloodshot, as the blood vessels expand.
• Affect the ability to drive or operate equipment. Of those who reported use, 23 per cent have driven a vehicle within two hours of smoking cannabis at some point in their life.

Longer term use – or, using cannabis often (daily or near daily) over a long period of time (months or years) – can cause harm to your lungs if inhaled (smoking or vaping). 

Age can also impact the effect cannabis has on an individual. Research has shown the brain is still developing until about the age of 25. That means using cannabis before the age of 25 can change the way the brain develops. The younger people are when they start using cannabis and the more often they use, the higher their risk of addiction and other health problems. Delaying cannabis use until at least the age of 25 can lower the risk of harmful health effects.

If you choose to smoke or vape cannabis:

• Limit your use as much as possible.
• Avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath. 
• Choose products with 10 per cent (100mg/g) THC or less.
• Start with one or two puffs and wait up to 30 minutes to feel the full effects.
• Know that effects of inhaled cannabis can last up to six hours, with some effects lasting up to 24 hours.

If you choose to eat or drink cannabis:

• Choose products with 2.5 mg THC or less, especially if you're a new or occasional user.
• Know it can take up to four hours to feel the full effects. Using more cannabis within that time can increase your risk of harmful effects.
• Be aware effects can last up to 12 hours, with some effects lasting up to 24 hours.

Cannabis and safety around others: 

• Do not drive or operate machinery while under the influence of cannabis and/or other substances. 
• Second-hand smoke and vapour is harmful, especially to children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Keep your home and vehicle cannabis, smoke and vapor-free. Smoke or vape outside away from children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 
• Keep cannabis locked up, in the original container, out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.
• Cannabis can interact with some medicines and affect your health. If you choose to use cannabis for medical or non-medical purposes, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking medications for more information. 
• Not using cannabis is the safest choice when pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Cannabis use can affect your ability to conceive a baby and may cause harm to your reproductive health.

For more information on reducing your risk, follow Canada's Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines, or visit ahs.ca/cannabis or DrugSafe.ca.

If you are concerned about cannabis use in yourself or a loved one, and need support, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the Addiction Helpline, 1-866-332-2322; or by calling Health Link at 811. 

If you are concerned your child has been exposed to cannabis, call: Poison & Drug Information Service (PADIS) (toll-free 1-800-332-1414), or 911.

For more information on how cannabis can affect your ability to conceive a baby, visit Ready Or Not Alberta, and for information on Substance Use during Pregnancy, visit Healthy Parents Healthy Children.  

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.