As with other regulated substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is not harmless and carries risks.
| OTTAWA, Jan. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - In follow up to our October 2018 statement on cannabis and health, we want to advise Canadians on ways to reduce the health risks associated with using cannabis, particularly in relation to new cannabis products becoming legally available across the country. As with other regulated substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is not harmless and carries risks. While there is some evidence of potential therapeutic uses for cannabis, evidence continues to emerge on the longer-term health effects of cannabis, highlighting the importance of ongoing research. The only way to completely avoid the risks associated with cannabis use is to not use it. People who use cannabis should be familiar with the different risks associated with various ways of consuming cannabis extracts, edibles and topical products. How you consume cannabis (e.g. orally vs. by inhalation), how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) you consume, and how quickly you consume a product can influence whether or not you experience adverse effects. Start low and go slow. Choose products with a low amount of THC and an equal or higher amount of CBD to minimize health risks and reduce the potential for overconsumption. Given the recent and ongoing concerns about vaping-associated lung illness—and the limited overall understanding of the short and long-term risks of vaping—the safest approach for people who use cannabis is to avoid smoking or vaping cannabis extracts. Those who choose to vape cannabis extracts should consider the following advice to help reduce risks to their health:
Cannabis products that do not involve inhalation such as orally consumed oils or tinctures, edible cannabis products, topicals or sprays, can be an option to avoid potential impacts on lung health. However, cannabis products that are swallowed or eaten can have psychoactive effects, or effects on mental processes, that can differ from those that are inhaled. Some people may experience stronger and more unpredictable effects from edible cannabis products than from inhaled products. In addition, delays in the onset of psychoactive effects from swallowed or eaten cannabis products can result in overconsumption and increase the risk of poisoning. Edible cannabis products can also carry a higher risk of accidental poisoning, especially in children and pets, because they can be mistaken for regular food and drink. To minimize the risks associated with using edible or orally consumed cannabis products, consumers should:
Remember not to drive or operate heavy equipment after using cannabis. Cannabis can impair coordination and concentration, and can impede your ability to make quick decisions. The effects from edible cannabis last 4 to 12 hours, with some effects lasting up to 24 hours. If you experience any adverse effects from cannabis—including edible cannabis, cannabis extracts or topicals—seek appropriate health care and report side effects from cannabis products to Health Canada. Finally, when using any type of cannabis product, it is important to remember that like other substances, there is the possibility of developing cannabis dependence or addiction, and that frequent use can cause harm to your physical and mental health. In fact, close to 10% of adults who have ever used cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder. The younger you are when you start using cannabis, and the more often and the longer you use it, the more likely that it will have an adverse impact on your health. People who experience problems related to their use of cannabis can speak to a healthcare provider about evidence-based behavioral treatment and recovery options. As Canada’s Chief Medical Officers of Health, we encourage all those who use or are considering using cannabis to be aware of the ways they can minimize the potential negative impacts of cannabis use. Get informed. Protect your health and the health of your family. Dr. Theresa Tam Dr. Bonnie Henry Dr. Brendan E. Hanley Dr. Janice Fitzgerald Dr. Heather Morrison Dr. Robert Strang Dr. Jennifer Russell Dr. Horacio Arruda Dr. David Williams Dr. Brent Roussin Dr. Saqib Shahab Dr. Deena Hinshaw Dr. Michael Patterson Dr. Kami Kandola Dr. Evan Adams Dr. Tom Wong Helpful Links:
SOURCE Health Canada |
