Consumer Information – CANNABIS
Know the Facts
If you have any health issues, are using cannabis for medical purposes, or have questions about the effects of cannabis on your health, you should speak with your healcare practitioner.
Consumption Basics
Start Low and Go Slow
- Start with small amounts
- Choose products with a low amount of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and an equal or higher amount of CBD (cannabidiol)
- Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol and/or other substances as it increases impairment
- Use cannabis in a safe and familiar environment and with people you trust
- Avoid smoking cannabis
- Avoid frequent use
- Store cannabis securely and away from children and youth
Ways of using Cannabis:
Smoking/vapourizing >
Swallowing (food/capsules) >
Under the tongue >
When effects could begin:
Seconds to minutes >
30 minutes – 1.5 hours >
5-30 minutes >
How long effects could last:
Up to 6 hours*
Up to 12 hours*
Up to 12 hours*
* some effects could last as long as 24 hours.
IF YOU USE CANNABIS, YOU COULD EXPERIENCE:
- Impaired ability to remember, concentrate or react quickly
- Sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety, fear, or panic
FREQUENT USE OVER A LONG TIME CAN:
- Hurt your lungs and make it harder to breathe (if smoked)
- Affect your mental health
- Make you physically dependent or addicted
If you or someone you know needs support for problematic use of cannabis, contact your healthcare practitioner or your local addiction treatment centre.
KNOW THE RULES AND STAY SAFE
- Don’t drive high
- Don’t go to work impaired
- Buy from a local source
- Know and follow the rules about where you can use cannabis in your community
- Don’t carry more than 30g in public (unless authorized)
Bringing cannabis or any product containing cannabis into Canada or taking it out of Canada is illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties at home and abroad.
If you have comments, questions or feedback about a product, contact the manufacturer.
For more information visit Canada.ca/cannabis.