Know the health risks

The fact that cannabis will now be legal in Canada does not mean that it is safe. After all, tobacco and alcohol are both legal, even though their potential harmful effects are well documented. As you make your own decisions in relation to cannabis, keep in mind the risks associated with cannabis use.

The documented risks include: psychiatric illness (particularly psychosis, mania, suicide, depression, anxiety, anhedonia, dependence or addiction), impaired memory and concentration, cannabis emesis syndrome, blurred vision, low blood pressure, gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and testicular cancer.

Cannabis use can also impair a person physically, resulting in injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Due to its potential to cause impairment, you should also abstain from consuming cannabis for at least eight hours before driving.

The level of risk associated with cannabis use depends on a number of factors, including:

1. The method of consumption (smoked or ingested): The effects of smoked cannabis are felt immediately (within seconds) and are relatively short in duration (1.5 – 2 hours). Ingested cannabis, on the other hand, can take longer to take effect (an hour or longer) and those effects last longer (up to four to six hours). These effects vary depending on the concentration that is ingested.

2. Your age: The developing brain is at much higher risk for cannabis problems, and the Canadian Medical Association has identified those younger than 25 to be at particular risk.

3. The frequency of use

Some people are considered to be at such high risk in relation to cannabis use that they should strongly consider abstaining entirely from cannabis. These people include: pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a personal or family history of psychiatric illness (such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD) and those under 25 years old.