The extent of risks and harms of cannabis use are not entirely clear but the research shows that cannabis is not harmless. There are chemicals in cannabis which can cause cancer, damage your lungs, and affect the brain. When smoked, chemicals such a carbon monoxide, cyanide, benzopyrene, and tar are produced. Additionally, illegally sourced cannabis may contain pesticides, other drugs, heavy metals, moulds or fungi, or other unknown substances.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabionl (THC) is the component contained by the cannabis plant, which causes the ‘high’ experienced by users. This varies depending on:
- The part of the plant that is used;
- How the plant is bred;
- How the product is processed.
In some cases, cannabis may be laced with other drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine or tobacco.
Higher potency of THC can result in more harmful effects for those who use it. Cannabidiol (CBD) mediates the effect of THC on the endocannabinoid system and may help to manage pain. When consumed, cannabis causes short and long term health effects;
Short term effects:
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased attention span
- Slowed reaction time
- Lack of a sense of time
- Nervousness or paranoia
Long term effects:
- Physical and mental health problems
- Decreased cognitive functioning (memory, attention, problem solving)
- Impaired ability to drive a vehicle
- Reproductive health issues
- Increased risk of addiction
- Lung health issues
Health Effects of Cannabis
Just like with tobacco, a pregnant or lactating person’s use of cannabis can affect her fetus or newborn child, which can lead to health problems. There is no known safe amount of cannabis use in pregnancy and when feeding breastmilk. The toxins in cannabis are carried through blood to the fetus during pregnancy, as well as in the breast milk.
Heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to lower birth weight of the baby. It has also been associated with longer-term developmental effects in children and adolescents, such as:
- Decreased memory function
- Lessened ability to pay attention
- Decreased reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Hyperactive behavior
- Increased risk for future substance use
THC and other chemicals in cannabis will get into the breast milk and may affect the baby. The THC can move into the baby’s fat tissue, as well as into the brain. Cannabis is not recommended for anyone while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Resources:
Best Start Resource Centre- Risks of Cannabis on Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Parenting
Pregnancyinfo.ca
Thinking about using cannabis before or during pregnancy?
Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
In order to reduce the potential negative health effects of cannabis, it is safest not to use.
However, if you choose to use cannabis:
- Delay cannabis use (brain continues to develop into mid-20s)
- Know what you’re using and choose lower-risk, less potent (lower THC), cannabis products
- Don’t use synthetic, or man-made, versions of cannabis (e.g. K2 or Spice)
- Avoid smoking cannabis – choose something safer like vaporizers or edibles
- Avoid ‘deep inhalation’ or ‘breath-holding’
- Limit and reduce how often you use cannabis
- Don’t use cannabis and drive, or operate other machinery (wait at least 6 hours after using cannabis to drive)
- Avoid combining risks listed above
- Don’t use cannabis if you are at risk for mental health problems or are pregnant
Find more on how to lower your risk of harm:
CAMH - Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
Canadian Public Health Association - Cannabasics
Bill C-45, known as the Cannabis Act, came into effect in October 2018. In 2018, the provincial government released its legislative framework outlining how they plan to manage the federal legalization in Ontario. Please note the following information pertains to recreational cannabis use, not cannabis that is prescribed for medical reasons.
Legal Age
No person under 19 years of age can possess or consume cannabis.
Where you can use Cannabis
The Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 (Bill 36) makes the smoking and vaping of cannabis (medical and non-medical use) subject to the same prohibitions as the smoking and vaping of tobacco products as set out in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA). Cannabis edibles are currently unregulated, but it is projected that they will be legalized at a later date.
Grey Bruce Health Unit is responsible for enforcing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act in our region. The revised SFOA has incorporated a new restriction making all community recreational facilities owned by the Province, municipalities, charities or non-profit organization smoke and vape-free.
Cannabis Sales
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will be responsible for granting and revoking licenses to sell cannabis.
Controlling Access
Adults who are 19 years old or older would be legally able to:
- possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis
- share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis with other adults
- purchase dried or fresh cannabis or cannabis oil from a licensed retailer
- grow up to 4 cannabis plants per residence to a maximum height of 100 cm
Legalizing and Strictly Regulating Cannabis: The Facts
Cannabis use prevalence rates are highest among youth and young adults (MLHU, 2016).
Results from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (Boak, et al., 2015) represent 10,426 students from 220 schools in grades 7-12, and their cannabis use.
- 21.3% of students report using cannabis at least once during the 12 months before the survey, representing about 203,900
- Males (22.0%) and females (20.5%) are equally likely to use cannabis;
- Use significantly increases with grade, to a high of 37.2% among 12th graders;
- There are no significant regional differences.
Daily Cannabis Use
About 2.1% use cannabis on a daily basis, representing about 20,000 students. There is no significant difference between males (2.3%) and females (1.9%).
Cannabis Dependence (Grade 9-12)
About 2.2% report symptoms of cannabis dependence, representing about 14,900 high school students in Ontario.
Review the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey for further information.
References
Boak, A., Hamilton, H. A., Adlaf, E. M., & Mann,R. E., (2015). Drug use among Ontario students,1977-2015: Detailed OSDUHS findings (CAMH Research Document Series No. 41). Toronto,ON: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Middlesex-London Health Unit (2016). Cannabis: A Public Health Approach. London, Ontario: Author.