Effects of cannabis use

Cannabis has two major chemicals that affect the brain differently. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) makes you feel “high” — how you feel depends on how much you take, and effects vary from person to person. CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t make you feel “high”, but can have other effects.

• Trouble with thinking, remembering, and problem-solving
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (with high doses and/or high potency)
• Feeling like time is moving slower or faster
• Feeling relaxed or paranoid
• Having mood swings
• Having increased or decreased anxiety
• Feeling dizzy
• Having dry mouth or bloodshot eyes
• Relieving pain and reducing nausea/vomiting
• Impaired movement and coordination
• Feeling hungry
• Faster heartbeat or lower blood pressure

Edibles: start low, go slow

Use extra caution — the delayed onset of edibles can have unintended effects. A cannabis edible (brownies, gummies, an infused beverage) can take up to 2 hours to begin working and up to 4 hours to reach full effect. That is much slower than smoking or vaping, and the “high” can feel stronger.

• Start with a small amount of THC — 5mg or less.
• Wait at least 2 hours to see how you feel.

You can always take more later, but you can’t take it back.

Drive high, get a DUI

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases your risk of getting into an accident. Penalties for driving high are the same as driving drunk.

High potency

Consuming higher-potency THC products does not mean a better cannabis experience. They are harder to control and carry a higher risk of adverse effects. Using them often may cause dependency in some people.

• If you are new to cannabis, be careful with higher-potency products like concentrates and vape cartridges.
• Compare labels and consider lower-potency products: flower with less than 20% THC.
• Edibles with close to 5mg THC per serving — or consume half of a 10mg serving.
• If you are inhaling cannabis, wait between puffs until you feel the full effect.

Mental health

There are potential risks to your mental health from cannabis use. Research suggests mental health disorders may develop or worsen from daily use, near-daily use, or higher-potency use. These have been linked to Cannabis Use Disorder, and may lead to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Temporary psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Schizophrenia
• Thoughts of self harm
• Suicide attempts
• Suicide

Minors and young adults

Our brains actively develop until around the age of 25. Using cannabis regularly while younger can cause long-term problems with thinking and mental health.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use any cannabis if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This includes inhaling cannabis (smoking, vaping, dabbing), eating or drinking cannabis products, and applying cannabis-infused creams or lotions.

• There are risks to your baby from using cannabis. Your baby consumes what you do.
• No matter how you consume cannabis, THC and other chemicals pass to your baby through your placenta and breastmilk.
• If you use medicinal cannabis, ask your doctor about alternative treatments during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Parents, be aware

Edibles and other cannabis products can be mistaken for food or candy. Like medications, keep cannabis products in child-resistant packaging. Store and dispose of them where they cannot be easily seen or accessed by children and pets.