Forms of cannabis
The strength of cannabis products, the variety of products, and how cannabis is used has changed over the years. There are many strains of cannabis and many forms of medical and non-medical cannabis, the most common are dried, vaping, edibles, oils, creams and tinctures.
If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding it is important to note that no matter how cannabis is used (e.g., smoked, vaped, eaten), your developing baby may be affected.
If you choose to use cannabis, always buy from a legal supplier. This will ensure consistent, regulated and quality products. Make sure you know the law before choosing to use cannabis. Learn more about cannabis, tobacco and vape laws.
Cannabis as a medicine does not have standardized doses and treatment protocols. Consult with a health care provider to talk about cannabis use for medical purposes.
Edible cannabis |
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Edible cannabis is a food or drink that contains chemicals found in cannabis, such as THC or CBD. Although edible cannabis is safer for your lung health than smoking cannabis, there are still risks involved with using it. It is easy to eat too much edible cannabis because it takes so long to feel the effects. It can take 30 minutes to two hours for the effects to be felt, and four hours for the effect to peak. Because the effects take so long to peak, people often make the mistake of taking more than they should, thinking the first amount was not enough. This means they are at risk of having side effects they are not comfortable with, such as feeling “too high”, severe anxiety and panic, nausea and vomiting, and symptoms of psychosis (paranoia). The effects of edibles usually fade within 12 hours but can linger up to 24 hours after use.
The risk of harm can be higher when buying from an illegal source or making your own edibles. It is recommended to purchase products from a licensed retailer or online at the Ontario Cannabis Store. Illegal edible products and products made at home are at risk of contamination, inaccurate product labels and uneven THC or CBD throughout the product, putting the user at risk of taking more than they wanted to. |
Dried cannabis |
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Dried cannabis is often burned and inhaled, and it comes in a variety of strengths. Smoking cannabis can harm your lungs. Avoid inhaling deeply and holding the smoke in your lungs. Impairment happens within minutes and fades within six hours. |
Vaping cannabis |
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Vaping cannabis is the heating of dried cannabis or concentrates without burning it and breathing in the vapour that is created. Vaping cannabis is not risk free and the long-term impacts are still unknown. Learn more about vaping and how to reduce your risk. Always read the label to ensure you have the correct product for your method of use. |
Cannabis cream |
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Cannabis cream is unlikely to get someone “high” if used externally on skin. Cannabis cream is usually higher in CBD and lower in THC, however products vary. |
Cannabis extracts |
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Cannabis extracts refers to many different cannabis products that contain higher levels of THC and CBD than what is found in the cannabis plant. Some products are high in THC, and some are high in CBD. Buy from a licensed retailer to ensure a product is without contamination and check the label for the level of THC and CBD that is right for you. Cannabis extract product vary and can be smoked, vaped or eaten. Ensure you are buying the correct product for your method of use. |
Health effects of cannabis
THC and CBD
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the hundreds of chemicals found in cannabis.
THC causes the “high” feeling. CBD has little or no effect on the brain and can even decrease the “high” feeling.
To help reduce the effects of THC, choose products with more CBD than THC.
The effects of cannabis
Cannabis does not have the same effect on everyone. Some people feel relaxed, talkative, giggly, or have stronger sensations; others feel anxious, restless, have difficulty thinking, poor memory, become fearful or confused.
Risk of severe or long-term cannabis related health problems are higher if you:
- use cannabis with high THC content (10% or higher for dried cannabis, 2.5mg or higher for edibles),
- use daily or almost daily, and
- start using at 25 years of age or younger.
Cannabis use is linked to dependency, mental illness, reproductive issues, memory and concentration problems and issues with decision making. Smoking cannabis can cause lung problems; such as bronchitis, infections, chronic cough, and mucus build up in the throat. Cannabis has not been proven to be an effective treatment for cancer or to reduce the risk of getting cancer.
Reducing harms and use of cannabis
Start with a product that is lower in THC - 10% or less for dried cannabis and 2.5mg or less for edibles. Starting slowly with a small amount and waiting to feel the effects before taking more.
Always label cannabis products, and store in child-resistant packaging out of sight and reach of those who should not be consuming it.
Cannabis can have risks for anyone. If you choose to use cannabis, there are steps to take to reduce risks to your health.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety provides information on workplace impairment and cannabis in the workplace.
Avoid cannabis if you are at risk for mental illness, planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding. Learn how to assess your cannabis use and how to get help.
Is cannabis addictive?
People who use cannabis daily or near daily can develop a psychological or physical dependence on it. Five to nine per cent of people who have used cannabis in their lifetime will become dependent on it. The risk of dependence increases to 17 per cent among those who start using cannabis in their youth.
People who frequently use cannabis then stop using it may develop withdrawal symptoms such as:
- feeling irritable
- mood and sleep problems
- decreased appetite
- cravings
- restlessness
- physical discomforts (e.g., stomach pain, sweating, and headaches)
If you need help, view the list of substance use health and harm reduction services based in the KFL&A area on our Mental health services page.