Cannabis

Cannabis is a plant that people use for its effects on the mind and body. It can make people feel relaxed, happy, or “high.”

Cannabis contains natural compounds, with the most common ones being THC (which causes the high) and CBD (which doesn’t make you high but may have calming effects). It's legal in Canada but regulated by laws that control how it can be used and sold. People often call it marijuana, weed, or pot. 

Different types of cannabis

Cannabis comes in different forms that people use in various ways. You might see:

●       Dried flower for smoking or vaping

●       Edibles like gummies, chocolates, or baked goods

●       Oils or tinctures taken by mouth or added to food

●       Topicals like creams or lotions applied to the skin

How to use cannabis safely

The only safe way to avoid harm from cannabis is to not use it. If you do choose to use cannabis, you can lower your risk by following Canada's Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines. If you are new to cannabis, starting with a product low in THC is generally safer to help avoid unwanted effects.

Edible cannabis

Edible cannabis products, like candies or chocolate, may look like regular foods, but they affect you differently than smoking or vaping cannabis. When you eat cannabis, it takes longer to feel the effects, and these effects can be stronger and last longer.

To reduce the chance of unwanted effects with edibles, always read the product labels carefully. Buy cannabis only from licensed retailers so you know exactly what’s in the product.

Start low and go slow. Start with a low THC level, especially if you're new to edibles; look for products with no more than 2.5 mg of THC. Be sure to wait up to two hours for the effects to kick in, as edibles can take time to work. Keep all edibles out of reach of children and pets and avoid mixing them with alcohol or other drugs.