Cannabis
Cannabis can affect your overall health. Following Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines can reduce your risk of many long-term health problems.
Cannabis can affect your overall health. Following Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines can reduce your risk of many long-term health problems.
The cannabis plant contains more than 400 chemicals. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active chemical in the cannabis plant that gives people who use it a ‘high’. THC affects areas of the brain that control memory, concentration, and coordination. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active chemical in the cannabis plant that’s used for medicinal purposes. The levels of THC and CBD vary depending on the plant strain used. Some forms of cannabis can have very high levels of THC. Using cannabis may also cause other side-effects. It can:
Cannabis use is associated with increasing many health risks including:
If you use cannabis, following Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines can reduce your risk.
Cannabis smoke has many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke and studies have shown that it is more toxic to cells in your body than tobacco smoke.
If you are exposed to a large amount of second-hand cannabis smoke in an enclosed space, you may experience psychoactive effects and afterwards, cannabis could be detected in your urine. The amount of cannabis detected can vary according to many factors including the amount of cannabis smoke you are exposed to.
More research is required to understand the health effects of long-term exposure to second-hand cannabis smoke.
People use cannabis for many different reasons. Some people may find that their cannabis use is stopping them from enjoying day to day life. It’s important to remember that using cannabis is not risk-free.
Here are a few signs that cannabis use may be a problem:
Learn more about the signs that cannabis may be a problem.
If you choose to use cannabis, following Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines can reduce your risks.
If you’re concerned about your cannabis use, or the cannabis use of your partner, call the AHS Addiction Helpline, toll-free, 24/7 at 1-866-332-2322, or for more info and to find services in your area go to AHS Addiction & Mental Health.
It can be hard to ask for help because of the stigma of cannabis use or the worry of being judged by others.
It’s never too late to make healthy changes to your cannabis use. It’s never too soon to ask for help and support if you have concerns about someone else’s cannabis use.
There are many resources and services to help you or someone you know with concerns about cannabis use.
Talk with your health care provider for information on cutting down and quitting.
If you’re concerned about your cannabis use, or the cannabis use of your partner, call the AHS Addiction Helpline, toll-free, 24/7 at 1-866-332-2322, or for more info and to find services in your area go to AHS Addiction & Mental Health.
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