Question 1

What effect could cannabis have on my body?

Accepted Answer

Cannabis contains many different types of chemicals, however, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active chemical in the cannabis plant that gives people who use it a ‘high’. THC affects brain areas that control memory, concentration and coordination. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active chemical in the cannabis plant that can be used for medicinal purposes with authorization from a health care provider. The levels of THC and CBD vary depending on the plant strain or product type used, with some products containing very high levels of THC.
Using cannabis may also cause other side-effects. It can:

 	impair your short-term memory
 	affect decision making
 	affect your coordination
 	increase anxiety or paranoid thoughts
 	increase your heart rate

Cannabis use is also linked with health risks, including:

 	problems with thinking, memory or physical co-ordination
 	impaired perceptions or hallucinations
 	fatal and non-fatal injuries due to impairment, including those from motor-vehicle collisions
 	mental health problems and cannabis dependence
 	chronic respiratory or lung problems
 	testicular cancer, which could lead to infertility and/or low sperm count

No cannabis use is the safest choice when a person is trying to become pregnant, thinks they might be pregnant or knows they are pregnant. If you use cannabis, following Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines may reduce these health risks. If you are using cannabis for another health condition, talk with your health care provider about lower risk options during this time.

Question 2

What’s the risk of second-hand cannabis smoke?

Accepted Answer

Cannabis smoke, including second-hand cannabis smoke, is harmful.  It has many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke.  Some studies have shown second-hand cannabis smoke is even more toxic to cells in your body than tobacco smoke. There is no known safe level of exposure.
If you are exposed to second-hand cannabis smoke in an enclosed space, you may find that it affects your mood and ability to think clearly, including becoming too impaired to drive. Afterwards, cannabis could be detected in your body. The amount of cannabis detected can vary according to many factors including the amount of cannabis smoke you are exposed to and how long you were exposed to it. To prevent exposure to cannabis smoke or vapour, ask those around you to consume cannabis products outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to reduce this risk.

More research is required to understand the health effects of long-term exposure to second-hand cannabis smoke.

Question 3

Can using cannabis affect my ability to become pregnant or conceive a baby

Accepted Answer

Cannabis use is linked to testicular cancer, which could lead to infertility and/or low sperm count.  More research is needed to understand how cannabis affects reproductive health for people who could become pregnant.
This does not mean there are no harms, it just means we don’t know enough about how cannabis affects reproductive health yet.  If you’re using cannabis you may want to discuss lower risk options with your health care provider while you are planning a pregnancy, if you think you might be pregnant, or if you know you are pregnant.

Question 4

How could using cannabis harm a developing baby?

Accepted Answer

During pregnancy, the placenta and the umbilical cord connect to the developing baby. Drugs like cannabis can pass through the placenta and affect the baby. There is no safe amount of cannabis use while pregnant.  Not using cannabis is the safest choice when pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Developing babies exposed to cannabis are at a higher risk for low birth weight. A smaller baby is more likely to have health issues and stay in the hospital longer.  After they are born, they may not be able to self-soothe and may have problems with sleep. There may be effects throughout childhood or longer-term impacts such as:

 	abnormal brain development
 	slower growth
 	learning problems
 	behaviour concerns

Cannabis purchased from an illegal or unlicensed source could be mixed with other substances or have contaminants like chemicals, mold or fungi that could harm you and your developing baby. If you don’t plan to stop using cannabis, purchase your cannabis from a legal supplier so that you can limit some of these risks.

Learn more about the effects of cannabis on your baby here.

If you’re planning to become pregnant or if you are already pregnant, and want to reduce or quit your cannabis use, help is available.

 	Call the AHS Addiction Helpline, toll-free, 24/7 at 1-866-332-2322.
 	For more information and to find services in your area, go to AHS Addiction & Mental Health.

Question 5

I’m concerned about my cannabis use or my partner’s use. Where can I get help?

Accepted Answer

It can be hard to ask for help because you may be worried about being judged by others. It’s never too late to make changes to your cannabis use or ask for support if you have concerns about someone’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 or quitting. If you use cannabis for medical reasons, talk with your health care provider about finding a safer alternative while trying to become pregnant.

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.

Cannabis

What effect could cannabis have on my body?

What’s the risk of second-hand cannabis smoke?

Can using cannabis affect my ability to become pregnant or conceive a baby

How could using cannabis harm a developing baby?

I’m concerned about my cannabis use or my partner’s use. Where can I get help?

What is My To-Do List?