Safer Cannabis Use
Marijuana, Hash, & Hash Oil
Reduce your risk of lung problems, mental health problems and legal issues that can result from cannabis use.
While using cannabis may be safer than using some other drugs, there are things about using cannabis that can be harmful. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of harms and bad experiences.
Before you start…
- Be clear about why you want to use
Is it going to help you in some way or make things worse?
- Be sure you trust your source
Cannabis for adult personal use is now legal in Canada. Legal cannabis products are tested for quality in BC, and thus safer to use than cannabis you may get from your dealer or a friend. Avoid using cannabis if contaminants like mold or mildew are visible.
- Try a small amount first
Some strains of cannabis may have higher THC content and may have a stronger effect than you were expecting. If you know it’s a stronger strain, you can use less and avoid unnecessary smoke and toxins in your lungs.
When Using Cannabis
- Be smart
Possessing up to 30 grams of cannabis for your own use is legal in Canada. Cannabis is regulated by the province of Ontario. You must be 19 or over to purchase, possess or use cannabis or cannabis products. Be sure you know where and when it is safe to use.
- Avoid cannabis smoke if possible
Cannabis smoke contains tar and toxins. The safest choice is to use a vaporizer—it delivers the THC in mist form instead of smoke. They cost between —$100-$700. The second best choice is to smoke it in the form of a joint.
- Prevent burns on your lips or fingers
Use a small piece of rolled unbleached cardboard as a filter. Avoid using cigarette filters—they remove 60% of the THC but leave the toxins.
- Take shallow puffs, not deep inhalations
About 95% of the THC in the smoke is absorbed in the first few seconds so you don’t need to puff hard or hold your breath.
- Leave tobacco out of the mix
Tobacco contains many cancer-causing toxins, so it’s safer to smoke cannabis by itself.
Cannabis & Driving…
- Plan a safe ride.
Cannabis impairs your ability to drive safely. The effects can last 6 to 12 hours. Plan a ride with a sober friend, OC Transpo, Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
If Eating or Drinking Cannabis…
- Take your time
It can be hard to find the right dose when eating cannabis cookies or drinking cannabis tea. You may get much higher for much longer than you wanted to. To prevent this, use a small amount and wait at least one hour to feel the effects before using more.
Things to Avoid
- Avoid using regularly at an early age
Human brains are not fully developed until early adulthood.
- Avoid using cannabis daily or almost daily
Regular habitual use can lead to dependence, meaning you feel you need to use it just to feel normal.
- Avoid using cannabis as your main way of having fun or coping with stress
There are healthier ways to enjoy yourself or deal with negative moods.
- Avoid using cannabis with alcohol
The effects of cannabis are intensified and may last longer than expected or wanted if you drink alcohol or use other drugs at the same time.
- Avoid using cannabis when you are at risk of a mental health problem
Cannabis use may increase the risk of psychotic symptoms for those with a pre-existing vulnerability to psychosis. And, it may worsen the symptoms of psychotic disorders.
- Water bongs are not as safe as joints
Bongs filter out more THC than tars since water tends to absorb THC. This requires you to puff harder, increasing the amount of tar that is inhaled.
- Some pipes and bongs give off toxic fumes
If using a bong, avoid those with a plastic bottle, rubber hose or aluminum cone. If using a pipe, make sure it’s made of glass, stainless steel or brass (avoid wood and plastic).
Download the Safer Cannabis Use Brochure
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