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 no matter how cannabis is used (e.g., smoked, vaped, eaten), your developing baby may be affected.
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.
If you choose to use cannabis always buy from a legal supplier, this will ensure consistent, regulated, quality products.
Edible cannabis
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.
Start with 2.5 mg of THC and wait before taking more.
The effects of edible cannabis can last up to 12 hours.
Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
For some people edibles can be more intense than inhaling a similar dose of dried cannabis. This is partly because when edible cannabis is eaten, your liver makes the THC even stronger, which affects the intensity of the “high”. Depending how much and how strong the product, edibles can be more intense in both the body and mind.
People should take their time when trying edible cannabis. Start with a product low in THC, such as 2.5 mg of THC, and only take a small amount to begin with. This might mean only taking a bite. Wait to feel the effects, at least 1 to 2 hours before taking more.
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.
7 things you need to know about edible cannabis English or French
Dried cannabis
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 6 hours.
Vaping cannabis
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.
Always read the label to ensure you have the correct product for your method of use.
Cannabis cream
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
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 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.