KFL&A Public Health Encourages the Community to make an Informed Decision on the use of Cannabis

Kingston –With the legalization of cannabis affecting the KFL&A area, KFL&A Public Health, Kingston Police, the City of Kingston, and Frontenac County Paramedic Services have partnered to develop a community education campaign. The partnership has launched a campaign called Hash out the Facts, which addresses six common misconceptions about cannabis. The campaign will be using the hashtag, #HashOutTheFacts to help spread current and future messages.

KFL&A Public Health recognizes that some people are going to use cannabis—in a National cannabis survey, approximately 18 percent of Ontarians reported using cannabis in the previous three-month period. As part of the campaign, videos have been produced to address the six misconceptions, including how cannabis affects people differently, whether it is harmful, affects of using it and driving, how it affects stress and anxiety, if it is addictive, and how it can be used more safely.

The goal of this campaign is to address the mixed messages about cannabis. Sara Tryon, KFL&A Public Health Promoter said, “It is important to inform the community about the health risks associated with the use of cannabis and how to reduce those risks. KFL&A Public Health and our community partners want to support the community in making an informed decision about cannabis use."

If choosing to use cannabis, take these steps to reduce health risks:
• Choose cannabis products that are less potent, such as those with a high CBD (cannabidiol) to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) ratio.
• Delay using cannabis until later in life, as the brain continues to develop until around the age of 25 years.
• Limit to only occasional use.
• Choose natural cannabis over synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., K2 or Spice).
• Don’t use cannabis and drive.
• If you smoke cannabis, avoid inhaling deeply or breath holding.
• Choose vaping or edibles over smoking cannabis. (Edibles have a delayed effect. To reduce risks, start slow and with low THC).
• Avoid cannabis if you are at risk for mental health problems, planning a pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
To make an informed decision on the use of cannabis and to view the cannabis videos, visit kflaph.ca/Cannabis.

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