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By Tanner Smith

Alberta

AHS reminding residents about Cannabis risks, ahead of 4/20

Apr 19, 2023 | 3:44 PM

As tomorrow is 4/20, Alberta Health Services is asking residents to educate themselves about Marijuana.

AHS wants residents to be reminded about the short and long-term effects of Cannabis which include:

Short-term:

• Cause dizziness, headaches and vomiting.
• Change mood and judgment.
• Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Make eyes red/bloodshot, as the blood vessels expand.
• Affect the ability to drive or operate the equipment. Of those who reported use, 23 per cent have driven a vehicle within two hours of smoking cannabis at some point in their life.

Long-term:

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• Lung damage.
• Potential to change how a brain develops, especially if the avid user is under 25.

Marijuana also contains many of the same toxins found in tobacco smoke, which causes their own, both short and long-term effects. Along with vaping cartridges containing THC, as they come with their own risks as well, including harmful ingredients, vapes exploding, and lung damage.

If you do plan on consuming Cannabis, including smoking or edibles, AHS does have some recommendations to keep yourself safe:

• Limit your use as much as possible.
• Avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath.
• Choose products with 10 per cent (100mg/g) THC or less. (If smoking)
• Start with one or two puffs and wait up to 30 minutes to feel the full effects.
• Know the effects of inhaled cannabis can last up to six hours, with some effects lasting up to 24 hours.
• Choose products with 2.5 mg THC or less, especially if you’re a new or occasional user. (If eating or drinking)
• Know it can take up to four hours to feel the full effects. Using more cannabis within that time can increase your risk of harmful effects.
• Be aware effects can last up to 12 hours, with some effects lasting up to 24 hours.

For more information about reducing your risk, follow Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines, or click here.

If you are concerned about cannabis use in yourself or a loved one and need support, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the Addiction Helpline, 1-866-332-2322, or by calling Health Link at 811.

If you are concerned your child has been exposed to cannabis, call: Poison & Drug Information Service (PADIS) (toll-free 1-800-332-1414), or 911.

For more information on how cannabis can affect your ability to conceive a baby, visit Ready Or Not Alberta, and for information on Substance Use during Pregnancy, visit Healthy Parents Healthy Children.