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Cannabis
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive substance. It contains compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with receptors in the brain and body, producing effects such as relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased appetite.
Cannabis use can affect brain development.
SUBSTAND USE PREVENTION
Involves education, skills development, parent and caregiver support, community mobilization, policy and environmental approaches, early intervention, cultural competence, equity, continuous evaluation, and improvement.
What you need to know about Cannabis Safety
SAFE STORAGE & DISPOSAL
Storage: Keep out of reach, use childproof packaging, avoid visibility, separate from other items, educate household members.
Disposal: Follow local regulations, destroy unused products, dispose of packaging safely, return to dispensaries, do not flush or dispose in landfills.
ACCIDENTAL INGESTION
Recognize signs such as altered mental status, impaired coordination, gastrointestinal symptoms, and seek immediate medical attention.
How It's Consumed
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Smoking: Inhaling the smoke from burning dried cannabis flowers provides rapid effects but may wear off within hours.
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Vaping: Heating cannabis extracts or oils to create vapor for inhalation offers quick onset similar to smoking.
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Edibles: Consuming cannabis-infused products like baked goods or beverages results in slower onset but longer-lasting effects.
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Topicals: Applying cannabis-infused creams or lotions to the skin offers localized relief without psychoactive effects.
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Tinctures and Sublinguals: Liquid cannabis extracts can be taken orally for faster absorption, either under the tongue or mixed with food or drink.
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Dabbing: Vaporizing high-potency cannabis concentrates produces intense effects but can be very dangerous health consequences.
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Health Impacts
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Short-Term: Euphoria, impaired coordination, increased heart rate, dry mouth, memory impairment, anxiety.
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Long-Term: Respiratory issues, cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, addiction, social and occupational impairment, impaired driving.
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Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD):
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Diagnostic Criteria: Involves problematic patterns of cannabis use despite negative consequences.
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Prevalence: Commonly diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood.
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Risk Factors: Genetic predisposition, early exposure, environmental influences, co-occurring disorders.
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Consequences: Physical and mental health issues, social, legal, and occupational problems.​
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Impact on the Brain
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Cognitive Function: Memory, learning, and executive function may be impaired.
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Brain Structure: Heavy cannabis use can alter brain structure and neural connectivity.
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Mental Health: Increased vulnerability to mental health disorders, including psychosis.
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Long-Term Implications: Persistent cognitive deficits and socioeconomic challenges.
If your child or pet ingested any substance, call poison control immediately.
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