January 8, 2020: This week, the sale of cannabis edibles, beverages, lotions and concentrates became available for legal sale in Ontario. As new cannabis products hit shelves, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health urges that anyone who chooses to consume cannabis, including edibles and beverages, follow Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for safer cannabis consumption.
“It’s important that people understand that cannabis edibles and beverages affect your body differently than smoking or vaping,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “It takes much longer for the active ingredients to get into your system and you may not feel the effects for 30 minutes to 2 hours, which poses a higher risk of overconsumption. If you choose to consume, choose lower-strength products and monitor how much you’re taking. Some people could have a bad reaction from overconsuming especially if they are first time users.”
Other recommendations from Public Health include:
- Keep all forms of cannabis in a secure (locked) location, out of reach from children, teens and pets, where they aren’t visible.
- Delay use if under 25 years old. Cannabis in any form can affect brain development
- Avoid all forms of cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid mixing cannabis, including edibles, with alcohol or other drugs.
- Do not drive or use heavy machinery after consuming cannabis.
Upon cannabis legalization, Public Health launched its “Talking about weed” campaign, which includes evidence-based information, resources and videos on the physical and mental health effects of cannabis, how to talk to kids about cannabis, safer edible consumption, and more. Visittalkingaboutweed.ca to learn more.
Media Contact
Chuck Ferguson, Manager of Communications
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca