Cannabis (marijuana) is a plant that contains biologically active substances in its leaves, flowers, and buds and their extracts (for example, oil and concentrates). Medical cannabis can help treat symptoms like pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. It may be used by people who have conditions like cancer, AIDS, or multiple sclerosis.
The two most biologically active chemicals in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC affects how you think, act, and feel. It can make you feel intoxicated or "high." CBD may lessen pain and other symptoms.
There are many types, or strains, of cannabis. Each plant has specific THC-to-CBD ratios. Because of this, some strains have different kinds of effects than others. For example, if a strain of cannabis has a higher ratio of THC to CBD, it's more likely to affect your judgment, coordination, and decision making. Your health care provider may be able to tell you about the different strains you can try for your health problem and their possible effects.
Medical cannabis may be helpful for some health conditions. These may include:
Cannabis is available as fresh, a dried plant or oil extracts from Licensed Producers. They usually contain both THC and CBD.
Medicines that contain THC are also available. These include:
If you think you might want to try medical cannabis, talk to your health care provider about what type of cannabis might help relieve your symptoms. You can also visit the Health Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/topics/cannabis-for-medical-purposes.html for more information.
There are many ways people can use medical cannabis. For example, people can:
How soon and how long you may feel the effects of cannabis depends on several things, including how it was taken. For example, when cannabis is smoked, the effects can usually be felt within seconds after inhaling. On the other hand, when cannabis is eaten, the effects may not be felt for up to 90 minutes after you eat it. Since the effects aren't felt right away, people may think they need more and use too much. To avoid this, start with small amounts until you know how edibles affect you. Or follow your health care provider's instructions on how much to use.
How much cannabis you've used and how long you've been taking it can also affect how your body responds to it. You may feel the effects of cannabis for hours after you use it.
Cannabis can interact with many other medicines. It can be dangerous if you use it with medicines that make you sleepy or control your mood. These include sedatives, anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and opioids. It can also be dangerous to use cannabis with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
Cannabis can affect your blood pressure, so use caution if you take medicine for this condition. It also increases the chance of bleeding if you're on blood thinners.
Before you try cannabis, talk to your health care provider about other medicines you use. Also talk to your health care provider about any personal or family history of substance use disorder or mental health disorders. Using cannabis may make these problems worse.
Cannabis may affect your judgment, memory, concentration, coordination, and decision making. Don't drive or operate machinery after using cannabis. Talk with your health care provider about when it is safe to drive.
Cannabis can affect different people in different ways. Side effects may include:
Long-term regular use of cannabis may increase your risk for severe nausea and vomiting (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS). People who have CHS may feel very thirsty and have belly pain and diarrhea. They may vomit more than 20 times a day. Bouts of vomiting may last more than 24 hours.
If you smoke cannabis, the smoke could damage your lungs. It may make you cough or wheeze, and cause lung infections like bronchitis.
If you are using medical cannabis and are pregnant or think you might be or are breastfeeding, talk to your health care provider. It can affect your baby's development.
Some people who regularly use cannabis may develop a mild to severe cannabis use disorder. They may find it hard to control their use and keep using cannabis even though it's having harmful effects on their lives.
The risk of cannabis use disorder is higher in people who:
People who use cannabis often and then quit may have withdrawal symptoms. These include anxiety, trouble sleeping, and intense cravings for the drug.
Using cannabis isn't risk-free. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick or injured.
Lower-risk use
Know what you're using
Keep others safe.
Know when to call for help
Contact your health care provider if you have unwanted side effects or you think you have a problem with cannabis use.
Adaptation Date: 10/10/2018
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
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