Understanding cannabis and its health effects
Curious about cannabis? Learn how it affects your brain and body—short-term, long-term, and everything in between.
Effects of what’s in cannabis
Cannabis is packed with compounds that affect not only your brain, but your whole body in unique ways. Major cannabinoids like THC and CBD, minor cannabinoids like CBN to terpenes and different strains, each compound plays a role. For a deeper dive, check out Cannabis 101.
Short-term cannabis effects
Positive | |
| Euphoria | A feeling of intense happiness and well-being, often described as a "high." |
| Relaxation | A calming effect that can help reduce stress and tension. |
| Increased sensory perception | Enhanced senses, making colours appear brighter, sounds more vivid and food more flavourful. |
Negative | |
| Anxiety | Feelings of worry or fear that can be overwhelming. |
| Paranoia | An irrational distrust or suspicion of others. |
| Dry mouth | A common side effect where your mouth feels unusually dry. |
| Increased heart rate | A temporary rise in heart rate, which can be uncomfortable for some users. |
Long-term cannabis effects
Positive | |
| Potential therapeutic benefits (e.g., pain relief, anti-inflammatory) | Cannabis researchers are studying how cannabis might help with chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, but clear evidence is still lacking due to a shortage of large, well-controlled studies. |
Negative | |
| Cognitive impairment | Frequent use can affect memory, learning and attention. |
| Respiratory issues (if inhaled) | Smoking cannabis can lead to chronic cough or bronchitis, plus other respiratory problems. |
| Dependence | Regular use can lead to dependence, where users feel the need to consume cannabis to function normally. |
If you choose to use more frequently, this can impact brain development, using cannabis before age 25 can impact attention, memory, and decision-making. Plus, you could develop a dependence, where regular use could lead to addiction—Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Learn more about the short and long term effects of cannabis.
How long does cannabis stay in your body?
How long cannabis stays in your body depends on factors like body type and how often it's used. THC is stored in fat, so it lasts longer in people with higher body fat. Casual use is detectable for up to 3 days, edibles up to a week, and frequent use up to a month.
THC vs. CBD: What you need to know
Cannabis products come in various THC-to-CBD ratios. Higher THC levels mean stronger effects, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially first-timers. Remember, today’s cannabis isn’t what it used to be. Potency levels of cannabis products are higher than it used to be, so start slow and go low. Learn more about what cannabis is and the differences between THC and CBD.
Cannabinoid | Effects | Risks | Best for |
| THC | Euphoria, anxiety | Paranoia, increased heart rate | Experienced users |
| CBD | Relaxation, stress relief | Minimal | Beginners |
Mixing cannabis with alcohol? Nope.
Alcohol intensifies THC’s effects which can make you sick and increases the risk of using too much. Avoid any potential nasty effects by skipping mixing.
How you use and its effects
Each method of consumption affects your body differently. Here's a quick guide:
- Inhalation is the most common way cannabis is consumed. Cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are absorbed into the body through inhaling vaporized or smoked cannabis into the lungs.
- Ingesting means eating, drinking or swallowing cannabis. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are absorbed through the digestive track and processed by the liver. Ingested cannabis will affect you differently than inhaled cannabis and can have longer effects. Avoid driving or other safety-related tasks for an extended period of time (8-12 hours is recommended) after ingesting cannabis.
- Popular forms of consumption where vaping involves using a "vape" or electronic cigarette to heat oil until it turns into vapor that you inhale. Effects vary depending on potency and amount smoked. Higher potency vapes are not recommended for new users as even one or two puffs can cause unpleasant effects.
- Risks: Inhaling smoke through your lungs exposes you to harmful tar and toxins and carries carcinogenic risks along with psychoactive features. Long-term effects of vaping are unknown.
- Tips to minimize risks:
- Smoking: Use a water pipe to cool the smoke and reduce irritation. Avoid deep inhalations to minimize lung exposure.
- Vaping: Choose reputable products and avoid those with unknown additives. Start with low doses to gauge your tolerance.
Consuming high-potency cannabis extracts through inhalation. Involves inhaling vapor from high-potency cannabis extracts. The effects are immediate and intense, often stronger than smoking or vaping. Not recommended for beginners due to high risk of side effects.
Risks: High potency increases the risk of overconsumption, leading to severe side effects like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heartrate, skin irritation and anxiety.
Tips to minimize risks: Only use if you have experience with cannabis. Start with very small amounts and avoid frequent use to reduce the risk of overconsumption.
The high is often more intense, and body focused. Commonly found as chocolate, candies, baked goods or beverages.
Risks: Using too much and taking a second serving before the first has reached your system for the full effects. This can cause over intoxication.
Tips to minimize risks: Start with a low dose (2.5 mg THC) and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. Always read labels and follow serving sizes. New edible products can also cause quicker effects, so make sure you know what and how much you are using.
Versatile products added to food/beverages or swallowed as capsules. Similar to edibles, with a delayed onset and prolonged effects. Oils can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption.
Risks: Inconsistent dosing if not measured accurately.
Tips to minimize risks: Use a dropper for precise dosing and start with small amounts. Be patient and wait for the effects to set in before taking more. If using it for medical reasons, first discuss with a health professional.
Lotions or creams infused with cannabis extracts for localized relief.
Risks: Minimal risks as they do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. However, allergic reactions to other ingredients in the product are possible.
Tips to minimize risks: Test a small amount on your skin first to check for allergic reactions. Use as directed and avoid applying to broken skin.
What to do if you overuse cannabis
Overconsumption symptoms include nausea, anxiety, or paranoia. Severe cases may involve psychosis or chest pain. If in doubt:
- Call 911 or seek immediate medical help.
- Stay calm and stay hydrated.
Cannabis experience factors
Understanding how cannabis affects you depends on several personal and environmental factors, as well as how it's consumed. While it can offer therapeutic benefits, it's important to be aware of potential health risks. Effects vary widely based on dosage, product composition, and individual characteristics.
Key factors and impacts include:
- Dosage: Start low and go slow to avoid overconsumption.
- Cannabinoid profile: THC causes psychoactive effects—CBD can help balance them.
- Consumption method: Inhalation acts quickly but fades faster—ingestion takes longer but lasts longer.
- Individual differences: Age, weight, and tolerance influence your experience.
- Environment: Mood and setting can enhance or worsen effects.
Potential health impacts:
- Mental health: High potency THC can increase risk of anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
- Respiratory health: Inhalation damages lungs and can cause chronic issues.
- Heart health: Higher heart rate and blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risks.
- Cognitive function: May impair memory and learning, especially with frequent use.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Cannabis affects fetal development and can be passed through breast milk.
Keep it mindful
Whether you're new to cannabis or coming back to it, take it slow and choose products that feel right for you. Understand the risks and enjoy the experience at your own pace. By learning more, you'll feel confident and informed to make the best decisions about your cannabis use.
For more detailed information, visit Alberta Health Services: Drug Safe or check out Canada’s Lower-Risk Use Guidelines.