Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
Reduce risks of experiencing cannabis-related problems
You have the choice about whether you want to use cannabis (weed, pot), but science shows that there are different ways of using it and some ways are safer than others. These guidelines are based on a large review of scientific evidence on health effects of cannabis use.
These tips let you know what science recommends to help reduce some of the risks to your health and well-being if you choose to use cannabis. This page reviews each guideline and provides a summary sheet, which you can download to take with you as a reference.
General Precautions for Cannabis Use
To avoid all risks, do not use cannabis. No matter how you use cannabis, there are some short- and long-term health risks. The only way to completely avoid all of the risks is not to use cannabis. If you’re curious or interested in using cannabis, keep reading to learn how you can use it safely.
Frequently using cannabis, especially in large amounts, may lead to a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) or to dependence. Symptoms of cannabis use disorder include experiencing cravings and withdrawal, being unable to meet commitments in your daily life, and being unable to control or reduce cannabis use. If you are unable to control your cannabis use and concerned about CUD, please see a doctor.
Like other drugs, using cannabis may cause harm to others. This can happen through impaired driving, exposure to second-hand smoke, or impaired judgement by the person using. Minors are especially impacted by potential harms.
Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
Using cannabis at a young age (before late adolescence or the end of puberty) can increase the risk of problems with your health, education, and social life. Also, keep in mind that there are specific laws about the legal age of cannabis use, too. Try to delay using cannabis until you’re older to lower the risks.
High-potency cannabis products, with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, can be more harmful. Cannabidiol (CBD), another compound in cannabis, can reduce some negative effects like memory impairment, paranoia, and high heart rate. Know what you’re using! Try to choose products with lower THC content, or higher with a CBD to THC ratio.
Your method of using cannabis influences the effects and risks. No route is 100% safe, and each has its own unique risks.
Inhaling cannabis by smoking or vaping can harm your lungs, especially when tobacco is added. To protect your lungs, try to use other methods of using cannabis. Please note that vaping or cannabis reduces the exposure to toxins when compared to smoking, but it can expose you to other chemicals.
Dabbing involves inhaling potent cannabis extracts, typically with high THC levels. This can cause intense adverse psychoactive effects which can occur very rapidly.
Eating or drinking cannabis (e.g., edibles, drinkables) will result in longer-lasting effects. This method will take longer for the effects to occur, which could lead to overconsumption.
Some people try to increase their high by deeply inhaling or holding their breath when smoking. Evidence is mixed about whether this method increases your high, but we do know that more toxic material is absorbed into your lungs when you smoke this way, and it can cause lung problems. Try to avoid deeply inhaling or holding your breath when smoking.
Using cannabis often (daily or almost every day) can affect your health and social life. It can increase your risk of cannabis dependence, can influence your brain development, and can create mental health challenges. If you use often, try to limit your use, such as using only on weekends or once a week.
Purchasing legal cannabis products ensures that you know exactly what you are getting and that the product is regulated. Illegally sold cannabis products are typically not labeled with their THC and CBD content, and can have unpredictable potency.
Cannabis can impact how your brain is functioning and may cause other negative health outcomes. If you notice memory or concentration issues, think about temporarily stopping your cannabis use or reducing the amount or frequency use.
Cannabis use can affect your attention, reaction time and coordination. This increases your chance of getting in an accident. Wait at least six hours before driving or operating machinery after using. You’ll probably have to wait longer if you’re using a stronger product or have a lasting high. Combining alcohol and cannabis can further increase your chances of getting into an accident. If you plan on driving, do not use cannabis, alcohol or other drugs.
Using cannabis can impact your own health, and can also harm a fetus or newborn. It’s safest to avoid using cannabis if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to become pregnant. Intense cannabis use may negatively impact reproduction.
Combining cannabis use with other psychoactive substances (e.g., nicotine, alcohol, tobacco, etc) can increase the potential for harm. Using these together can increase the risk of negative outcomes (e.g., dependence, heart or lung issues), or they can interact and negatively impact how your body processes the drugs.
If you or your family has a history of psychosis, mood, and/or substance use disorders, you have an increased chance of experiencing harmful effects when using cannabis. This can include cannabis-related psychosis, dependence, or other mental health problems. If you have existing cardiovascular issues, using cannabis may increase your risk of harm. Please be aware of these risks and adjust your cannabis use if needed. It’s safest to avoid using cannabis if you or your family has a history of psychosis or substance use disorder.
It is possible that the more of these risky behaviours you engage in when using cannabis, will increase your risk of harms. For example, starting to use cannabis at a young age and smoking high-potency products daily, puts you at a higher risk of both immediate and long-term problems.