Cannabis: What You Need to Know
Cannabis: What You Need to Know
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis (also called marijuana, weed, or pot) comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains chemicals called cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes the “high.”
How is Cannabis Used?
- Smoking or vaping: Dried plant material is inhaled.
- Edibles: Foods or drinks infused with cannabis.
- Oils and concentrates: Used in vaping or taken under the tongue.
Effects of Cannabis
Short-term effects (immediate or within hours):
- Feeling relaxed or high
- Slower reaction time and poor coordination
- Trouble thinking or remembering
- Anxiety or panic
- Increased heart rate
Long-term effects (regular or heavy use):
- Lung damage (from smoking)
- Increased risk of mental health issues like depression or psychosis
- Memory and learning problems
- Dependence or addiction
- Repeated nausea and vomiting (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome)
Cannabis Laws in Newfoundland & Labrador
- Legal age: You must be 19 or older to buy or use cannabis.
- Where you can buy: Only from licensed retailers.
- Possession limits: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public.
- Where you can use it: Not in public places like parks or workplaces.
- Driving: Cannabis impairs driving. It is illegal and dangerous to drive under the influence.
Safer Cannabis Use
To lower risks, Health Canada recommends:
- Start later in life: The brain develops until age 25.
- Choose products with lower THC: Stronger products increase health risks.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs.
- Use less often: Regular use increases risks of dependence and mental health issues.
- Don’t drive after using cannabis: Wait at least six hours before driving.
Where to Learn More
- Government of NL: www.gov.nl.ca/cannabis
- Health Canada: www.canada.ca/cannabis
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: www.ccsa.ca
Services related to this information:
- Doorways: rapid ‘one session at a time’ counselling services.
- Bridge the gapp
Newfoundland and Labrador’s ‘go-to’ website for mental health information. Bridge the gapp offers self-help resources, links to local services, and invites people to share their personal stories. Bridge the gapp is free of cost and available to every resident in the province. The site is divided into adult and youth sections, however many services are appropriate for both.- Mental health and addictions services
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
- 811 is free and confidential. 811 is available 24/7 and can provide support with mental health and addictions issues and more.
- Services formerly offered by the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line are now offered by 811. Call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who is also a trained crisis intervener.