Cannabis Talk Kit
Know how to talk with your teen.
Learn about the health risks of cannabis use, how you can support your family in making healthy decisions and the available services for substance use within Durham Region.
Cannabis is a plant that has hundreds of chemicals. Some of these chemicals are called cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is psychoactive and can affect your brain to create a "high” feeling. CBD is not intoxicating and may reduce some of the effects of THC; however, it does have an effect on the brain.
Within Durham Region, 11 per cent of adults in our community said they have used cannabis in the past 12 months (OSDUHS, 2017), whereas 71 per cent of youth have indicated they have not used cannabis in the past year (OSDUHS, 2017).
Cannabis use and COVID-19
Youth and cannabis
Although most students do not plan to use, cannabis use has risks. As a parent, being informed will help you answer any questions they may have.
Youth who use early and often may experience the following:
- Problems with learning, memory, concentration, thinking, handling emotions and decision-making.
- There is also a higher risk of:
- Mental health problems such as psychosis, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. This risk is greater if the teen or close family member has a mental illness.
- Problems with relationships at home, school or work.
- Breathing problems such as a daily cough, mucus and wheezing from smoking cannabis.
- Addiction: one in six people who start using cannabis regularly as a teen will become addicted.
Cannabis use among Durham Region students grades 9-12
Are you an educator looking for cannabis related information?
Every school in Durham Region has a public health nurse to assist with health topics including cannabis.
Cannabis and the law
People 19 years and older can buy cannabis from the online Ontario Cannabis Store. There are restrictions to where you can use, how much you can grow at home and have in public, and restrictions to driving after consuming cannabis.
Find more specific information on the legalities of using cannabis.
What is the legal age to buy cannabis? |
It is illegal to grow, possess, buy, sell or share cannabis for anyone under 19 in Ontario. This is the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol. Adults who give or sell cannabis to minors can be fined and/or receive jail time. |
Cannabis in the home |
If you are growing at home, review the Fact Sheet: Environmental Health Risks of Personal Cannabis Cultivation from National Collaborative Centre for Environmental Health. An individual can have up to 30 grams (about one ounce) of dried cannabis in public at one time. Accidental consumption of cannabis contact Ontario Poison Control Centre at 1-800-268-9017 |
Where can I use cannabis? |
The Ontario government prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in:
You may not consume any form of cannabis in a vehicle or boat, whether the person is a driver or a passenger. Learn more about where you can’t smoke or vape in Ontario Landlords, condominium boards and co-operative housing boards may place additional restrictions on cannabis use. Check what rules apply to your residence.
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What are the laws for driving? |
Check out the Ontario government web page on Cannabis legalization for more information. Visit our Road and Traffic Safety page for more information. Zero tolerance for young, novice and commercial drivers
If you are 21 or under, a novice driver, or a commercial driver, there is a zero-tolerance law for impaired driving. You cannot have any cannabis in your system. |
Medical cannabis |
Research is evolving on the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Like any medication, there are risks. We recommend that you consult with your family physician, nurse-practitioner or health care provider for more information. You can find more information on Medical Cannabis at Health Canada. |
Cannabis and your health
How cannabis affects you depends on:
- How much you use
- How often and how long you have used
- Whether you smoke, vape or eat it
- Your mood, expectations and environment
- Your age
- Pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions
- Whether you’ve taken any alcohol or other drugs
People can have very different experiences with cannabis:
- Some people may feel relaxed, lively, talkative, giggly and euphoric
- Others may feel tense, anxious, fearful and confused
- The effects you feel can vary from one drug-taking episode to another. This is usually because of the amount used, how you used it and how often you use.
Physical effects from using cannabis |
The physical effects from using cannabis include:
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Edible cannabis |
When cannabis is eaten, the effects are felt anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours. The feeling may last 12 hours or longer. Because it can take longer to feel the "high", there is a greater risk of taking too much. This can make you feel anxious, paranoid and cause hallucinations. If you are planning to eat or drink a product made with cannabis:
Keep edibles in a locked location, away from kids or pets. |
Cannabis storage |
If you use cannabis, follow these tips to prevent accidental poisoning:Safe Storage: If there is cannabis in your home, store it like medications and other toxic products. Make sure cannabis is stored out of reach and in a locked cupboard. Children can find ways to open child proof bottles. Clearly label cannabis products and store them in their original packaging. Make sure that anyone who looks after your kids does the same. Avoid using cannabis in front of kids: Seeing cannabis in some forms, especially brownies and candies, can be tempting for kids. Using cannabis can impair your judgement and ability to keep children safe. Accidental poisoning: If a child eats cannabis by accident, call Ontario Poison Control Centre toll-free at 1-800-268-9017. Expert advice is available to all of Ontario, 24 hours a day. |
How long does the feeling last? |
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Can using cannabis be dangerous? |
The following health risks are increased for those who use heavily or regularly:
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women |
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Can cannabis lead to dependence? |
Some people who use cannabis develop problems and can develop a dependence.
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Facts about cannabis smoking and second-hand cannabis smoke |
For more information on the effects of cannabis smoking and second-hand cannabis smoke, refer to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse resource, Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Effects of Cannabis Smoking [report]. |
Lower your risk of using cannabis |
Cannabis use is a personal choice, but it comes with risks to your health and well-being.Follow Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) to reduce your risk. |
Signs of having a problem with using cannabis |
Signs that a person may have a problem with cannabis include:
It is sometimes hard to detect a problem with cannabis use. If you have concerns about someone in your life, talk to them to find out if there’s a problem. Want to cut back or quit using cannabis?There are many resources available if you decide to seek help. It is not recommended to quit "cold turkey" as you may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, upset stomach, loss of appetite, sweating and disturbed sleep (CCSA, 2017).
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Community resources for substance use, addictions and mental health
Connex Ontario |
Provides free and confidential health services for people experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, mental illness or gambling in Ontario. Phone: 1-800-565-8603 (24/7) |
Durham Mental Health Services |
Provide services to people 16 years of age and older and their families who are dealing with mental health issues and problematic substance use. Phone: 905-666-0831 or 1-800-855-3647 |
Narcotics Anonymous |
Peer support group for anyone with a desire to stop using drugs. For dates, times and locations of support groups, please check the website. Helpline: 1-888-811-3887 (Call back within 24 hours) |
Ontario Shores Mental Health Sciences |
Provides in-patient and out-patient assessment and treatment for mental health concerns. Website |
Pinewood Centre |
Provides services to support people with alcohol, drug, concurrent mental health and gambling related concerns, including programs for youth.
For immediate 24-hour telephone support and crisis walk-in services, call: 1-888-881-8878 or 905-723-8195 (24/7), 300 Centre Street South, Oshawa. |
The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) |
The Centre for Additions and Mental Health (CAMH) |
Online resources
Adults, parents and caregivers |
Youth |
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