tely
Non-medical
use of cannabis is
Your health: harm
reduction and health effects
Common-sense tips can reduce cannabis risk
Mental health problems, testicular
cancer, low birthweight babies. These
are just some of the health risks linked to
cannabis use. Even inhaling second-hand
cannabis smoke poses risk.
In 2017, the University of Calgary’s
Health Technology Assessment Unit
at the Cumming School of Medicine
released the findings of a survey of 64
reviews on health effects and harms
related to cannabis.
All but three reviews associated harm
with cannabis use, says Fiona Clement,
HTA’s director. “One of biggest concerns
was cannabis use during pregnancy.”
The survey found using cannabis when
pregnant was linked to low birthweight
babies, birth complications, lung
problems and changes to how the
brain works.
Clement says researchers also noted
concerns with the interaction between
cannabis use and mental health. Risks
include psychosis, mania, and relapse of
psychosis or schizophrenia. It is unclear
whether cannabis causes these conditions
or just speeds up their onset, she says.
The report also found possible links
to bladder, prostate, penile, cervical and
childhood cancers, brain changes, bone
loss, atrial fibrillation, suicide, depression
and anxiety.
“People will make their own choices,”
says Clement. Being fully informed
about the risks will help them to “make
more responsible choices.”
Although non-medical use of cannabis
may never be completely safe, Albertans
who choose to use it can reduce their risk
by following these suggestions:
•;Limit cannabis use to weekends or
one day a week. Be aware of the
strength—the amount of THC, the
chief intoxicant found in cannabis. The
lower the THC content, the lower the
risk.
•;Avoid using artificial cannabinoids
such as K2 and Spice. They mimic the
effects of THC, but can be more toxic
and put you at risk of overdose.
•;Avoid holding your breath when you
inhale. This will lower the risk of
toxins going into your lungs and body.
•;Avoid mixing cannabis with
alcohol, tobacco or street drugs.
This is especially true with sedating
drugs such as opioids and some
prescription drugs.
•;Avoid driving when using cannabis.
It affects reaction time, coordination
and concentration, and increases
your chances of a collision.
•;Avoid cannabis if you have a family
history of psychosis, substance use
disorders or other mental health
problems.
•;Avoid cannabis if you are or might
be pregnant.
•;Watch for bad reactions: paranoia,
panic, fast heart rate, confusion, nausea
or vomiting. If someone you know is
having trouble breathing, has gone pale
or is not responding, call 911.
The key for healthy adults is to follow
these guidelines, says Dr. Gerry Predy,
AHS’ senior medical officer of health and
senior medical director for Population,
Public and Indigenous Health. “People
who use cannabis can do so without major
never
completely
safe
