Cannabis (Marijuana)

• Inhaled
  Smoking a joint, blunt, bong, or bowl. Vaping marijuana extracts/concentrates or dabbing (a highly potent THC-rich resin extracted from the marijuana plant)
  • Hash oil – a gooey liquid 
  • Wax or budder – a soft solid with a texture like lip balm 
  • Shatter – a hard, amber-colored solid
• Ingested
  Mixed into foods (edibles), such as brownies, cookies and candy, or beverages such as tea, soda and lemonade

There are a variety of effects you can see with THC use – whether you are using it 1 time or are a chronic user. Below are just a few common examples.

• Euphoria (high) 
• Blood-shot eyes 
• Increased appetite 
• Altered senses 
• Impaired short-term memory, perception, judgment and motor skills 
• Respiratory issues from chronically smoking THC products 
• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) in chronic users, which causes vomiting

It’s a myth that you can’t overdose on THC or cannabis products. Many products, especially edibles, contain higher and higher concentrations of THC. Children are especially susceptible to these effects.

• Neurological effects, which can vary from agitation to unresponsiveness 
• Increased or decreased heart rate 
• Increased or decreased blood pressure 
• Decreased breathing (especially in children, who are more susceptible)

If you suspect a poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.

Marijuana use during adolescence is associated with negative impacts on brain development, poor school performance, increased risk for later depression and suicidal ideation or behavior.

• Talk to your kids about the potential harm of marijuana to their developing minds and bodies.
  Read "Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know: Starting the Conversation," a resource from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, for help.

• If you use marijuana products, keep them up, away and out of reach of children and pets.
  Store in a child-resistant containers.
• Don't store edibles with other food and beverages.
  Edibles can be mistaken for regular food or candy. In fact, many edible brands look almost identical to actual food brands.  
• Never consume marijuana edibles in front of children.
  Children often imitate adults. 
• If using edibles, start slow with small amounts to avoid overdosing.
  Edibles take longer to digest and produce a high.