Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 59 CANNABIS (continued) Cannabis extracts, which include oils and tinctures can also be ingested or inhaled in a pipe or bong and/or vaped with an e-cigarette or other vaping devices. Cannabis extracts can often have more concentrated levels of THC. All cannabis products are legal for retail sale only at licensed outlets. Cannabis should be produced by licensed producers and purchased only from licensed vendors. Evidence suggests that illegal cannabis products can be contaminated with pesticides and harmful chemicals.1 Synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice should be completely avoided. Inhalation vs Ingestion – What’s the difference? Depending on how it is consumed, cannabis affects the body in different ways. Inhaling – Smoking or Vaping When cannabis or cannabis extracts like oils are inhaled or vaped, THC is delivered directly to the lungs, passes through the bloodstream, and on to the brain where the effects (the “high”) are felt within minutes of inhaling. • A few seconds or minutes to start to feel some of the effects • 30 minutes to feel the full effects • 6 hours for some of the acute or immediate effects to subside • Some residual effects last up to 24 hours The number of Ontario high school students (grades 7 - 12) vaping cannabis doubled between 2015 (5%) and 2019 (10%).2 Important to know: Vaping is considered to be a smoking cessation aid for adults who already smoke. Vaping is not considered safe at all for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or any adult who does not already use tobacco products. Ingesting – Eating or Drinking The effects of ingesting cannabis are delayed – they can take much longer to appear. When cannabis edibles or beverages are ingested, THC travels to the stomach, then to your liver before reaching your bloodstream and brain. The liver metabolizes the THC to a stronger chemical called 11-hydroxy-THC, which combined with the THC consumed, can make the “high” seem more intense. Depending on the individual, the effects of eating cannabis can take 30 minutes to two hours to be felt. • 30 minutes to 2 hours to start to feel some of the effects • 4 hours to feel the full effects • Up to 12 hours for acute effects to subside • Some residual effects can last up to 24 hours Cannabis edible consumption by Ontario high school students in Grades 7 through 12 increased between 2017 and 2019 – from 11% to 14%. 3 Signs & symptoms of cannabis use There is no single reason why a young person might choose to use cannabis. A teen or young adult may try cannabis for social reasons, as a way to fit in or socialize with their peers, or because they think “everyone is doing it.” They may also use cannabis as a coping mechanism to deal with life stresses,4 to help them sleep, stimulate their appetite or reduce worry or stress.5 Effects and Risks If a young person is self-medicating with cannabis to cope with anxiety or stress, they may be more likely to continue if it works for them. They might think “ When I feel stressed out, I smoke pot and it relaxes me”. They may continue to use cannabis instead of finding healthy behaviours as alternatives – like sports, hanging out with a friend, playing music, talking to someone about their feelings, or reading a book – that can help in coping with the stress they feel. continued
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