Cannabis
What You Can Do
Talk to your youth Have regular conversations with your child. Resources to help you be more effective in these talks can be found at Start Talking Now and Talk. They Hear You. Websites directed at youth include You Can (for teens) and Not a Moment Wasted (for young adults). Recognizing the signs
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Cannabis
Understanding THC concentration and potency
When people talk about the potency of cannabis, they are usually referring to the concentration of THC in a product. In Washington’s cannabis market, THC concentration must be listed on the label of a product in milligrams of THC or as a THC percentage. Understanding concentration and potency is
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Cannabis
Deciding What and How Much
Several factors can influence your experience with cannabis. For example, some people may experience a pleasant euphoria with cannabis, while others may find it increases their anxiety. The effects depend on the type and dose of the product, the person, and the environment or circumstances of use
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Cannabis
Cannabis and Other Substances
Alcohol Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most commonly used drugs in the US, so it isn’t surprising that some people use them at the same time. However, using alcohol and cannabis together is not recommended because of the way they interact, significantly increasing the risk of adverse health
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Cannabis
Reducing Risks
Like other drugs, cannabis use has the potential for psychological and physical harm. While most cannabis users do not experience severe problems from use, there is no absolute safe level of cannabis use. It affects individuals differently based on each person’s characteristics, how it is used, and
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Cannabis
Safe Storage and Proper Disposal
If you keep cannabis and cannabis products in your home, take precautionary measures to store them safely, locked and out of reach of young people and pets. It is not enough to put products high on a shelf or in a box. Young people are curious and resourceful, so it is important to store all age
Safety
Cannabis
Accidental Use (including for pets) and Overconsumption
Because cannabis products can look like non-cannabis edible products, accidental consumption is a risk, especially for young people and pets. This can result in cannabis toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. If this happens or if someone has a bad reaction to cannabis, call 911 if it
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Cannabis
Sources
The Guide to Safer Cannabis Consumption. New York State Office of Cannabis Management. LearnAboutCannabisWA.org, University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) Cannabis Concentration and Health Risks. A report for the Washington State Prevention Research Committee (PRSC)
Health
Cannabis
Short-Term Effects of Cannabis Consumption
The short-term effects of cannabis use can be felt within seconds to minutes if you are smoking, vaporizing, or dabbing cannabis. These effects can last up to 24 hours. If you are eating or drinking cannabis-infused products, the effects can be felt anytime between 30 minutes and 4 hours and can
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Cannabis
Long-Term Health Impacts
New research studying the long-term health impacts of cannabis use continues to be published. In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment must monitor the scientific data and medical literature on cannabis use patterns and health effects associated with use and present a
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Cannabis
Youth and Young Adults
Use of impairing substances, including cannabis, is of particular concern when it comes to adolescents and young adults due to the potential impact on brain development. The previously mentioned
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Cannabis
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Impacts
It is recommended that cannabis use be discontinued during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Physical evidence shows that THC can pass through the placenta from the mother to the unborn child. THC