Safety
Cannabis
Accidental Use (Including 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
Safety
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
Health
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
Health
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 Colorado report included these findings: Frequent (weekly or more) cannabis use by adolescents and young
Health
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
Health
Cannabis
Secondhand Smoke
Cannabis smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke. Burning any plant material releases toxic chemicals and fine particles that can go deep into the lungs. In addition to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, secondhand cannabis smoke may include leftover pesticides
Health
Cannabis
Use for Medical Purposes
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) oversees the state’s medical cannabis program. Conditions that qualify for obtaining medical cannabis authorization from a medical provider are listed on the DOH website. The website also contains more information for patients and consumers
Basics
Liquor
What Is Alcohol and Why Is It Regulated?
Alcohol is produced naturally by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. An additional process of evaporation and condensation is used to create distilled spirits and liquor. The alcohol content of distilled spirits is greater than that of beers and
Basics
Liquor
Understanding Alcohol Content
Alcohol content is measured by how much alcohol is in a given amount of an alcoholic beverage. Wine, beer, and cider are usually listed as alcohol by volume (ABV), and liquor (distilled spirits) is labeled by “proof.” Alcohol proof for distilled spirits is equal to twice the percentage of alcohol
Basics
Liquor
Health
Alcohol’s Effect on Individuals
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) BAC is the amount of alcohol that is present in the bloodstream. For example, having a BAC of 0.10 percent means there is about one drop of alcohol for every 1,000 drops of blood present in the body. At certain BAC levels, alcohol alters a person’s visual functions
Basics
Liquor
Health
Levels of Drinking
Drinking in moderation According to the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for