I was doing some research of the places we’re visiting in Quebec, Canada this summer and somehow ran across this article put out by the Quebec government. Thought you might find it interesting. Keep in mind that this was originally in French and I had the computer translate it to English, so there are places where it’s worded a little unusual.
Health Risks of Cannabis Use
Knowledge about cannabis and its impacts is constantly evolving. The
majority of people who use cannabis do not suffer any negative
consequences. However, various factors seem to contribute to negative
effects in some people.
Risk factors
Although problems may occur for first-time cannabis users, issues
related to physical and mental health mainly arise as a result of
repeated use over several months or years. Accidents and injuries, on
the other hand, may occur as a result of one-time or occasional use.
Certain factors can increase or reduce a cannabis user’s risk of being
negatively affected:
A personal or family history of mental health issues such as psychosis
and bipolar disorder
Frequency of use: Regular use (once a week or more) is often linked to
increased risk of health problems
Type of product used: Products with higher THC content may be more harmful
The age at which a person starts to use cannabis: use during
adolescence is generally associated with an increased risk of negative
effects
The circumstances of use, for example:
When cannabis is combined with other substances such as alcohol or medications
When an individual has personal responsibilities such as work or the
supervision of children
The method of use: Smoking cannabis appears to be more risky than
other methods of use, although poisoning from foods containing
cannabis is common among inexperienced users.
However, caution should be exercised before attributing the cause of a
health problem to cannabis use. It is possible that the problem:
Was already present prior to cannabis use
Is a result of cannabis use
Is influenced by cannabis use or, conversely, influences cannabis use
Based on these factors, it is difficult to predict whether or not an
individual will experience significant problems after using cannabis.
Most experts agree that cannabis use is never 100% safe.
Risks to cognitive abilities
The health risks and negative health impacts of cannabis use stem from
its effects on cognitive abilities, such as:
Judgement
Attention span
Memory
The ability to make decisions
These effects can impact daily activities such as:
Driving a car
Work
Learning activities
Other situations that require coordination and speed
Cannabis begins to take effect within minutes of being inhaled, and a
little later if ingested. The effects often last for several hours and
are usually reversible. Some studies suggest that reduced cognitive
function may persist longer in the event of sustained and repeated
use, especially if it begins in adolescence.
Physical health risks
Cannabis use can exacerbate some existing health problems, such as
chronic diseases:
Cannabis use increases the heart rate and can alter its rhythm. It
also increases blood pressure.
Inhaling cannabis smoke can aggravate existing respiratory diseases
and even promote disease onset.
Like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke contains a number of substances
that are harmful to your health, including some carcinogens.
However, the most recent scientific studies do not prove that the risk
of developing lung, throat, or neck cancer is higher among cannabis
users.
Mental health risks
Psychotic symptoms
Individuals who are under the influence of cannabis may experience
psychotic symptoms such as:
Hallucinations with false visual, auditory, and/or tactile perceptions
Paranoid ideas that seem detached from reality
In most cases, these psychotic experiences are limited to when the
person is intoxicated and disappear on their own. Other individuals
may experience persistent, long-term, and much more serious symptoms.
According to experts, cannabis use does not cause psychotic disorders,
but it can be a contributing factor for some people.
Depression
Individuals who regularly use cannabis may show a lack of interest in
activities other than using cannabis (studies, work, leisure, etc.).
They may also experience symptoms of depression, for example:
Deep sadness
Fatigue
Irritability
Sense of worthlessness
Some individuals with depression may be tempted to use cannabis to
relieve their symptoms. To date, scientific evidence has not shown
that cannabis is effective in treating depression. Using it for this
purpose is not recommended.
Anxiety
Some studies suggest that cannabis users experience symptoms of
anxiety more frequently than non-users However, it is difficult to
predict whether or not cannabis will influence their anxiety levels.
Some people may experience panic attacks when they use cannabis, while
others find it relaxing.
Problematic cannabis use
Cannabis use can be problematic if people lose control of their use
and suffer negative consequences in various spheres of their life as a
result. Some people may become addicted to cannabis, as it is the case
with other substances. Individuals may:
Develop a tolerance to the substance (i.e., need to use more to feel
the same effect)
Experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce or stop use
Have a strong desire to use
Be unable to stop using
Spend a significant portion of their time buying or using cannabis or
recovering from cannabis use
Use repeatedly in such a way that it prevents them from fulfilling
important obligations at work, school, or home
Use despite personal and/or social problems related to use
Reduce or give up social, professional, or leisure activities as a result of use
About 1 in 11 people who use cannabis will develop a problematic use
of cannabis in their lifetime. Among adolescents, 1 in 6 users will
develop addiction problematic use. Use of and addiction to other
products including alcohol and tobacco are more common among cannabis
users.
Research has also established the existence of a cannabis withdrawal
syndrome. It occurs when regular cannabis users significantly reduce
or stop cannabis use. Symptoms include:
Restlessness
Irritability
Sleep problems, which may last a number of weeks after stopping use
Risks of Regular Use
The health risks of cannabis use increase with both the frequency
(e.g., number of times used in a week) and duration of use (e.g.,
number of years used).
Risks of mixing cannabis with other substances
Cannabis and Alcohol
Whenever you drink alcohol or take a drug, the effect the substance
will have on you is always a bit unknown. Mixing alcohol with
recreational or prescription drugs increases the likelihood of harmful
effects. That’s why a lot of cannabis users drink little or no alcohol
when they consume cannabis. They know the two don’t mix.
Mixing cannabis with alcohol further reduces your ability to drive a vehicle.
Cannabis and Tobacco
Mixing cannabis and tobacco isn’t a good idea either. Their combined
use presents a greater health risk—not to mention that tobacco is
highly addictive.
Drug Interactions
Cannabis can have an impact on the effect of the medication you’re
taking. The inverse is also true: some medications can alter the
effects of cannabis. Before consuming cannabis, ask a health
professional if there are any known interactions with your
medications.
Risks during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
When a mother consumes cannabis, the THC winds up in the placenta
she’s carrying and in her breast milk. Since the short- and long-term
effects of THC exposure on fetuses and babies are currently unknown,
it’s best to avoid cannabis and cannabis-derived products and exposure
to secondhand smoke if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re
having a hard time giving up cannabis, talk to a trusted health
professional.
For more information, visit the Alcohol or Other Drug Use During
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding page on the Gouvernement du Québec
website.
So after reading this, can you tell me why we’re making it legal in the US?