As with any form of cannabis consumption, ensuring safety and understanding the product’s effects is crucial for a positive experience.

Cannabis and Youth

Youth and seniors have unique needs and may experience cannabis differently from other age groups. Among substances like alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is one of the most commonly consumed. In Ontario, the legal age for cannabis consumption is 19, yet individuals aged 14 to 25 use cannabis two to three times more frequently than those over 25. Young people consume cannabis for various reasons, such as peer pressure and stress relief. This age group is particularly susceptible to adverse mental and physical effects, but abstinence-focused messaging is often ineffective. Encouraging open dialogue at a young age is more beneficial than fear-based tactics. Providing factual, meaningful information is crucial.

Cannabis consumption doesn’t immediately leap from abstinent to problematic. Many young people are maturing in a world where cannabis is legal. Shame-based messaging isn’t effective or realistic for them. The keys to educating youth about cannabis include accurate information, health literacy, risk awareness, and access to resources to develop decision-making skills.

Evidence-based, non-judgmental information equips youth with practical tips to delay their initial cannabis consumption, minimise frequency, encourage lower doses, and most importantly, keep the lines of communication open.

Potential Mental and Physical Effects of Underage Cannabis Consumption:

Signs of problematic consumption include changes in mood, sleep habits, appetite, difficulty controlling or cutting down usage, losing interest in activities, changing friend groups, neglecting responsibilities, and being secretive or dishonest.

Cannabis affects individuals differently based on age, product, and circumstances. For some, it can be relaxing and enjoyable; for others, it can heighten anxiety or cause fatigue.

Common Effects of Cannabis:

• Euphoria

• Heightened sensory perception

• Increased appetite

• Elation

• Altered time perception

• Relaxation

• Improved sleep

Approximately one in four people who consume cannabis will experience adverse effects, peaking around two hours after consumption and lasting from eight to 24 hours, depending on the dose and format.

Adverse Symptoms:

• Anxiety

• Panic

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Trouble concentrating

• Decreased coordination

• Decreased interest

• Increased heart rate or palpitations

• Lethargy

Growing evidence suggests the developing brain is especially vulnerable to cannabis effects. The risk increases with early, regular use (weekly or more frequent) over months to years.

Cannabis and the Brain: In the short term, it can impair concentration, motor skills, and short-term memory. Long-term use can affect learning, lead to cannabis-use disorder, and increase the risk of mental health disorders.

Cannabis Use Disorder: For those who began consuming cannabis as teenagers, one in six are at risk of developing a cannabis-use disorder, triggered by heavy use (daily or more frequent).

Impaired Driving: Because cannabis is intoxicating and its effects are unpredictable, youth are encouraged to arrange a ride home after consumption. In Ontario, drivers under 21 must have zero THC in their blood.

Mental Health Disorders: There is a believed association between frequent cannabis use and certain mental health disorders.

Advice for Speaking with Youth About Cannabis:

As a trusted adult, engaging in meaningful conversations about cannabis with young people can be challenging. However, these strategies can help create an open channel for discussion:

• Start young.

• Talk frequently and openly.

• Provide balanced information.

• Be aware of bias.

• Engage in a two-way conversation.

• Provide factual information.

If they’ve already been consuming cannabis, discuss ways to reduce risks, such as avoiding high-potency THC products, choosing safer consumption methods, and encouraging open communication.

Cannabis and Seniors

Cannabis use among seniors is increasing. Many are trying cannabis for the first time or after a long hiatus. While legal cannabis is safe and reliable, seniors are most likely to experience adverse effects due to age, health issues, and medication interactions.

Are You a Senior Consuming Cannabis for the First Time (or the First Time in a While)?

Whether you’re new to cannabis or revisiting it after decades, there are ways to minimise risks and enhance enjoyment. Education and legal access are crucial entry points for seniors trying cannabis. Fact-based information and product education empower seniors to make informed choices.

If you used cannabis in your youth, today’s products might feel stronger due to higher THC levels. From 1960 to 1980, THC content was around 2%, compared to up to 30% today. Seniors should pay attention to product potency, onset times, and their health conditions.

Onset Times:

Different cannabis formats take effect over varying times:

• Inhalation: Effects are felt within minutes and can last six hours or more. Products include pre-rolls, flower, kief, hash, and concentrates.

• Ingestion: Effects can take up to four hours and last 12 hours or more. Products include edibles, oils, capsules, and beverages.

• Topical: Applied to the skin, these don’t cause a high but may have localised effects within 15-30 minutes.

Potential Effects on Seniors:

Seniors, like youth, risk cannabis-use disorder, impaired driving, and mental health disorders. However, additional risks include:

• Lower liver and kidney function affecting cannabis clearance.

• Poor lung health exacerbated by smoking or vaping.

• Increased fall risk due to THC impairment.

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, posing cardiac risks.

• Potential worsening of mental health issues.

Certain medications have known interactions with cannabis, including pain medications, heart medications, sleeping pills, antidepressants, antibiotics, allergy medications, heartburn medications, anti-seizure drugs, HIV/AIDS treatments, and ADHD medications.

Speaking to Seniors About Cannabis:

As a caregiver, discussing cannabis consumption with elders can feel uncomfortable but is crucial for their safety. Tips include:

• Be cautious and go slowly.

• Choose lower THC and higher CBD products.

• Opt for non-smoking methods.

• Avoid mixing cannabis with other substances.

• Consult a healthcare provider about potential interactions.

Harm Reduction for Cannabis Consumption at Any Age:

• Start low, go slow.

• Consider appropriate time and place.

• Choose less risky products.

• Opt for safer consumption methods.

• Use safer smoking methods if smoking.

• Keep consumption amounts and frequency low.

• Choose natural cannabis over synthetics.

• Avoid mixing substances.

• Have a safe transportation plan.

• Consider individual risk factors like health history.

By following these guidelines, individuals of all ages can make informed and safer choices about cannabis consumption.

Cannabis 101 + Harm Reduction
Get Sensible

Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know
CAMH

The Problem with the Current High Potency THC Marijuana from the Perspective of an Addiction Psychiatrist
National Library of Medicine

A Guide to Cannabis for Older Adults
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Cannabis Information for Older Adults
Ottawa Public Health

A Guide to Cannabis for Older Adults
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction