Preconception

Cannabis use during childbearing years can negatively affect reproductive function in both males and females, leading to difficulties getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Since nearly 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned, any person of reproductive age who is sexually active is advised to abstain from using cannabis.

Pregnancy

Cannabis use during pregnancy is strongly discouraged. Cannabis can negatively affect the growth and development of the baby. Some of these effects include: 

• Pre-term birth;
• lower birth weight;
• reduced alertness;
• sleep disturbances;
• slower growth rates; and
• long-term learning and behavioural difficulties (into adolescence and adulthood)

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is high in fat, and because THC is attracted to fat, it is stored in a baby’s fat cells and in their brain, where it can remain for several days. The percentage of cannabis that is transferred through the breastmilk is quite high. Currently, there is not enough data to recommend mothers stop cannabis use, however, if you are using cannabis and breastfeeding your infant, it is recommended to minimize use as much as possible. Please speak with your health care provider to determine the feeding plan that is best for you and your baby.

Parenting

Being ‘high’ while parenting is dangerous and not recommended, as cues for hunger, comfort, play and learning may be missed or misinterpreted. Being attentive to your child is essential in their development. Cannabis use results in a slowed reaction time, and may reduce your ability to care for your child.

Second hand cannabis smoke contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, and can result in the illness of infants and young children, and can impact their alertness, judgment and understanding. It is recommended to not smoke or vapourize cannabis in your home or around your children.

Edible cannabis, if accidentally ingested, can make a child very sick. Therefore it is essential to store any cannabis products in a safe and secure (locked) location.

Call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017 or seek medical attention right away if you think your child may have ingested cannabis. If your child seems ill, or has difficulty breathing call 9-1-1 immediately.

See this Best Start Resource for more information.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the brain, youth who use cannabis are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects. The part of the brain that controls impulse and reasoning is not fully mature until approximately age 25. Negative behaviours can emerge such as:

• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Adrenaline seeking
• Poor planning
• Poor judgment
• Lack of insight into negative consequences
• Increase in risk taking
• Increase in experimentation with other substances.

Did you Know?

• In 2016, Canadian youth (age 15 and up) had the second highest cannabis use rate (13%) out of 40 countries surveyed.
• Statistics show that youth cannabis use is approximately 2x higher than adult cannabis use.
• In Ontario, cannabis use increases with grade level, and is most prevalent amongst grade 12 students at 37%10. (OSDUHS)
• Nearly 17% of people who initiate cannabis consumption in adolescence have experienced a cannabis-related dependence syndrome. This rate increases to 25%–50% with greater frequency of use.

For more information on cannabis and how to support your children, see the Cannabis Talk Kit, or the Cannabis Communication Guide.

Explore the Link between cannabis use and psychosis.

The most effective way to avoid health related harms from cannabis use is to abstain from use completely. If you choose to use, recognize and be aware of the short and long term health and social outcomes that accompany cannabis use.

Learn more about the Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines here.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis, and it’s just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and significantly increases your risk of being in a collision.

In Ontario, there will be a zero-tolerance enforcement for young drivers (aged 21 and under) and novice drivers (those with G1, G2, M1, or M2 licenses).

If a police officer is satisfied that you are legally authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes, you will not be subject to Ontario’s zero tolerance drug requirements for young, novice and commercial drivers. However, you can still face penalties and criminal charges if a police officer determines that your ability to drive has been impaired. Even if you have been authorized to use cannabis or another drug by a health care professional, it is your responsibility to ensure you are not impaired while driving.

Learn more

ConnexOntario

https://www.connexontario.ca/ 

Kids Help Phone

1-800-668-6868

General Information: 

Health Canada Cannabis in Canada: Get the Facts
Ontario Government Smoke Free Ontario Act (2017)

For Youth:

Don’t Drive High Campaign
Kids Help Phone: Cannabis: Important Things to Know
Drug Free Kids Canada
Explore the Link: Cannabis and Psychosis

For Parents:

Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know
Cannabis Talk Kit
Talking with Kids about Drugs
Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Cannabis Communication Guide

For Educators:

Ministry of Education: Legalization of Recreational Cannabis
Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

For Workplaces:

Ontario Ministry of Labour Impairment and Workplace Safety Guidance

Federation of Canadian Municipalities Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization pg 32-40

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCHOS)

• Workplace Strategies: Risk of Impairment from Cannabis
• Medical Marijuana Fact Sheet
• Impairment at Work Fact Sheet
• Impairment and Cannabis in the Workplace – E-Course ($49)

CANN/AMM Occupational Testing Services  Drug and Alcohol Policy Review