Cannabis isn't for everyone. If you are thinking about using recreational cannabis, here's what you need to know.

The safest way to reduce your risk is to not use it.
DO NOT use cannabis if:

  • pregnant or nursing
  • you have a personal or family history of mental health problems, including psychosis or substance use disorders
  • drinking alcohol
  • driving or operating vehicles, tools or machinery
  • on a medication that may interact with cannabis

If you choose to use cannabis, reduce your risk:

Wait until later in life to try cannabis

The later in life you begin to use cannabis, the lower the risks to general health and welfare throughout life.

Start low, go slow

Start with a small amount, with a low amount of THC, and see how it affects you before trying any more.

  • Check THC content - avoid higher THC products.
  • For extracts, look for a product with less than 100 mg/g (10%) THC, with equal or higher levels of CBD.
  • For edibles, look for a product that contains 2.5 mg of THC or less. Exercise caution when eating or drinking products containing 2.5 to 10 mg of THC. Be most cautious when eating or drinking a product containing 10 mg of THC or more.
  • driving or operating vehicles, tools or machinery
  • on a medication that may interact with cannabis
Learn more about cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals

Limit use

Frequent cannabis use (daily or almost daily) is linked to higher risk of health and social problems and becoming cannabis-dependent. If you are using cannabis, use only occasionally (for example, one day a week).

Keep it separate

Mixing alcohol and cannabis can lead to greater impairment. Mixing tobacco with cannabis also increases your health risk. Use cannabis separately and consult a healthcare provider regarding medications that may interact with cannabis.

Get home safely

Cannabis use can greatly impair your ability to drive. It is illegal to drive while you are impaired.

Choose safer ways of using cannabis

Avoid smoking cannabis as it can harm your lungs and respiratory system.
If you smoke cannabis, avoid deep inhalation and breath-holding to limit the amount of toxic material absorbed by your lungs and into your body.
If consuming edibles, watch out for overdosing - remember it can take up to 4 hours to feel the effects (see Understanding Cannabis )

Avoid synthetic cannabinoids

Avoid synthetic cannabis products like "K2" or "spice" as these can cause severe psychoactive effects and lead to death.

Know your source

It's important to know that the cannabis you're using comes from a safe source. To ensure safety, purchase legally through PEI Cannabis stores. If growing your own cannabis, follow safe cultivation practices.

Stash your stash

Ensure you keep your cannabis stored securely. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

For more information, download the Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines