Cannabis Information for Youth

Possible short-term health effects of cannabis use might include:

• Impaired concentration and reaction time
• Difficulty learning and remember things. People may also have problems paying attention and making decisions after using cannabis
• Feelings of anxiety, panic, sadness and fear
• Temporary negative mental health problems, particularly when products with a higher THC potency are used. Using cannabis products with a higher THC content (e.g., such as concentrates like “shatter”, dabs or wax) can lead to paranoid or disorganized thoughts, and in some cases, experiencing hallucinations.

Possible long-term health effects of cannabis use might include:

• Damage to the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, but in even higher quantities
• Mental health challenges. Youth that start using cannabis early (i.e., before age 25), and use it regularly and continuously over time are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and/or cannabis-induced psychosis. Stopping or decreasing cannabis use may reduce or alleviate some of these symptoms.
• Cannabis dependency. Development of a cannabis dependency may have major negative impacts on everyday life and affect school, relationships with family and friends, sports, extra curricular activities and volunteer work

The human brain does not fully develop until around age 25, which means youth under 25 years old are more at risk of developing mental health issues or becoming dependent on cannabis, or may experience substance-induced psychosis.

The best way to protect your health is to not use cannabis, or delay use until you are an adult and can make an informed decision at that time.

If you need more information or support on cannabis use, talk with your parent/guardian, teacher, family physician, coach, or other trusted adult. There are also many provincial and territorial health and support services available.

According to the Canadian Cannabis Survey, approximately one in five youth between the ages of 16 and 19 reported driving a motorized vehicle within two hours of smoking or vaping cannabis. Approximately 13 per cent report driving within four hours of consuming edible cannabis.

About one in four youth between the ages of 20 and 24 reported driving within two hours of smoking or vaping cannabis, and approximately 15 per cent reported driving within four hours of consuming edible cannabis.

Cannabis has proven to have detrimental effects on driving performance, including impaired:

• Reaction time
• Visual tracking and function
• Concentration
• Short-term memory
• Divided attention

Despite these effects, many still choose to drive after using cannabis, which may be attributable in part to the fact that they do not necessarily believe their driving ability is impacted.

In Canada, approximately nine per cent of drivers injured in vehicle collisions have had blood THC concentrations above the legal limits. Drug-impaired drivers can face serious consequences like fines, licence prohibitions and jail time.

Learn more about the influence of cannabis on driving

About Cannabis (Government of Canada)

Cannabis Use, Effects & Risks (Government of Canada)

Cannabis Facts for Youth Aged 13-17 (Government of Canada)

Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis: Cannabis Use and Driving (CCSA)

Impaired Driving & Cannabis (University of British Columbia)

The Effects of Cannabis Use during Adolescence (CCSA)

10 Questions about Teens & Cannabis Use (Teen Mental Health)Canada's Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for Youth (CAMH)

Safer Cannabis Use (First Nations Health Authority)

Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for Youth, By Youth (CISUR)

Canada's Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for Psychosis (Laboratoire De Recherche Didier Jutras-Aswad)

Cannabis and Driving (Here to Help)