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Part of Manage your health

Cannabis health impacts and resources

Learn about the health risks associated with using cannabis.

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Impacts on health

Just because cannabis is legal, it does not mean it’s safe. All forms of cannabis use cause short-term and long-term health harms. Risks increase the earlier use begins and with more frequent and long-term use.

Cannabis use may cause short-term health effects including:

  • impaired short-term memory and ability to concentrate
  • increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • red eyes as the blood vessels expand
  • drowsiness, slow reaction times and decreased coordination
  • dizziness, headaches and vomiting
  • impaired physical functioning including ability to drive or operate equipment
  • change in mood and judgement

Cannabis use may cause long-term health effects including:

  • lung problems which may include chronic bronchitis, lung infections, wheezing and phlegm
  • triggering severe nausea and repeated vomiting (called Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome or CHS)
  • reduced attention span and ability to learn and make decisions
  • memory and concentration loss
  • leading to cannabis addiction
  • increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • increased risk for testicular cancer, which could lead to low sperm count and infertility
  • mental health problems including anxiety disorders, depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts

Cannabis use can also cause other health harms including the following:

  • Cannabis use before age 25 can alter brain development, and harms can be permanent.
  • Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal and associated with an increased risk of accidents and fatalities.
  • Co-use of cannabis with alcohol may pose an incremental risk to health and co-use with tobacco may increase smoking-related lung disease.
  • Cannabis use during pregnancy increases the risk of a pre-term birth and can affect the health and development of the baby. There is no safe amount of cannabis use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Cannabis use during breastfeeding may have negative short and long-term affects on the child development as chemical from cannabis could pass through breast milk.
  • Cannabis use can cause adverse cognitive and behavioural outcomes in children.
  • Cannabis can interact negatively with some over the counter and prescription medicines. Speak with your health care provider if you are using cannabis.

Resources