HOW TO STAY SAFE & CONSUME RESPONSIBLY
Here are some recommendations to keep yourself safe when using medical cannabis.
1. VAPORIZE. DON’T SMOKE! If you’ve determined inhalation is right for you, always use a vaporizer to minimize exposure to harmful compounds produced by combustion. This will minimize risks of long-term use.
2. KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM. Always use cannabis from a trusted source to avoid contaminants such as moulds, mildews, bacteria and fungi; residue from pesticides and fungicides; and carcinogenic solvents used in unregulated extracts. Only Health Canada licensed producers test every lot release against these standards for your safety.
3. TALK ABOUT POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS. Be sure to tell your HCP which +? prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs or herbal products you’re currently taking. Cannabis may interact with several medications, particularly any drugs that slow down the central nervous system, causing drowsiness.
4. TALK ABOUT PROGRESS WITH YOUR HCP. Once you’ve found the right dose and product for you and your symptoms improve, you may be able to reduce, taper or discontinue other medications by replacing them with cannabis for the same symptom or condition. Be sure to talk to your HCP about changing the use of any of your prescription medications. If your condition is worsening when you use cannabis, you should stop and notify your HCP.
5. DON’T MIX CANNABIS AND ALCOHOL. Do not consume cannabis and alcohol at the same time — their effects may magnify each other’s, causing discomfort and inebriation.
6. DON’T DRIVE IMPAIRED. At all times, if you’re in doubt as to your impairment level, you should not drive or operate machinery. Cannabis consumers metabolize cannabis at varying rates, and factors such as newness to cannabis or mixing with alcohol will impact effects. This recommendation is a guideline only. There’s no certainty that following this recommendation will ensure that you pass roadside tests.
7. STORE PRODUCTS RESPONSIBLY. Always store your cannabis products where they can’t be accessed by children or pets. Always label and securely store any food products containing cannabis.
8. KNOW THE RULES FOR TRAVELLING WITH CANNABIS. It’s only legal to travel with medical cannabis within Canada. It’s illegal to take any cannabis (recreational or medical) across the border, whether you’re leaving or coming to Canada.This applies to all countries or states — even if cannabis is legal there. For more information on travelling with medical cannabis, visit https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/drugs.