What are the guidelines for safe cannabis use?

Guidelines for Safe Cannabis Use

For safe cannabis use, adults should avoid driving for at least 5-8 hours after cannabis consumption, store products in locked locations away from children and pets, and limit consumption to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men to minimize health risks. 1

Understanding Cannabis and Its Effects

Cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, with the main active components being:

• Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Produces psychoactive effects
• Cannabidiol (CBD): Has psychoactive effects but doesn't induce euphoria 1

Potential Benefits

• May help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when standard medications are insufficient
• May provide relief for non-cancer pain
• Can help with muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis
• CBD may help with refractory epilepsy 1, 2

Common Side Effects

• Short-term effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth
• More serious risks: Racing heartbeat, extreme dizziness, paranoia, psychosis
• Long-term risks: Cognitive impairment, cannabis use disorder, respiratory and cardiovascular issues 1, 3

Safe Usage Guidelines

Consumption Methods

1. Oral consumption (edibles) is preferred by most cancer doctors

   • Takes up to 2 hours for full effect
   • Start with low doses to avoid overconsumption 1

2. Inhalation (smoking/vaping)

   • Effects are almost immediate
   • Higher risk of respiratory issues with smoking 1, 3

Dosing Guidelines

• Start low and go slow, especially with edibles
• Significant consumption warranting clinical concern:
  • More than 1.5g/day of smoked cannabis
  • More than 300mg/day CBD oil
  • More than 20mg/day THC oil
  • Using unknown cannabis products more than 2-3 times per day 4

Safety Precautions

Storage

• Store in locked locations out of sight and reach of children and pets
• Keep separate from other foods and drinks
• Use child-resistant packaging 1

Driving Safety

• Never drive while under the influence of cannabis
• Wait at least 5-8 hours after cannabis use before driving
• For some individuals, impairment may last longer 1, 4

Medical Considerations

• Avoid cannabis if you have a history of psychosis or breaks with reality
• Older adults may be at higher risk of confusion and falls
• Pregnant women should avoid cannabis due to risks of small for gestational age and low birth weight outcomes 1, 5

Drug Interactions

• Cannabis may reduce effectiveness of immunotherapies
• Can enhance side effects of pain and anxiety medications
• May interact with warfarin, buprenorphine, tacrolimus, and chemotherapeutic agents 1, 4

Special Populations

Cancer Patients

• Discuss cannabis use with your cancer team before starting
• May help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when standard treatments are insufficient
• No evidence supports using cannabis to treat cancer itself 1

Patients with Mental Health Conditions

• Use with caution if you have history of psychiatric disorders
• Cannabis use is associated with worsened positive psychotic symptoms and total psychiatric symptoms 5
• Those with personal or family history of psychiatric disorders should be particularly cautious 4

Adolescents and Young Adults

• Evidence supports avoiding cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood due to potential impacts on brain development 5

When to Seek Medical Advice

• If experiencing extreme dizziness, confusion, racing heartbeat, or paranoia
• If you have concerns about dependence or problematic use
• Before starting cannabis if you have underlying health conditions
• If you're taking other medications that might interact with cannabis 1, 4

By following these guidelines and consulting with healthcare providers, individuals can minimize risks associated with cannabis use while potentially gaining therapeutic benefits in appropriate situations.