News & Events
Non-medical cannabis use
In B.C., adults 19 and older can legally use, buy and possess non-medical cannabis. Cannabis can affect your health. Learn about the risks and how to reduce them.
Using cannabis when receiving care
Tell your health care team if you use cannabis, whether for medical or non-medical reasons. This helps them make informed decisions about your care.
Watch A conversation about cannabis to learn more about cannabis use when receiving care at an Island Health site.
Note: This video was recorded in January 2020. Some information may have changed.
- What are the health risks of cannabis?
-
Cannabis can affect your memory, thinking, mental health, lungs and reproductive health. The safest choice is not to use cannabis.
The risks are higher for young people and people with a personal or family history of psychosis or substance use problems. Cannabis use during pregnancy or breastfeeding can also harm a baby’s development.
If you use cannabis, reduce your risks:
- Delay use as long as possible, especially during the teenage years and before age 25.
- Choose products with lower THC levels and avoid synthetic cannabis.
- Avoid smoking cannabis. If you smoke, avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath.
- Use less often to lower your risk of harm.
- Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs.
- Be careful with edibles. Effects can take hours to fully develop, so wait before considering more.
- Never drive or operate machinery while impaired.
- Store cannabis securely and out of reach of children and pets.
- Can cannabis be addictive?
-
Yes. About 1 in 11 people who use cannabis may develop an addiction. This rises to about 1 in 6 among people who start using cannabis as teenagers. Daily use increases the risk further.
If you or someone you care about needs support, visit Substance Use and Addiction Resources.
- Who should I talk to about medical cannabis?
-
Talk to your health care provider if you are considering cannabis for a health concern. Tell your care team about any cannabis you use.
- Where can cannabis be smoked or vaped?
-
Island Health facilities and grounds are smoke-free. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on these grounds.
Rules for smoking and vaping in public places vary by location. Check your local government’s bylaws for details.
- How can I keep children safe from cannabis?
-
Cannabis edibles can look like regular food or candy. Children can become seriously ill if they eat or drink cannabis.
- Keep cannabis products in their original, clearly labelled packaging.
- Lock them away, separate from regular food and drinks.
- Keep them out of sight and reach of children and pets.
- Never leave cannabis edibles where children can find them.
- What should I do if a child consumes cannabis?
-
Call Poison Control at 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) for advice. If the child has trouble breathing or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1. Cannabis poisoning can be serious and may require emergency medical care.
- How long do edibles take to work?
-
Edibles can take up to 2 hours to start working and up to 4 hours for their full effects to develop. The effects can last for several hours.
If you use edibles, start with a low amount of THC and wait for the effects before considering more. Taking more too soon can lead to severe impairment.
- What are the risks of cannabis and driving?
-
Never drive or operate machinery while impaired by cannabis. Driving while impaired is illegal and can cause serious injury or death.
Learn more at Don’t Drive High.
Need more support?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with cannabis or other substance use, support and treatment resources are available.
- 24/7 Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 or vicrisis.ca
- HealthLink BC: Call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health advice, 24 hours a day.