What is Cannabis Used For?
Cannabis is legal in Canada. People use it in two main ways:
- For recreational purposes
- To help with health problems (medical use)
If you’re thinking about using cannabis to manage a physical or mental health concern, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider first. They can help you look at all your options and explain how cannabis might interact with other medicines.
Cannabis Use in Simcoe Muskoka
Cannabis is one of the most used substances in Canada. In Simcoe Muskoka we track use through our HealthSTATS tool, which shows usage rates for different age groups and communities.
Everyone Reacts Differently to Cannabis
The effects depend on several factors:
- Your age
- Your overall health
- Your family’s health history - It’s safest to avoid using cannabis if you or your family has a history of psychosis or substance use disorder
- The type of cannabis product (e.g. smoking/vaping/edibles/extracts)
- The THC and CBD content
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines. Cannabis can interact with them in harmful ways.
For more information visit:
What We Know About the Risks
Cannabis is not risk-free. Some additional harms linked to use include:
- Risk of collisions due to impaired driving – see Infographic - Driving impaired is illegal.
- Changes to the developing brain. The brain is not fully developed until around the age of 25. The earlier in life you begin using cannabis, the higher the risk of serious health and learning problems. Regular use of cannabis as a youth can impact mental health, decision making, learning and memory.
- Relationship stress or conflict with friends or family.
Potential poisonings – see safe storage of cannabis tips. If you choose to use cannabis, visit Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for tips as well as the Blunt Truth.
Visit our Talk With Your Kids webpage for tips and resources on how to have open and informed conversations.
Know the Law
Cannabis laws are different in each part of Canada. Before you buy, use, or grow cannabis, make sure you know:
- Federal laws (Canada-wide)
- Ontario laws
- Local by-laws in your municipality
- In Ontario, it is illegal to smoke or vape cannabis in places where smoking commercial tobacco is banned. This includes:
- Schools and school grounds
- Playgrounds and parks
- Restaurants and patios
- Inside workplaces and public buildings
- Visit our Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 page to learn more
Support in Your Community
If cannabis use is a concern for yourself, a friend, or a family member, local services can help. Visit our Where to Get Help webpage for more information.
For any other questions regarding cannabis please contact us at Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit 705-721-7520 ext. 8312 or 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8312 or [email protected].
