The public health unit that serves Northumberland County has issued some cautionary advice to people using cannabis edibles.
Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Public Health advisory notes that although the products are legal now, they won’t be available in stores until at least mid-December.
Edibles are products containing cannabis that might be beverages, candy and baked goods.
Substance and Harm Reduction Coordinator Catherine Macdonald has this advice: “Start low and go slow.”
MacDonald recommends people new to the product should look at the THC content and start with edible cannabis products no more than 2.5 THC. “Taking less will let you see how you feel before eating the entire 10 mg product,” MacDonald advises.
Unlike smoking cannabis, eating it takes longer to affect a person and the intoxicating effects or ‘high’ of eating cannabis will last longer.
She urges people to store the products securely and keep away from children and pets.
MacDonald’s statement goes on to say: “Often, the full effects of cannabis edibles aren’t felt until 30 minutes to four hours after consuming them.
The intoxicating effects or ‘high’ of eating cannabis products will also last longer, anywhere from six to eight hours,” she adds. “This makes it essential to only use cannabis products in safe environments, free of responsibilities like caring for children, being in the workplace, or having to drive somewhere.”
