cannabis use in post-secondary students: potential health risks and informed decisions
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being able to make more informed decisions about cannabis use can mitigate safety risks in postsecondary students.
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as many as 38 per cent of post-secondary students have or actively consume some form of cannabis product. that said, the knowledge surrounding the risks associated with cannabis use, as well as the effects thc has in both the short- and long-term, isn’t well understood.
tanya watkins, vice president of corporate affairs, social responsibility and strategic engagement at the ontario cannabis store, believes that students don’t need to be told to stay away from cannabis, but rather have a better understanding of the risks.
“we think it’s a good time to talk about this with the return to school, debunk some of the myths and provide some of the facts to students to help them make informed choices about whether or not they want to consume cannabis, whether they’re a new user or an existing user,” she said.
cannabis and health
research into the health effects of cannabis is vast, especially since it has been legalized across the country.
in many cases, it has been proven to be an effective and viable therapeutic option for various ailments. that said, for those still in the brain development stage of their lives (under 25), the harms far outweigh any potential benefits.
for example, regular cannabis use can provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety or depression in some people. still, if a person hasn’t yet reached 25, they may be putting themselves at an increased risk of developing or experiencing the worsening of mental health conditions, among other things.
“regular (cannabis) use in the teen years can increase the risk of cannabis use disorder. it can impact learning, and it can raise the chances of mental health issues like anxiety or psychosis,” said watkins.
depending on how cannabis is consumed, it can also affect other areas of health. for example, if someone chooses the smoking or vaping route, they put themselves at an increased risk of lung injury. other potential health risks of cannabis when consumed during the formative years include:
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- acute cardiovascular events
- cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs)
- gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain, nausea, and appetite loss
- decreased reactivity to stress and disruption of cortisol function
- insomnia and other sleep disturbances
these issues are associated with more frequent use of cannabis, and those who are heavy users are more likely to experience them, so it’s all about moderation.
“our model here is start low and go slow,” said watkins. “if students are choosing to consume cannabis, we would recommend that they start with smaller dosing, smaller amounts, see what the effect is like.”
debunking health myths surrounding cannabis
many younger people and adults alike aren’t privy to the myths surrounding cannabis use, as well. this leaves them without all the information needed to make an informed decision about their health when it comes to recreationally or medicinally engaging in cannabis use.
in a guide released by the ontario cannabis store, they note that one of the central myths people buy into is that edibles are safer than smoking.
“you’re not inhaling edibles in the same way that you would a pre-roll or dry flower, and you’re consuming them through different methods,” said watkins. “inhalation can have an impact on lung health, whereas edibles don’t. however, the risk with edibles is that you can consume too much.”
watkins notes that the time it takes to feel the effects of cannabis differs depending on its route of consumption, with edibles taking longer. as a result, people can unintentionally take too much, leading to unpleasant health effects caused by thc poisoning, or “greening out.”
greening out can lead to:
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness and confusion
- anxiety and paranoia
- chills and sweats
- rapid heart rate
- abdominal discomfort and stomach unease
- agitation or restlessness, in rarer cases
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younger teens are especially more at risk because the effects of thc “could be problematic for each individual, depending on their body weight and size,” according to watkins.
most people also believe that cannabis isn’t addictive, and while it doesn’t have the same effects as other drugs, some people can develop cannabis use disorder if they start consuming cannabis at a younger age. this defined psychiatric disorder involves symptoms of addiction related to cannabis use that develop within one week of cessation from cannabis products. symptoms can include:
- irritability, anger, or aggression
- nervousness, restlessness, or increased anxiety
- sleep disturbances
- weight loss or loss of appetite
- depressed mood
typically, heavy long-term use is associated with cannabis use disorder as opposed to infrequent or recreational use.
safe use of cannabis
using cannabis is not to be demonized, but students should know all the facts before they consume the psychoactive drug. as mentioned above, if someone doesn’t know how it will affect them, starting slowly in small doses and taking stock of how it will affect them will allow them to avoid accidental thc poisoning.
when it comes to using cannabis as a student, if you want to protect your health as best as possible without eliminating cannabis use altogether, waiting until you are 25 is the best bet, but following proper use guidelines, such as using less, is a good way to go.
other potential tips to use cannabis safely include:
- taking breaks from regular cannabis use to avoid heavy or frequent use that could increase the risk of developing health problems
- ensure that you are hydrated and have eaten before you consume cannabis to slow the absorption of thc to prevent adverse effects
- avoid mixing cannabis with other mind-altering substances
- monitor how use is affecting daily life and seek out help if there are signs of mental health decline, addiction, or dependency
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watkins also notes that buying from legal sources is an essential part of safely consuming cannabis.
“legal cannabis is tested. it’s heavily regulated. there are regulations that licensed producers have to adhere to when they’re growing and packaging cannabis, so it’s very important to buy from legal sources because you have a better sense of what you’re getting. labels indicate information that you don’t necessarily get on illegal sources,” she said. “it’s important that you know where the cannabis is coming from and what you’re getting.”
how do you tell the difference between an illegal and a legal source? it’s easy if you know what to look for.
“legal retailers are required to post a sticker in their window that indicates that they’re an authorized cannabis retailer. you can look at things like operating hours of the entity, so legal stores cannot be open before 9 a.m. and must be closed by 11 p.m.,” she said.
the important thing is having open conversations so you know what to expect and what the risks are, allowing you to make an informed decision for yourself.
“judgment-free conversations that are informed with information and research,” said watkins. “it goes a long way to helping students and young adults make decisions about cannabis use.”
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