Cannabis: our experts' answers
to your questions (FAQ)
Do you have many questions about cannabis, its effects, contraindications related to its use, etc.?
Our experts answer all your questions with precise facts and without taboos.
Our experts answer all your questions with precise facts and without taboos.
DOES CANNABIS REALLY MAKE YOU PARANOID?Some people may experience a reaction of anxiety or paranoia following cannabis use. This effect does not occur in everyone and is related to the dose consumed of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), contained in cannabis.
This feeling of paranoia disappears within a few hours with the natural and gradual elimination of THC by the body.
Some studies suggest an association between the use of cannabis with a high concentration of THC and the development of certain psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia.
The risks are greater if the user is young, consumes regularly and/or intensively, or has a personal or family history of schizophrenia.
WHY DO I HAVE RED EYES AFTER USING CANNABIS?The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) contained in cannabis is responsible for lower blood pressure in the body. This leads to dilation of the blood vessels and an increase in the blood flow that circulates in these vessels.
As the blood vessels swell and become more blood-filled, the small blood vessels in the eyes are redder and more apparent.
WHY DOES CANNABIS USE SOMETIMES CAUSE A BIG HUNGER?Research has shown that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) activates certain areas of the brain that are related to feeling hungry and thirsty. It would also trigger the release of hormones that stimulate appetite.
"CANNABIS HAS NO EFFECT ON ME." IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE THAT I AM NOT SENSITIVE TO THE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS?Cannabis contains more than 500 active substances, the best known and studied of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is a so-called psychoactive substance, responsible for the euphoria reaction, while CBD counteracts the euphoric effects of THC.
Each individual has a different amount of receptors and affinity for THC or CBD. This would explain why some people do not feel the euphoric effect of cannabis, as CBD receptors block the binding of THC.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON THE BODY AND ON HEALTH? (POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, ETC.)Cannabis is a drug considered to disrupt the central nervous system. In other words, the information received from our senses by the brain is interpreted differently and so is our response.
Among the effects of cannabis, we often note:
It must be taken into account that cannabis contains several active substances and that each has different properties and is found in different ratios in the products authorized for distribution. Those that are found in the products are:
IS IT TRUE THAT CANNABIS DESTROYS NEURONS?Cannabis does not destroy neurons as such, but it interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons. The message sent from the brain to our senses of perception (vision, touch) is therefore altered when we consume cannabis.
IS IT TRUE THAT CANNABIS CAN CAUSE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?Studies on this subject are contradictory. Some show that cannabis decreases libido and circulating testosterone levels, while others illustrate an increase in sexual desire. The effects differ in men and women and would often be related to the dose consumed.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF MIXING CANNABIS-TOBACCO AND CANNABIS-ALCOHOL?Inhaling tobacco and cannabis simultaneously increases the exposure of the lungs to chemicals. According to the Quebec Lung Association, one joint would be equivalent to 5 cigarettes in terms of chemicals.
Cannabis smoke is therefore harmful and its regular consumption can bring health problems ranging from bronchitis, cough, respiratory infections to lung or throat cancer.
Consuming alcohol at the same time as cannabis increases the loss of faculties, including alertness, balance and reflexes. Cannabis amplifies the effects of alcohol.
On the other hand, alcohol increases and accelerates the absorption of THC in the blood, which also amplifies its euphoric effects. It goes without saying that consuming alcohol with cannabis is strongly discouraged.
CAN YOU REALLY BECOME ADDICTED TO CANNABIS (MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL)?Yes, it is possible to become addicted to cannabis, in the same way as to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs. It is estimated that 9% of people who use cannabis are at risk of becoming addicted, especially men and tobacco smokers.
People who started using cannabis in adolescence and who use regularly are also at greater risk of developing a use disorder.
"I THINK I'M ADDICTED TO CANNABIS." CAN MY PHARMACIST HELP ME QUIT?Yes, your pharmacist is a health professional available to help you with your cannabis addiction. He will be able to equip you and refer you to the right resources to take charge and reduce your consumption.
CAN I OVERDOSE ON CANNABIS?No cases of death from cannabis overdose have been reported to date. Instead of an overdose, we talk about cannabis intoxication, toxic psychosis or "badtrip". This reaction may present as signs:
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS? DO THEY HAVE THE SAME EFFECTS?Medical cannabis is dispensed after obtaining a medical prescription. It is used to relieve a medical condition diagnosed by a health professional.
Since 2016, an application must be made to authorize personal cultivation at home, designate someone to grow it for oneself or to source from a licensed producer.
Medical cannabis is available in the form of:
Recreational cannabis, which has been legalized in Canada since October 2018, consists of the consumption of cannabis for personal use. People can get their supplies from the SQDC (Société québécoise du cannabis).
Recreational use is often for the purpose of seeking euphoria or commonly referred to as the "high". The products contain various ratios of THC and CBD.
CAN I GET CANNABIS FROM A PHARMACY?Cannabis in the form of dried herb, buds, leaves or oil is not available in pharmacies. It can be obtained at authorized dealers (SQDC) or by requesting medical cannabis via a doctor. Synthetic cannabis derivatives are available in the form of medicines in pharmacies and also require a medical prescription.
Several interactions between drugs and cannabis have been identified. Do not hesitate to consult your pharmacist to ensure the compatibility of your medication and the fact of using cannabis.
FOR WHICH DISEASES CAN MEDICAL CANNABIS HELP?Currently, scientific data on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis are limited. There is still a lot of research to be done on this. For this reason, cannabis for medical purposes is usually reserved as a last resort.
Medical or therapeutic cannabis is used to:
On the other hand, studies show that medical cannabis could be beneficial for certain health problems, such as:
Women of childbearing potential who do not use a reliable contraceptive, who wish to become pregnant, who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding
Cannabis can have adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development.
This feeling of paranoia disappears within a few hours with the natural and gradual elimination of THC by the body.
Some studies suggest an association between the use of cannabis with a high concentration of THC and the development of certain psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia.
The risks are greater if the user is young, consumes regularly and/or intensively, or has a personal or family history of schizophrenia.
WHY DO I HAVE RED EYES AFTER USING CANNABIS?The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) contained in cannabis is responsible for lower blood pressure in the body. This leads to dilation of the blood vessels and an increase in the blood flow that circulates in these vessels.
As the blood vessels swell and become more blood-filled, the small blood vessels in the eyes are redder and more apparent.
WHY DOES CANNABIS USE SOMETIMES CAUSE A BIG HUNGER?Research has shown that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) activates certain areas of the brain that are related to feeling hungry and thirsty. It would also trigger the release of hormones that stimulate appetite.
"CANNABIS HAS NO EFFECT ON ME." IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE THAT I AM NOT SENSITIVE TO THE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS?Cannabis contains more than 500 active substances, the best known and studied of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is a so-called psychoactive substance, responsible for the euphoria reaction, while CBD counteracts the euphoric effects of THC.
Each individual has a different amount of receptors and affinity for THC or CBD. This would explain why some people do not feel the euphoric effect of cannabis, as CBD receptors block the binding of THC.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON THE BODY AND ON HEALTH? (POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, ETC.)Cannabis is a drug considered to disrupt the central nervous system. In other words, the information received from our senses by the brain is interpreted differently and so is our response.
Among the effects of cannabis, we often note:
- drowsiness,
- dizziness,
- a slowing down of thought,
- dryness in the mouth,
- cough (for those who consume by inhalation),
- euphoria,
- blurred vision
- and sometimes headaches.
- psychosis,
- anxiety or depression,
- difficulty concentrating,
- memory and learning disabilities,
- diarrhea and a rapid heart rate.
- depressive disorders,
- schizophrenia,
- social anxiety disorder,
- Psychosis
- and suicidal ideation.
It must be taken into account that cannabis contains several active substances and that each has different properties and is found in different ratios in the products authorized for distribution. Those that are found in the products are:
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the substance that changes sensations, state of consciousness, mood and perceptions. This psychoactive substance produces the euphoric effect or commonly known as the "high". It stimulates appetite and also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-nausea properties, among others. THC is the most studied compound and one of the main compounds in cannabis.
- CBD (cannabidiol): It has no psychoactive effect, even as it counteracts the effects of THC in high doses. It has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and anxiety-calming properties, among others.
IS IT TRUE THAT CANNABIS DESTROYS NEURONS?Cannabis does not destroy neurons as such, but it interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons. The message sent from the brain to our senses of perception (vision, touch) is therefore altered when we consume cannabis.
IS IT TRUE THAT CANNABIS CAN CAUSE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?Studies on this subject are contradictory. Some show that cannabis decreases libido and circulating testosterone levels, while others illustrate an increase in sexual desire. The effects differ in men and women and would often be related to the dose consumed.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF MIXING CANNABIS-TOBACCO AND CANNABIS-ALCOHOL?Inhaling tobacco and cannabis simultaneously increases the exposure of the lungs to chemicals. According to the Quebec Lung Association, one joint would be equivalent to 5 cigarettes in terms of chemicals.
Cannabis smoke is therefore harmful and its regular consumption can bring health problems ranging from bronchitis, cough, respiratory infections to lung or throat cancer.
Consuming alcohol at the same time as cannabis increases the loss of faculties, including alertness, balance and reflexes. Cannabis amplifies the effects of alcohol.
On the other hand, alcohol increases and accelerates the absorption of THC in the blood, which also amplifies its euphoric effects. It goes without saying that consuming alcohol with cannabis is strongly discouraged.
CAN YOU REALLY BECOME ADDICTED TO CANNABIS (MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL)?Yes, it is possible to become addicted to cannabis, in the same way as to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs. It is estimated that 9% of people who use cannabis are at risk of becoming addicted, especially men and tobacco smokers.
People who started using cannabis in adolescence and who use regularly are also at greater risk of developing a use disorder.
"I THINK I'M ADDICTED TO CANNABIS." CAN MY PHARMACIST HELP ME QUIT?Yes, your pharmacist is a health professional available to help you with your cannabis addiction. He will be able to equip you and refer you to the right resources to take charge and reduce your consumption.
CAN I OVERDOSE ON CANNABIS?No cases of death from cannabis overdose have been reported to date. Instead of an overdose, we talk about cannabis intoxication, toxic psychosis or "badtrip". This reaction may present as signs:
- psychosis,
- hallucinations,
- paranoia,
- anxiety,
- confusion,
- disorientation,
- drowsiness,
- dizziness,
- an acceleration of the rhythm of the heart,
- nausea and vomiting
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS? DO THEY HAVE THE SAME EFFECTS?Medical cannabis is dispensed after obtaining a medical prescription. It is used to relieve a medical condition diagnosed by a health professional.
Since 2016, an application must be made to authorize personal cultivation at home, designate someone to grow it for oneself or to source from a licensed producer.
Medical cannabis is available in the form of:
- dried grass,
- oil,
- of buds, etc.
Recreational cannabis, which has been legalized in Canada since October 2018, consists of the consumption of cannabis for personal use. People can get their supplies from the SQDC (Société québécoise du cannabis).
Recreational use is often for the purpose of seeking euphoria or commonly referred to as the "high". The products contain various ratios of THC and CBD.
CAN I GET CANNABIS FROM A PHARMACY?Cannabis in the form of dried herb, buds, leaves or oil is not available in pharmacies. It can be obtained at authorized dealers (SQDC) or by requesting medical cannabis via a doctor. Synthetic cannabis derivatives are available in the form of medicines in pharmacies and also require a medical prescription.
Several interactions between drugs and cannabis have been identified. Do not hesitate to consult your pharmacist to ensure the compatibility of your medication and the fact of using cannabis.
FOR WHICH DISEASES CAN MEDICAL CANNABIS HELP?Currently, scientific data on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis are limited. There is still a lot of research to be done on this. For this reason, cannabis for medical purposes is usually reserved as a last resort.
Medical or therapeutic cannabis is used to:
- reduce the excitability of the central nervous system
- reduce the perception of pain,
- improve sleep
- and reduce nausea and vomiting.
On the other hand, studies show that medical cannabis could be beneficial for certain health problems, such as:
- Chronic pain of all kinds in adults (osteoarthritis, neuropathy, palliative care, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic, HIV);
- Multiple sclerosis (would help to relax the muscles);
- Nausea and vomiting secondary to chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
- Stimulation of appetite in malnourished patients;
- Epilepsy.
Women of childbearing potential who do not use a reliable contraceptive, who wish to become pregnant, who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding
Cannabis can have adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development.