Cannabis/ THC

Did you know?

Recreational cannabis use is legal in the State of Connecticut for adults 21 and older. It is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to use. In fact, recreational marijuana use by anyone under 21 is not legal anywhere in the United States.

THC

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary chemical in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects. Found in the buds or “flower” of cannabis plants, THC is one of over 500 chemicals in cannabis, including various cannabinoids. It travels through the bloodstream to organs, where fatty tissues absorb it, leading to intoxication.

Today’s cannabis is significantly stronger than in the past, with average THC content rising from less than 4% in the early 1990s to over 15% in 2018. New consumption methods like dabbing and oils can deliver even higher THC levels, with extracts averaging over 50% THC, and some exceeding 80%.

Cannabis (Marijuana) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

CBD

CBD can be obtained from either hemp or non-hemp cannabis plants. Hemp is defined as any part of the Cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD is marketed in many consumer products such as foods, oils, lotions, capsules, and cosmetics products are not overseen by the FDA. This means it is essential for consumers should be aware that items labeled as hemp or CBD are not regulated and may contain other substances like THC, pesticides, heavy metals, or bacteria.

About CBD | Cannabis and Public Health | CDC

Vernon Youth Survey Results:

Cannabis use can have permanent effects on the developing brain when use begins in adolescence, especially with regular or heavy use.

Cannabis can significantly impact a teen’s life through:

• Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression, social anxiety, temporary psychosis, and long-term disorders like schizophrenia, particularly for early and frequent users.
• Impaired Driving: Cannabis affects essential driving skills such as reaction time, coordination, and concentration, making it dangerous and illegal to drive under its influence.
• Potential for Addiction: 3 in 10 cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder, with a higher risk for those who start using in adolescence or use frequently. Signs include inability to quit and neglecting important activities.
• Athletic performance: Affects coordination, reaction time, and overall motor skills decreasing sports performance and athletic ability

Cannabis Health Effects | Cannabis and Public Health | CDC

Ways to consume?

Understanding the Risks of Cannabis Edibles

Edibles which are food and drink products infused with THC, carry a higher risk of poisoning.

• Delayed Effects: It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the intoxicating effects, leading some individuals to consume too much
• Prolonged Intoxication: The effects can last longer than anticipated, depending on various factors such as the amount ingested, whether consumed on an empty stomach, interactions with medications or alcohol, and other circumstances.
• THC Concentration: Measuring the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which indicates the concentration or strength, can be difficult, and the labeling on edible products is often inaccurate or misleading.
• Child Safety Concerns: Some cannabis edibles are packaged to resemble popular snacks and candies, which can attract children. Consumption of THC-containing products can lead to severe illness in children, including difficulties in walking, sitting up, or breathing properly.

Cannabis and Poisoning | Cannabis and Public Health | CDC

Understanding the risk of Smoking Cannabis

In general, cannabis is smoked using joints, bongs, bowls, blunts, or vapes. Regardless of the method it can harm lung tissues, cause scarring, and damage to small blood vessels.

• Cannabis compounds can be extracted to create oils and concentrates, which can be vaped or inhaled using devices similar to e-cigarettes.
• Vaping THC also carries the same risks as vaping nicotine, including the exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Smoking or vaporizing highly concentrated oils or extracts referred to as wax or shatter is known as dabbing. This method can quickly deliver significant amounts of THC to the body, heightening the risk of side effects.

Cannabis Health Effects | Cannabis and Public Health | CDC

Cannabis (Marijuana) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Safety:

If you use cannabis products, store them in a locked childproof lockbox, ensuring they are out of children’s sight and reach.

Should your child access these products, immediately contact the regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or call 911 in case of an emergency.