Cannabis: Health and Safety

POISON CENTER Call 1-800-222-1222 if your child eats or drinks cannabis products

• What We Know
  
• For Pregnant and Lactating People
  
• For Parents
• For Teens
• For Schools
• Safe Storage and Use
• Addiction Resources

What We Know

Immediate effects

The immediate effects of THC can include a relaxed or "high" feeling, increased heart rate and blood pressure, slower reaction time, difficulty thinking and focusing, increased hunger, anxiety or panic, dry mouth and red eyes.

• When smoked or inhaled, such as through a joint or vape, these effects typically last 2 to 4 hours.
• When consumed, such as through a gummy, the effects take longer to start and may last 4 to 10 hours.

Health Effects

Cannabis use can have a wide range of impacts on the brain and body. Health risks connected to using cannabis include:

• Cannabis Use Disorder
• Brain Health
• Heart Health
  
• Impaired Driving
• Lung Health
• Mental Health
• Unintentional Poisoning
  
  

For Pregnant and Lactating People

When you're pregnant...

• If you use cannabis in any form during pregnancy, it may harm your baby. This includes smoking, eating and vaping cannabis.
• There is no known safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy.

If you're breastfeeding...

• THC stays in your body fat for a long time and can pass to your baby.
  

Talk to your doctor...

• If you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or lactating and need help to stop using or reduce use of cannabis.
• If you're using cannabis for medical reasons such as nausea, anxiety or pain, and want to talk about safer options.
  

Download the Cannabis, You and Your Baby brochure

For Parents

As a parent, your voice matters in the conversation about cannabis.

Talking about drugs can feel awkward, but the research is clear: talking to teens about drugs doesn't make them more likely to experiment. Starting the conversation before middle school can help them feel more confident.

• Talk with your child or teen about the risks of using drugs early and keep the conversation going.
• Be attentive, curious, respectful and understanding. Using shame, anger, scare tactics or disappointment doesn't work. Feeling afraid gets in the way of kids learning new information.

Build Protective Factors

Protective factors are relationships, skills and experiences that help young people navigate pressure, stress, and difficulties without turning to substances. Many come down to connection – with you, with other trusted adults, and with their friends.

• Stress Management – Teens who have healthy ways to cope with stress are less likely to turn to substances when life gets hard. Exercise, creative outlets, and talking to someone they trust are ways to help teens manage their stress.
• Quality Time and Support – Spending regular, low-key time together keeps the lines of communication open and reminds teens that you're there for them.
• Positive Relationships – Teens with strong connections to caring friends and trusted adults – at home, at school, or in their community - have a powerful buffer against the risks of substance use.
  

For Teens

Youth who use cannabis often start in their early teens. As of 2025, about 5% of 8th graders and 18% of 11th graders in Oregon reported having tried cannabis. Remember, it is illegal for teens to use cannabis except in rare cases when a medical provider approves it.

A teens' brain grows until about age 25, especially the parts that help with learning and making decisions. This means teens are more sensitive to the harmful effects of cannabis. We do not know all the long-term effects, but using cannabis as a teen can lead to both short- and long-term problems.

Immediate negative effects of cannabis use for teens:

• Difficulty thinking and problem solving
• Problems with memory and learning
• Reduced coordination
• Difficulty maintaining attention
• Problems with school and social life

Life-long negative effects of cannabis use for teens:

• Higher chance of mental health issues – Using cannabis use has been linked to mental health issues like depression, social anxiety, and psychosis. The risk is higher for people who start using it at a younger age and use it more often.
• Unsafe driving – Cannabis slows reaction time, coordination, and focus. These skills are important for safe driving. Driving while impaired by cannabis or any other substance is dangerous and illegal.

• Higher chance for addiction – Cannabis use disorder occurs in about 3 in 10 people who use cannabis. The risk is higher for people who start using cannabis at a younger age and who use it often.
  

For Schools

Schools play a critical role in supporting kids and teens with healthy and safe decision-making. Steps that schools can take to prevent cannabis use:

• Review and update your district's Comprehensive Substance Use Prevention Plans (as required per OAR 581-022-2045) annually.
• Provide evidence-informed prevention education to all students in alignment with Oregon Health Standards.
• Empower families to talk with their children about cannabis and other substances early and often. The Growing Up Safe campaign from the Oregon Department of Education provides resources for schools to share with parents and caregivers of younger children.
  

Safe Storage and Use

Cannabis, like many other drugs, can be dangerous for children and can affect a person's reaction time and ability to think clearly. Take these steps to ensure everyone's safety.

Cannabis can make children very sick.

• Don't use cannabis when kids are around.
• Store all cannabis products in a locked area that children cannot see or reach.
• If your child eats or drinks cannabis products, call the Poison Center Hotline as soon as possible at 1-800-222-1222.
• If symptoms seem bad, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. Symptoms can include your child having trouble walking or sitting up, starting to be sleepy or having a hard time breathing.

Using cannabis while taking care of a baby isn't safe.

• Don’t let anyone take care of your baby when they are using cannabis.
• If you plan to use cannabis, make sure there’s another person around who’s not using it and can safely care for your child.

Using cannabis affects your ability to drive, bike or operate machinery.

• Don't drive under the influence of cannabis. It is not safe and is illegal.
• Don’t ride in a car if the driver is under the influence of cannabis.
• Don't ride a bike or operate machinery if you are under the influence of cannabis.

If you choose an edible cannabis product, especially for the first time, make sure you:

• Are in a place where you know you will be safe.
• Have someone with you that that is not using cannabis or other drugs.
• Start with a single serving size at a low amount of THC.
  
• Give yourself time to react to the THC. THC absorbs into the body more slowly when taken as an edible. It can take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours before effects may be felt. At times, it may take four hours to feel the full effects.
  
• Do not drive, bike or operate machinery.
• Always get your cannabis from an Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) licensed retailer.
  

Addiction Resources

• Lines for Life's Alcohol and Substance Helpline: 800-923-4357
• Addictions and Mental Health Services
  
• Oregon Youth Resource Map