Sarnia, ON – If you choose to consume cannabis (marijuana) edibles, a delayed high isn’t the only thing you should plan for; always plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Edibles, a blanket term for cannabis-infused products, such as beverages, candies, and baked goods, are now legal in Ontario. When cannabis edibles are consumed, it takes longer to feel the full effects – up to 4 hours – and impairment can last longer – up to 12 hours or longer. By contrast, Health Canada[i] states that the effects of smoking, vaping or dabbing cannabis can be felt within seconds to minutes. These effects can last up to 6 hours or longer.
“Regardless of whether you smoke, vape, eat, or drink cannabis, impairment is the same when it comes to driving,” says Kelley Elliott, Health Promoter with Lambton Public Health. “It slows reaction time and impairs your concentration and co-ordination. When combined with alcohol, crash risks increase dramatically.”
The consequences of driving impaired by drugs or alcohol are the same. Police have ability to detect cannabis impaired driving. If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911.
If you choose to use cannabis, or alcohol, plan ahead for a safe ride home: use public transit, a designated driver, stay over, or call a cab.
To learn more about cannabis edibles and driving visit ccsa.ca/cannabis, www.mto.gov.on.ca or call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839.
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Please contact:
Kelley Elliott
Health Promoter
County of Lambton
519-383-8331 ext. 3346
[i] https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/campaigns/27-16-1808-Factsheet-Health-Effects-eng-web.pdf