Safe Use
Cannabis can be a powerful substance and there are some risks, here are some things you should know. Looking for more information? Download the Maine Cannabis Toolkit.
One way to keep youth safe from accidentally consuming cannabis products is using safe storage practices. What works to protect a toddler from accidental ingestion may not work to protect a teenager. Some tips for safe storage include:
- Store all cannabis products in a locked area, out of sight and out of reach of children.
- Use a locked box or locked pouch.
- Store cannabis separately from other items, such as food or medications. This helps avoid confusion between items that might look alike.
WARNING: Edibles can be more potent than other kinds of cannabis. The effects of cannabis can take up to four hours to peak after eating or drinking it, and can impact functions such as driving for multiple hours.
Always keep cannabis safely out of reach of children. If a child eats or drinks cannabis by accident, they may need immediate medical help. Signs of accidental ingestion include: problems walking or sitting up, difficulty breathing, and becoming sleepy. If you worry a child may have ingested cannabis accidentally, call the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222). If the reaction seems bad, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
If you’re a pet owner, you should also store your cannabis safely. Call a veterinarian if your pet is showing the following symptoms of ingesting cannabis: depression and listlessness, loss of motor coordination, loss of balance, vomiting or low body temperature.
Secondhand smoke from cannabis has many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as secondhand smoke from tobacco. That means you shouldn’t smoke around children, pregnant people, or anyone who doesn’t want to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
Mixing cannabis with alcohol or prescription drugs can be dangerous. Alcohol and cannabis at the same time is likely to result in greater impairment than when using either one alone. It’s not safe to combine them. Also, be aware of the effect cannabis can have on prescription drugs. Ask your doctor if cannabis could interfere with your prescribed medication.
Cannabis affects everybody differently, and varying doses, strains and forms can lead to different lengths and strengths of impairment. The symptoms of using too much cannabis are similar to the typical effects of using cannabis, but more severe. These symptoms may include: extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure and severe nausea/vomiting. If someone is having trouble breathing, has pale skin, or is unresponsive, call 911.