Cannabis Use and Health
In 2020, it became legal for Arizona residents over the age of 21 to use cannabis recreationally. People had many questions, and three years later, we still need clear answers. The Arizona Cannabis Education (AzCANN) program, a partnership between the University of Arizona Health Sciences and the Arizona Department of Health Services, helps by sharing easy-to-understand information with the public and health professionals.
Keeping the public informed about responsible use
What are the laws governing cannabis use in Arizona? What does research say about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis? What does it mean to use cannabis responsibly as an adult? People say different things about cannabis, and it can be tough to know what’s true. When thinking about using cannabis or talking to others about it, here are some good tips to follow for responsible cannabis use:
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If you are a young adult who wants to use cannabis, wait until you’re 25, when your brain is fully developed. If you decide to use it earlier, think about using small amounts and not very often.
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Only get cannabis products from licensed dispensaries, where they are tested for your safety.
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If you use cannabis, take it slow. Wait between puffs or bites.
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Do not drive right after using cannabis. Wait at least 6 hours if you smoked or 8 hours if you ate an edible.
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Keep any cannabis products locked up and away from kids or pets.
Find more evidence-based content, including helpful cannabis FAQs and educational videos that can be used by health educators, on the AzCANN website: painandaddiction.arizona.edu/AzCANN
Do you have your own question about cannabis? Click Here to submit your question. (Submitted questions will be considered for future FAQs.)
Keeping health care professionals up to date
Understanding cannabis and its effects can be a lot to take in. In the last year, cannabis use has gone up by 43%, with 48.2 million Americans currently using it. Still, there is much we don't know about how cannabis interacts with our bodies. It is critical for health professionals to be well-informed, so they can help people make the right choices for themselves.
There are a few key knowledge areas that can help health professional become competent in dealing with cannabis:
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Knowing how THC and CBD affect the endocannabinoid system.
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Being aware of research on potential risks and benefits of cannabis.
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Conducting open and judgment-free conversations with those curious about cannabis for recreational or medical reasons.
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Understanding harm reduction and its role in handling substance use in treatment and policy.
Resources:
If you want to enhance your understanding of cannabis, there are free on-demand Continuing Education (CE) credits for health care professionals available through this link: Eventbrite. These resources are also accessible on the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction’s YouTube playlist.
If you have questions about cannabis, you can submit them here: https://www.redcap.link/Ask-AzCANN . Stay updated on cannabis education and find more resources at painandaddiction.arizona.edu/AzCANN.
The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center provides cannabis resources at azmedmj.org/. For immediate assistance on cannabis toxicology, drug interactions or other concerns, call the Arizona Poison and Drug Center at 1-800-222-1222. Experts are available 24/7 to answer questions privately and for free, and interpretation services are available if needed.