It’s always safest not to take drugs. Drugs sold as cannabis can contain synthetic cannabinoids. These have a high risk of negative and dangerous effects.
There is also a higher risk of negative effects if you use types of cannabis with high levels of THC. For example, butane hash oil or shatter.
Ways to reduce risks from cannabis
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use cannabis. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Delay using cannabinoids for as long as possible.
The brain continues to develop until age 25. The younger you start using cannabis, the greater the risk of serious problems.
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of a drug emergency.
The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
If you start with a small amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Consider other ways of using if you smoke cannabis with tobacco.
Tobacco causes many health problems. Mixing tobacco and cannabis also increases the risk of dependency.
Sip water or sports drinks - but not more than 1 pint an hour.
This is to reduce the risk of water intoxication. Cannabis can make you thirsty.
But if you drink too much water, your body pushes the extra water into your cells. The extra water causes a salt imbalance and swelling in your brain cells.
Keep track of what you use.
Take breaks between use to reduce your risk of tolerance and dependency.
Using every day can increase the risk of mental health difficulties.
Know what to do in case of a challenging experience.
If you know what to do during a challenging experience, it could stop a situation getting worse and help you support someone.
But it is always safest to get medical advice if someone has overwhelming or unexpected effects.
Plan a safe way to get home.
It is dangerous to drive if drugs are in your system. You could harm yourself or other people. A drug can still be in your system even if you do not feel the effects.
Find more ways to reduce risks from drugs.
Mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs
It is always more risky and unpredictable to mix cannabis with other drugs, alcohol or medicines.
There is a high risk of negative effects if you use cannabis with drugs that cause psychedelic effects. For example, ketamine, LSD or psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
Urgent advice: Contact your GP or GP out of hours if
you or someone else has taken cannabis and has:
- extreme confusion, anxiety, panic or paranoia
- a fast heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- hallucinations or delusions
- severe nausea and vomiting
Stay with the person until you get help.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about cannabis use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can find support. This can be when cannabis use affects your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie