Do not use cannabis if you are under twenty-one years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
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Possession
An individual 21 years of age or older may possess and use up to 1.5 oz of cannabis.
DUI
Driving under the influence of cannabis is against the law. It is against the law for both drivers and passengers to use cannabis in a vehicle while it is operating.
Storage
Individuals in Connecticut may also store up to 5 oz in a locked container at home or transport it in a locked glovebox or trunk.
Growing
Medical marijuana patients and all adults 21+ can grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home (up to 12 total plants per household).
Travel
Driving across state lines with cannabis is illegal and can lead to federal criminal charges.
Minors
It is illegal for adults to provide cannabis to minors.
Employment
Some jobs may prohibit an employee from using cannabis, even when they are off the clock.
What to Know: Smoking & Vaping
In general, you won’t be able to smoke or vape cannabis anywhere you can’t smoke or vape tobacco.
Cities and towns may enact ordinances to regulate whether and where cannabis can be consumed in public.
At home, landlords may prohibit smoking and vaping, but they generally may not prohibit possession or consumption of other forms of cannabis.
Cannabis use will be prohibited in state parks, and on state beaches and waters.
Store it Locked!
Like many other substances, cannabis is toxic for children and pets. Make sure children cannot access cannabis products in any form. A safe storage plan can help lower the risk of accidental ingestion.
Be safe. Remember to:
Keep cannabis in a secure and locked place. Cannabis products should be out of sight, and out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
Store cannabis products in their original containers and keep the label. Labels on cannabis products from licensed cannabis establishments will have important information, including how much THC is in the product.
Consider using a safe or lockbox with a combination lock or keypad.
Make a list of cannabis products in your home. Knowing exactly what cannabis products you have in your home can help with medical treatment in case of accidental ingestion.
If a child ingests cannabis, get help immediately. Call Poison Control at
1-800-222-1222
If a pet ingests cannabis, call Animal Poison Control at
1-888-426-4435
Health Risks
Cannabis is often viewed as harmless when compared to other drugs. However, cannabis can cause many physical and mental issues, especially in developing teens. Such issues can include:
Problems with memory and focus
Increased aggression
Poor lung health (from smoking or vaping cannabis)
Risky behavior
Weaker coordination and thinking skills
Schizophrenia and other long-lasting mental disorders
Marijuana Use Disorder
If you use cannabis, tell your doctor. Some medications have harmful interactions with cannabis that can put your health at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder
One of the key things to remember with cannabis use disorder is that it involves cannabis use that creates issues or problems for the user. With that in mind, at least two of the following official criteria or symptoms occurring within a 12-month period indicate cannabis use disorder:2
Mental Health
Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes. If you are using cannabis to help you deal with stress or anxiety, talk with your doctor. For some people, cannabis use can make mental health worse.
Some cannabis products have very high potencies of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that creates a high. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) also report that daily or near daily use of high-THC cannabis products can cause disorientation, anxiety, and even psychosis.
How to Safely Dispose of Cannabis Waste
It's important to know how to safely dispose of cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis waste. These items may contain high levels of THC, and can be dangerous to both children and animals if ingested.
Cannabis waste should be mixed with other waste material, like coffee grounds or kitty litter, so it can’t be used.
The waste mixture should be in a taped and sealed container, like an empty yogurt cup, and thrown into regular trash.
Do not flush cannabis products or packaging down the sink or toilet.
If cannabis packaging is recyclable, throw EMPTY and CLEAN containers away with other recyclables.
If the packaging is not recyclable, throw the EMPTY package away with the regular trash.
If you think your cannabis use is disrupting your daily life, or causing problems at work or at home, or if you crave cannabis, you can call the hotline to find out about healthcare and substance use services in your community.
1-800-563-4086
Inhalation Forms
Inhalation forms are any type of medical cannabis that are put into the body through the lungs. The benefit of these medications is that consumers feel rapid effects, usually within 5 to 10 minutes. The effects last a shorter duration, ranging from 2 to 4 hours on average.
inhalation of smoke produced by burning cannabis. It’s the most common method of consuming cannabis and the most harmful one. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, including carcinogens (substance capable of causing cancer). Cannabis smoking has been associated with increased risks of:
bronchitis
lung infections
chronic (long-term) cough
increased mucus buildup in the chest
Smoking accessories
Rolling papers
Joints or blunts are usually made with dried cannabis that has been rolled in a burnable “rolling” paper. These rolling papers are thin and made from natural materials like bamboo or hemp.
To minimize your risk when smoking a joint or a blunt, avoid sharing them to prevent spreading diseases or infections. Also, make sure to buy the papers or pre-rolled joints from authorized retailers. Non-regulated rolling papers can contain contaminants such as:
heavy metals, like lead
pesticides
Example of a joint
Cannabis leaf and joint
Pipes
Pipes are a reusable accessory used to smoke cannabis. Cannabis is burned in the bowl of the pipe and the smoke stays in the pipe to be inhaled. There are different types of pipes:
hand pipes
one hitters
water pipes (such as bubblers or bongs)
With water pipes, the water can lower the temperature of the smoke and help filter some of the harmful substances in the smoke. However, this doesn’t make pipe smoking safe. Research has shown that water pipes can produce greater levels of second-hand smoke than tobacco cigarettes. The risk of being affected by second-hand smoke is also higher for those smoking indoors.Footnote1
Minimize your risk when using a pipe.
Choose a pipe made of glass or ceramic. Plastic and other materials can have harmful chemicals that can be inhaled when heated.
If you share your pipe, use a different mouthpiece to avoid spreading diseases or infections.
For water pipes, keep them clean by wiping them down and regularly switching out the water used.
Example of a hand pipe
Cannabis leaf and hand pipe
Example of a water pipe (bong)
Water pipe with a cannabis leaf on it
Vaping
Vaping is the inhalation of an aerosol produced by heating a liquid or solid cannabis extract inside a vaping accessory.
The aerosol generated from cannabis vaping has been shown to contain harmful substances.Footnote2 Also, contaminants such as heavy metals may leach into the cannabis extract and be inhaled in the aerosol.Footnote3Footnote4 Although vaping cannabis has its own risks, it's less harmful for your lungs than smoking cannabis.
Vaping accessories
Vaping accessories consist of a:
battery
mouthpiece
heating element
chamber or cartridge
Different examples of vaping accessories include:
vape pen
e-liquid pod
e-liquid vaporizer
vaporizer with mods (battery adaptor)
Vaping accessories have been known to malfunction, and in rare cases, these malfunctions have resulted in injury.
Minimize your risk when using a vaping accessory.
Buy your accessory from an authorized retailer.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions on proper use and disposal of your accessory.
Properly clean your accessory after use.
Don't over-charge the batteries of your rechargeable accessory.
Learn about battery safety, including proper precautions and disposal of the lithium-ion battery for your rechargeable accessory.
Avoid sharing your vaping accessory to prevent spreading diseases or infections.
Many consumers, especially those without previous experience, report that inhalation forms allow for easily controlled doses. Since the effects are felt quickly, finding the appropriate dose in a conservative fashion is possible.
Inhalation forms can be either combusted (burned, with a fire) or vaporized (changed from liquid to gas, like boiling water into steam).
Combustion, or burning, generates smoke, which is inhaled to the lung. Smoke can irritate the lung, cause coughing and is known to contain ingredients that are linked to cancer; however, this is still a popular method of using medical cannabis.
In the last decade, vaporization has become increasingly popular due to the adverse effects associated with combustion. Vaporization does not generate smoke; thus, it is generally referred to as a “cleaner” process. It involves exposing the product to small amount of heat (generally from a battery), which then puts the active ingredients into a vapor.
Inhalation products are Flower (dried bud) which is usually packaged in to 3.5 gram bottles. Pre-rolls are pre-rolled joints that often come in packs of 3 or 4. There are also concentrated forms like oils (packaged into Cartridges), or solid Concentrates (wax, crumble, shatter).
Ingestible Forms
Ingestible forms are any type of medical cannabis that is swallowed and absorbed through the stomach. This form of medicine tends to be the most potent, but also the most unpredictable, due to the differences in each consumers body. The effects of ingestible forms can be felt as soon as 20 minutes, or as long 2 hours, depending on the dose, metabolism and activity level of the patient, and if it’s taken with or without food. Once the effects kick in, the medication tends to last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. Due to the human body’s processing of the cannabis, the effects tend to be more intense versus inhaled or sublingual forms.
edibles, are baked goods infused with cannabis oil. These are things like cookies, brownies, and honey. Generally, patients require a small piece of a baked good as their “dose”, so the caloric intake is minimal.
Although smoking marijuana has the added risk of harmful smoke exposure, eating or drinking marijuana still exposes you to THC, the chemical that makes you “high.”
All edible retail marijuana products are available in servings of 5 mg THC or less and each package will vary in total mg of THC.
THC can affect people differently, so be aware of the amount you consume and its impairing effects.
If you aren't sure how marijuana will affect you, ingest less than one serving (5 mg) and wait at least 90 minutes and up to four hours before eating or drinking more.
Start slow
A single 5 mg serving of THC will likely affect your ability to drive, bike or do other activities, especially for occasional consumers.
Use caution when consuming more than one serving.
Wait until you feel the effect before using more.
While you quickly feel the effects from smoked or vaped marijuana, edibles can require up to four hours to take full effect.
Start with less than one serving and wait before using more.
Always store your marijuana products safely.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds which activate the cannabinoid receptors found throughout our bodies. Phytocannabinoids are the natural forms of these chemicals found in highest concentrations within female cannabis flowers – more specifically, within the resin glands on the surface of the flower. There are at least 85 different cannabinoids identified and isolated from various cannabis strains. Each has a unique influence on the body’s endocannabinoid system. (1)
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the best-known cannabinoid and is the primary psychoactive compound. It has also been found to be neuroprotective with analgesic (pain relieving) effects.(2)
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)
THCA is the most prominent compound in fresh, undried cannabis. The compound does not have psychoactive effects in its own right. For more information on this cannabinoid
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Many of the medical benefits attributed to cannabis are because of CBD. Many strains are selectively bred to increase their CBD content. CBD is not psychoactive.
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
CBDA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. For more information on this cannabinoid
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is also non-psychoactive and is generally attributed with a sedative effect. The typical amount of CBN found in most samples of cannabis is less than 1%
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is perhaps the least understood cannabinoid, but potentially among the most important. For more information on this cannabinoid
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV is commonly believed to be an appetite suppressant.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
CBDV has been a relatively ignored cannabinoid
Terpenes are the fragrance molecules found emanating from all plants – including cannabis, which offers a unique scent from one strain to the next. The fragrant imprint of each plant is a result of different combinations of terpenes. Cannabis is unique in that each strain has a unique profile of terpenes. Terpenes are believed to exhibit medicinal properties independent from the cannabinoids. Overall, terpenes contribute to a strain’s particular influence – a phenomenon known as the entourage effect
Linalool
Linalool is simple terpene alcohol, probably best known for the pleasant floral odor it gives to lavender plants. It is also known as β-linalool, licareol and linalyl alcohol. Linalool has been isolated in several hundred different plants including lavenders, citrus, laurels, birch, coriander and rosewood.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a monoterpene, part of the terpinene subfamily of terpenes. Terpinolene is found in oregano, marjoram, cumin, lilac, some citrus rind and conifers.
Phytol
When the Chlorophyll molecule degrades, it breaks down into two parts. The ‘tail’ portion is Phytol, an oily diterpene.
β-Myrcene
β-Myrcene is a monoterpene, and for a wide variety of reasons, one of the most important terpenes. It is a precursor in the formation of other terpenes, as well. β-Myrcene is found fresh mango fruit, hops, bay leaves, eucalyptus, lemongrass and many other plants.
Citronellol
Citronellol is a monoterpenoid, closely related to Geraniol, and is found in geraniums, rose, some citrus rind
Caryphyllene Oxide
Caryophyllene oxide is the oxidation product of beta-Caryophyllene.
α-Pinene
α-Pinene is one of the principle monoterpenes, and is important physiologically in both plants and animals, and to our environment. It’s found in conifer trees, orange peels among others, and known for it’s sharp sweet odor. α-Pinene is a major constituent in turpentine.
Limonene
D-limonene is a cyclic terpene of major importance with a strong citrus odor and bitter taste. Limonene is one of two major compounds formed from α-Pinene.
β–Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in many plants including Thai basils, cloves and black pepper, and has a rich spicy odor
Humulene
Humulene is a sesquiterpene also known as α-humulene and α–caryophyllene; an isomer of β–caryophyllene. Humulene is found in hops, cannabis sativa strains, and Vietnamese coriander, among others. Humulene gives beer its ‘hoppy’ aroma.
Links for Web Site
Accidental Ingestion
https://portal.ct.gov/cannabis/Knowledge-Base/Articles/Education-and-Prevention/Accidental-Ingestion
Safe Disposal
https://portal.ct.gov/cannabis/Knowledge-Base/Articles/Education-and-Prevention/Safe-Disposal
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Be In The Know CT
https://beintheknowct.org/
Connecticut Department of Public Health: Cannabis Health Statistics
Getting it Right from the Start: Cannabis Product Fact Sheet
https://gettingitrightfromthestart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cannabis-products.pdf
National Institute of Drug Abuse - Is Marijuana Addictive?
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
National Institute of Drug Abuse - What is Marijuana
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana
National Institutes of Health - Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need to Know
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Marijuana Use and the Developing Brain
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Marijuana
https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Marijuana and Public Health
