Hastings and Prince Edward Counties /March 14, 2025
Planning to add a little ‘green’ to your St. Patrick’s Day fun by indulging in recreational cannabis use? It’s important you know the risks. Most people using cannabis occasionally will not have any negative consequences to their health, but some people will experience harm such as confusion, sleepiness, anxiety, fear, panic, paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. Additionally, people who use every day, or a few times a week, can become physically dependent or addicted to cannabis.
For those under the age of 25, cannabis use can impact brain development.
“Regular use of cannabis when you’re under 25 can physically alter your brain and can cause permanent harm,” states Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for the South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health). “The best way to protect your future mental health is not to use cannabis.”
The only way to completely avoid health risks is to not use cannabis recreationally at all. If you do choose to use:
- Choose low-strength products with a lower THC content.
- Avoid smoking cannabis as it directly affects your lungs.
- If you choose to smoke cannabis, avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath.
- Try to limit your use as much as possible.
- Don’t drive after using cannabis or get in the car with someone who has used cannabis.
- If you have a mental health condition or there is a family risk of psychosis or addiction, avoid cannabis completely.
For more information on reducing your risk when using cannabis, visit the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines or visit hpePublicHealth.ca/cannabis.
Individuals who need more support to reduce or quit recreational cannabis use should contact their health-care provider, or public health for information about supports in their community.
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Media contacts
Sara Hart, Communications Specialist
hart.sara@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
The South East Health Unit (formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.
