Cannabis Health & Responsible Use
The Green Cross is committed to providing safe, responsible, and informed access to licensed cannabis products. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your experience may depend on the product’s THC and CBD content, the amount consumed, the method of consumption, your tolerance, your health, and whether you have used alcohol, medications, or other substances.
This information is provided for general education and is not medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about cannabis use if you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have questions about how cannabis may affect your health.
Understand What You Are Using
Always read the product label before consuming cannabis. Pay attention to:
THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and can affect perception, judgment, coordination, memory, and reaction time. CBD is not intoxicating by itself, but it can still cause side effects and interact with medications.
Do not assume that terms such as “indica,” “sativa,” or “hybrid” guarantee a particular experience. Products with similar names may have different cannabinoid levels, ingredients, potencies, and effects. Base your decision on the product label, your previous experience, and advice from a qualified healthcare professional—not on a strain name alone.
Start Low and Go Slow
Use a small amount when trying a new product, especially if you are inexperienced, have a low tolerance, or are using a high-potency product.
Inhaled cannabis generally takes effect faster than edible cannabis. Edibles may take up to two hours to begin producing noticeable effects and as long as four hours to reach their full effect. Consuming more before the first serving has taken full effect can increase the risk of an unpleasant or overwhelming experience.
Never feel pressured to consume more than you are comfortable using.
Possible Short-Term Effects
Cannabis may produce temporary effects such as:
Effects may be stronger with products containing higher levels of THC. Stop consuming cannabis if you begin feeling unwell. Move to a calm, safe environment, stay hydrated, and remain with someone you trust when possible.
Do Not Drive While Impaired
Never drive, ride a bicycle in traffic, or operate machinery while impaired by cannabis. Driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal.
Cannabis can slow reaction time, interfere with decision-making, impair coordination, and distort perception. Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can increase impairment. Arrange for a sober driver, taxi, public transportation, or rideshare before consuming.
Alcohol, Medications and Health Conditions
Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol. Using them together may increase dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, poor judgment, and overall impairment.
Cannabis, THC, and CBD may interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, or other substances. These interactions can change how a medication works or increase the risk of side effects.
Speak with a physician or pharmacist before consuming cannabis if you:
CBD should not be assumed to be risk-free simply because it is non-intoxicating. The FDA advises that CBD may cause side effects, affect the liver, and interact with other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not consume cannabis if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Speak with your healthcare provider about any cannabis or CBD use.
Avoid consuming cannabis near pregnant people, children, or anyone who does not wish to be exposed to cannabis smoke or vapor.
Smoking and Inhalation
Smoking cannabis exposes the lungs to smoke and harmful chemicals. Regular cannabis smoking has been associated with coughing, wheezing, mucus production, chest tightness, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Do not share joints, pipes, vaporizers, or other devices that touch the mouth. Keep equipment clean and follow all manufacturer instructions. Never use an altered, damaged, leaking, or unregulated vaporizer product.
Frequent Use and Dependence
Some people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, which can make it difficult to reduce or stop using cannabis even when it causes problems. Risk may increase with frequent use, beginning use at a young age, and using products with high levels of THC.
Possible warning signs include:
Contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your cannabis use.
Repeated Nausea or Vomiting
Long-term, frequent cannabis use may increase the risk of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. CHS may cause repeated nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and temporary relief from hot showers or baths.
Seek medical attention for repeated or severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, confusion, fainting, or an inability to keep fluids down. Stopping cannabis use is the only known way to prevent and resolve CHS.
Protect Children and Pets
Keep all cannabis products:
Cannabis edibles may look like ordinary food or candy. Children are more sensitive to cannabis and can become seriously ill after consuming THC. Never consume or leave cannabis where a child or pet could reach it.
Dispose of unused cannabis securely and in accordance with the product instructions and local requirements.
When to Seek Help
Call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you believe that you, a child, or someone else has consumed too much cannabis. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Call 911 immediately for severe symptoms, including:
Do not leave a severely impaired person alone.
Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if a pet consumes cannabis.
How Our Staff Can Help
The Green Cross team can explain:
Our staff members are not physicians and cannot diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatment, guarantee a particular effect, or tell you which product will treat a health condition. Questions about medical use, symptoms, medication interactions, or treatment should be directed to a qualified healthcare professional.
Purchase From Licensed Retailers
Purchase cannabis only from a licensed California cannabis retailer. Products sold through California’s licensed market are subject to state testing, packaging, labeling, and tracking requirements. Keep products in their original packaging so that important potency, ingredient, serving, and warning information remains available.
Age Requirements
Adult-use cannabis products are available only to adults who are 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification.
Qualified medicinal cannabis patients who are 18 years of age or older must present the documentation required under California law.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It has not been evaluated or approved as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Cannabis products sold by The Green Cross are not represented as treatments or cures. Individual experiences vary, and no particular result is guaranteed. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for a medical purpose.
Last reviewed: August 2026
The Green Cross is committed to providing safe, responsible, and informed access to licensed cannabis products. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your experience may depend on the product’s THC and CBD content, the amount consumed, the method of consumption, your tolerance, your health, and whether you have used alcohol, medications, or other substances.
This information is provided for general education and is not medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about cannabis use if you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have questions about how cannabis may affect your health.
Understand What You Are Using
Always read the product label before consuming cannabis. Pay attention to:
- The amount of THC and CBD
- The suggested serving size
- The total number of servings
- The method of consumption
- Ingredients and allergens
- Required warnings and instructions
THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and can affect perception, judgment, coordination, memory, and reaction time. CBD is not intoxicating by itself, but it can still cause side effects and interact with medications.
Do not assume that terms such as “indica,” “sativa,” or “hybrid” guarantee a particular experience. Products with similar names may have different cannabinoid levels, ingredients, potencies, and effects. Base your decision on the product label, your previous experience, and advice from a qualified healthcare professional—not on a strain name alone.
Start Low and Go Slow
Use a small amount when trying a new product, especially if you are inexperienced, have a low tolerance, or are using a high-potency product.
Inhaled cannabis generally takes effect faster than edible cannabis. Edibles may take up to two hours to begin producing noticeable effects and as long as four hours to reach their full effect. Consuming more before the first serving has taken full effect can increase the risk of an unpleasant or overwhelming experience.
Never feel pressured to consume more than you are comfortable using.
Possible Short-Term Effects
Cannabis may produce temporary effects such as:
- Dry mouth or red eyes
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Faster heart rate
- Changes in blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired memory, judgment, coordination, or reaction time
- Altered awareness of time or surroundings
- Anxiety, panic, paranoia, or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
Effects may be stronger with products containing higher levels of THC. Stop consuming cannabis if you begin feeling unwell. Move to a calm, safe environment, stay hydrated, and remain with someone you trust when possible.
Do Not Drive While Impaired
Never drive, ride a bicycle in traffic, or operate machinery while impaired by cannabis. Driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal.
Cannabis can slow reaction time, interfere with decision-making, impair coordination, and distort perception. Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can increase impairment. Arrange for a sober driver, taxi, public transportation, or rideshare before consuming.
Alcohol, Medications and Health Conditions
Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol. Using them together may increase dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, poor judgment, and overall impairment.
Cannabis, THC, and CBD may interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, or other substances. These interactions can change how a medication works or increase the risk of side effects.
Speak with a physician or pharmacist before consuming cannabis if you:
- Take prescription or over-the-counter medication
- Have a heart, liver, kidney, neurological, or psychiatric condition
- Have a history of fainting, panic attacks, psychosis, or substance-use problems
- Are preparing for surgery or another medical procedure
- Are uncertain whether cannabis is appropriate for you
CBD should not be assumed to be risk-free simply because it is non-intoxicating. The FDA advises that CBD may cause side effects, affect the liver, and interact with other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not consume cannabis if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Speak with your healthcare provider about any cannabis or CBD use.
Avoid consuming cannabis near pregnant people, children, or anyone who does not wish to be exposed to cannabis smoke or vapor.
Smoking and Inhalation
Smoking cannabis exposes the lungs to smoke and harmful chemicals. Regular cannabis smoking has been associated with coughing, wheezing, mucus production, chest tightness, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Do not share joints, pipes, vaporizers, or other devices that touch the mouth. Keep equipment clean and follow all manufacturer instructions. Never use an altered, damaged, leaking, or unregulated vaporizer product.
Frequent Use and Dependence
Some people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, which can make it difficult to reduce or stop using cannabis even when it causes problems. Risk may increase with frequent use, beginning use at a young age, and using products with high levels of THC.
Possible warning signs include:
- Using more cannabis than intended
- Trying unsuccessfully to cut back
- Needing more to experience the same effects
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis
- Continuing to use despite health, work, relationship, or financial problems
- Giving up important activities because of cannabis
- Experiencing irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, or other symptoms after stopping
Contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your cannabis use.
Repeated Nausea or Vomiting
Long-term, frequent cannabis use may increase the risk of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. CHS may cause repeated nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and temporary relief from hot showers or baths.
Seek medical attention for repeated or severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, confusion, fainting, or an inability to keep fluids down. Stopping cannabis use is the only known way to prevent and resolve CHS.
Protect Children and Pets
Keep all cannabis products:
- In their original, clearly labeled packaging
- In sealed, child-resistant containers
- Locked and out of sight
- Away from food, candy, medications, and household products
- Completely inaccessible to children, teenagers, guests, and pets
Cannabis edibles may look like ordinary food or candy. Children are more sensitive to cannabis and can become seriously ill after consuming THC. Never consume or leave cannabis where a child or pet could reach it.
Dispose of unused cannabis securely and in accordance with the product instructions and local requirements.
When to Seek Help
Call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you believe that you, a child, or someone else has consumed too much cannabis. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Call 911 immediately for severe symptoms, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Extreme confusion or agitation
- Hallucinations or severe paranoia
- Chest pain
- Repeated or uncontrollable vomiting
- Inability to wake or respond normally
Do not leave a severely impaired person alone.
Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if a pet consumes cannabis.
How Our Staff Can Help
The Green Cross team can explain:
- Available product formats
- Product labels and serving information
- THC and CBD content
- Methods of consumption
- Required warnings
- Responsible-use and storage practices
Our staff members are not physicians and cannot diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatment, guarantee a particular effect, or tell you which product will treat a health condition. Questions about medical use, symptoms, medication interactions, or treatment should be directed to a qualified healthcare professional.
Purchase From Licensed Retailers
Purchase cannabis only from a licensed California cannabis retailer. Products sold through California’s licensed market are subject to state testing, packaging, labeling, and tracking requirements. Keep products in their original packaging so that important potency, ingredient, serving, and warning information remains available.
Age Requirements
Adult-use cannabis products are available only to adults who are 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification.
Qualified medicinal cannabis patients who are 18 years of age or older must present the documentation required under California law.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It has not been evaluated or approved as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Cannabis products sold by The Green Cross are not represented as treatments or cures. Individual experiences vary, and no particular result is guaranteed. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for a medical purpose.
Last reviewed: August 2026
