'POTENT DRUG:' WINDSOR-ESSEX HEALTH UNIT WARNS OF CANNABIS EDIBLES RISK
Following an incident at a local elementary school where students ingested cannabis edibles, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is reminding residents to use caution around the products.
Health unit officials warned as edible products continue to rise in popularity, so do concerns related to accidental ingestion, high-potency products, and the risks associated with unregulated cannabis sources.
“Cannabis is a potent drug, and there are risks involved in using these products,” officials said in a news release.
The health unit pointed to unregulated edible cannabis products, citing the risk they may contain “inconsistent or unknown levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound which produces psychoactive effects.”
Unregulated product packaging can resemble familiar candy, snacks or beverage brands, which can increase the risk of accidental ingestion among young people, according to officials.
The unregulated products are available for purchase through online and social media sources as well as non-licensed retailers.
“Purchasing from licensed retailers is the only way to ensure products meet federal standards for quality, potency, and labelling,” the news release said. “Unregulated products often do not undergo safety testing and can contain significantly more THC than is listed on the label.”
Health unit officials said consuming high-potency products, whether regulated or unregulated, can increase the risk of cannabis intoxication, which can include nausea and vomiting, rapid or irregular heart rate, dizziness, unsteadiness, or excessive drowsiness, anxiety or panic episodes and paranoia or hallucinations.
It’s recommended edibles be stored safely – locked up and out of sight or reach of children and pets and kept in child-resistant packaging that identifies what is inside.
Products should be kept in their original child-resistant packaging to ensure they are identifiable and not mistaken for food, candy or other substances.
Health unit officials also encourage anyone considering using cannabis products to speak with a healthcare provider ahead of time, especially anyone who has existing health conditions or takes other medications.
Start low and go slow and wait at least two hours before considering additional consumption, as the effects of edible products can take up to two hours to begin. Daily activities, including driving, may be impacted by effects that can last six to 12 hours.
Related
If a child has consumed a cannabis edible, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
For further information, visit wechu.org.
2026-01-11T16:33:21Z
