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Ø The immediate
effects of cannabis are characterized by
feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability; they are accompanied
by impairment of short-term memory, concentration and some psychomotor
skills.
Ø For purposes of
public policy, the Committee does not feel that the traditional distinctions
between acute and chronic effects are useful.
Ø Similarly, the
Committee does not feel the dichotomy of use and dependence is useful.
Ø The research
data does not allow for a clear distinction between use, at-risk use and
heavy use.
Ø The amount
consumed is an indicator, but other factors, psychosocial factors and factors
relating to the context of use and the quality of the substance, are equally
determining in the passage from use to at-risk use and heavy use.
Ø Nevertheless,
the Committee feels that for people over the age of 16, at-risk use lies
within the range of 0.1 to 1 gram per day; anything more than that is heavy
use, which can have negative consequences on the physical, psychological and
social well-being of the user.
Ø According to
this distinction, and in accordance with the epidemiological data available,
there is reason to believe that approximately 100,000 Canadians could be
at-risk users and approximately 80,000 could be heavy users.
Ø The Committee
feels that, because of its potential effects on the endogenous cannabinoid
system and cognitive and psychosocial functions, any use in those under age
16 is at-risk use;
Ø Our estimation
would suggest that approximately 50,000 youths fall in this category.
Ø For those
between the ages of 16 and 18, heavy use is not necessarily daily use but use
in the morning, alone or during school activities;
Ø Heavy use of
smoked cannabis can have certain negative consequences for physical health,
in particular for the respiratory system (chronic bronchitis, cancer of the
upper respiratory tract).
Ø Heavy use of
cannabis can result in negative psychological consequences for users, in
particular impaired concentration and learning and, in rare cases and with
people already predisposed, psychotic and schizophrenic episodes.
Ø Heavy use of
cannabis can result in consequences for a user’s social well-being, in
particular their occupational and social situation and their ability to
perform tasks.
Ø Heavy use of
cannabis can result in dependence requiring treatment; however, dependence
caused by cannabis is less severe and less frequent that dependence on other
psychotropic substances, including alcohol and tobacco.
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