Cannabis and your health
Find out about the short and long term affects cannabis can have on your health.
Cannabis is unpredictable and affects everyone differently.
If you or someone you know is having a bad reaction to cannabis or any other drug or alcohol, call triple zero (000). Emergency services are here to help, not get you in trouble.
Cannabis and your health
Cannabis can have negative immediate and long-term impacts on your mental and physical health, including:
- reduced brain function (not thinking clearly)
- anxiety or panic attacks
- paranoia
- memory loss
- psychosies
- schizophrenia
- slower reactions
- bloodshot eyes
- increased heart rate
- damage to your throat and lungs, and ongoing health impacts such as bronchitis
Cannabis reduces your ability to drive a vehicle. It is dangerous when combined with other substances, such as alcohol.
If you are under 18
It's still illegal and unsafe to use cannabis when you are under 18.
The earlier you start using cannabis, the more likely you will experience problems later.
Pregnancy, children and cannabis
Under the law, you must store cannabis out of reach of children, and it's illegal to smoke cannabis near children.
Cannabis can poison your child if they accidentally eat it. If you suspect a child has eaten cannabis, call the Poisons Information Service on 13 11 26 immediately. In an emergency, always call triple 0 (000).
Smoking cannabis during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight, associated with problems later in life.
Second-hand smoke can damage someone's health. Never smoke around:
- children (anyone under 18 years old)
- pregnant women
- anyone who doesn't want to be exposed to cannabis smoke.
Mixing cannabis with other drugs and alcohol
Mixing cannabis with other drugs and alcohol can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Cannabis, when mixed with other substances, may contribute to overdose deaths by its anti-vomiting effects.
Cannabis addiction and withdrawal
Cannabis can be addictive and difficult to quit, causing withdrawal symptoms.
Being addicted to any substance can have a strong negative impact on your friendships and family relationships.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Despite their name, synthetic cannabinoids (also referred to as synthetic cannabis) are not a synthetic form of cannabis and can have a range of negative impacts that are not caused by cannabis.
More information can be found at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.
More information
For more information on cannabis and your health as well as treatment and support options, go to the following websites:
- World Health Organization
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Positive Choices
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Go to the ACT Government website to find out more about cannabis and the law in the ACT.