Frequently Asked Questions
about Cannabis

Below are some common questions people have about cannabis. If you do not see your question about cannabis answered below, feel free to send it to me and I can try to answer it for you.
  1. What is cannabis / marijuana?
  2. How is cannabis used?
  3. Does cannabis have the same effect on people?
  4. How long does it take to feel the effects of marijuana? How long do the effects last?
  5. Is it possible to overdose ("O/D") on cannabis?
  6. How / Where can I purchase cannabis once it becomes legal?
  7. Why do I get the "munchies" when I'm high?
  8. Can I use marijuana and then drive?
  9. What is the difference between Indica and Sativa strains?
  10. What is the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?
  11. Why does cannabis give me dry mouth?
  12. What is "hotboxing"?


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1)  What is cannabis / marijuana?

Cannabis, which can also be called weed, pot, dope, or marijuana, is the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It contains mind-altering (e.g., psychoactive) compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, as well as other active compounds like cannabidiol, or CBD, that are not mind-altering.

2)  How is cannabis used?

There are many ways of using marijuana, and each one affects users differently. Marijuana can be rolled up and smoked like a cigarette (a joint) or a cigar (a blunt). Marijuana can also be smoked in a pipe. Sometimes people mix it in food and eat it or brew it as a tea (edibles). Smoking oils, concentrates, and extracts from the marijuana plant are on the rise. People who use this practice call it “dabbing”



3)  Does cannabis have the same effect on people?

Cannabis does not have the same effect on everyone. Some people feel relaxed, talkative, giggly, or have stronger sensations. However, some people feel anxious, restless, have difficulty thinking, and poor memory. Some people are fearful and confused. How someone feels may be different each time they use cannabis.



4)  How long does it take to feel the effects of marijuana? How long do the effects last?

Impairment happens within minutes when inhaled (eg. through smoking or vaping) and within two hours when eaten. Impairment can last three to four hours when inhaled and six to ten when eaten. However, level and how long impairment lasts can vary.



5)  Is is possible to overdose ("O/D") on marijuana?

It is practically impossible to die from “overdosing” on cannabis. The average user would have to smoke 20,000 - 40,000 joints before dying. No one in recorded history has ever died from a marijuana overdose. The worse thing that may happen if a person uses too much cannabis would be similar to if they consumed too much alcohol... they would be sick to their stomach. The popular term for this would be that they “green out”.  Like a hangover, a person can and will recover.



6)  How / Where can I purchase cannabis once it becomes legal?

On October 17th, 2018 recreational use of cannabis becomes legal in Canada. Now where and how you can purchase it depends on which province / territory you are in. Some provinces (eg. Nova Scotia) will have cannabis retail stores where cannabis is available to purchase. Other provinces (eg. Ontario) will NOT have their provincial stores (ie. Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)) ready until sometime in 2019. However, after October 17th, you should be able to order it online from a licenced provider (see "Helpful Links" page) and receive it in the mail. This should make for exciting trips to the mailbox!



7)  Why do I get the "munchies" when I'm high?

One of the active ingredients in cannabis is tetrahydroncannabinol (THC) which appears to increase our sensitivity to scents and flavors by using naturally occurring neural networks to convince the brain that it’s starving. Thus, it not only makes us hungry but also helps us believe that whatever we are eating is the most delicious item(s) we've ever tasted!



8)  Can I use marijuana and then drive?

It is illegal to drive drug-impaired and its just as dangerous as driving drunk. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision.

If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, including cannabis, you will face serious penalties, including:
  • an immediate licence suspension
  • financial penalties
  • possible vehicle impoundment
  • possible criminal record
  • possible jail time


9)  What is the difference between Indica and Sativa strains?

Indica strains generally provide a sense of deep body relaxation..suited to night time. Sativa strains tend to provide a more energizing experience...suited to morning / daytime. In the "Tutorials" section see the first video "Cannabis 101 - Basics" for a more detailed explanation of the difference between the two strains.



10)  What is the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?

Patients taking cannabis for medical reasons generally use cannabinoids to alleviate symptoms while minimizing intoxication, whereas recreational users may be taking cannabis for euphoric effects. Medical cannabis is authorized by a prescriber who provides a medical document allowing individuals to obtain from a licensed producer or apply to Health Canada to grow their own, whereas recreational cannabis is currently obtained through illicit means.



11)  Why does marijuana / cannabis give me dry mouth?

Cotton mouth, also known as “the pasties”, is a side effect of marijuana that causes a dry mouth. Marijuana causes cotton mouth because THC, the active  ingredient in marijuana, binds to receptors in the salivary glands and causes them to be less active.

In the past, some people believed that cotton mouth was caused by inhalation of irritating smoke. However, we now know that marijuana affects the salivary glands directly. This explains why you can get cotton mouth even if you vaporize or eat your marijuana.

Having enough saliva is important because it plays a role in eating and digestion. Not only does saliva lubricate food and help it go down the esophagus, it also starts the process of digestion of starches in our food.

It’s especially important for marijuana smokers to have enough saliva, because an increased appetite, or “the munchies” is another side effect of using marijuana.

While having a dry mouth can be unpleasant, there are some remedies that can help reduce the symptoms. Have water on hand after consuming cannabis. Also if possible, drink it through a straw... which causes your body to produce extra saliva.



12)  What is "hotboxing"?

Smoking marijuana or hashish in a small enclosed area, causing it to fill with smoke in order to maximize the effect.