Cannabis Info for Healthcare Providers

Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke and inhaling it can increase risk of developing lung problems.

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping cannabis may expose your patients to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

Using cannabis can impair judgement, coordination, reaction time and attention.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases your risk of getting into a crash.

Your patients' brains are still developing through age 25. Using cannabis during this time may impact memory, problem-solving skills and attention.

Using cannabis to cope with anxiety or stress may actually make your patients feel worse, especially if they are using higher THC doses.

Using cannabis can impair judgement, coordination, reaction time and attention.

Driving under the influence of weed is illegal and increases your risk of getting into a crash.

Your teen patients' brains are still developing through age 25. Using cannabis during this time may impact memory, problem-solving skills and attention.

Using cannabis to cope with anxiety or stress may actually make your patients feel worse, especially if they are using higher THC doses.

Using cannabis regularly before age 25 can affect the amygdala, the part of your brain that helps you control emotions like anxiety and stress. Changes to this part of the brain may make those emotions harder to handle on their own later on.

Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke and inhaling it can increase risk of developing lung problems.

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping cannabis may expose your teen patients to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

Mental Health

Pregnancy and the year following a child's birth are stressful times. Using cannabis to cope with anxiety or stress may actually make your patients feel worse, especially if they are using higher THC doses.

Lung Health

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, higher risk of clotting and physical changes during pregnancy can worsen pre-existing lung conditions and introduce new symptoms.

Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke and inhaling it can increase risk of developing or worsen existing lung problems.

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping cannabis may expose your patients to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

There is no known safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Not only does cannabis impact your patients' health, but it can also impact their babies' health. THC can reach the baby through the bloodstream, nursing or secondhand smoke.

Birth Weight

Cannabis use during pregnancy can decrease a baby’s birth weight and head size and lead to lower muscle tone. 

Brain Development

Cannabis can negatively affect a baby’s brain development, leading to delays in motor skills at one year, as well long-term behavioral and learning issues.

Feeding Issues

THC gets concentrated in fat tissue including in the chests, cannabis use during nursing can make infants sleepier and lead to feeding problems and slower weight gain. 

Side effects of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies can become more intense when mixed with cannabis.

Your patients may want to avoid cannabis use if their medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness or trouble concentrating.

Cannabis can impact memory. 

Long term cannabis use can lead to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with decision-making. 

Cannabis can increase your patients' risk of injury. It impacts balance and coordination, which can lead to more falls.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases risk of getting into a crash.

Using cannabis frequently and in high THC doses, may increase your patients' risk of developing dependence on cannabis, also know as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).

If your patient wants to quit or is having a hard time quilting, VT Helplink is available 24 hours a day, every day. Call or text "LINK" to 802-565-5465 or visit VTHelplink.org.

Some people who use frequently and at high THC doses experience severe stomach pain, persistent nausea and uncontrolled vomiting. This is medically known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).

If your patient experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical care.

Whether your patients are using cannabis for symptom relief, like stress, or to relax, there are many alternatives that can be just as effective.

Discuss alternatives, which may include lifestyle or medical adjustments.

• Take a break from scrolling or watching too much negative media
• Unwind with mindful breathing, meditation or stretching
• Find time for exercise and a balanced diet
• Connect with friends and family
• Talk with someone who could help
• Consider prescription or over-the-counter medications

Help your patients consider a balanced approach to their cannabis use.

• Start with lower doses of THC and wait before taking more. It can take longer than expected to feel the full effects of THC depending on the method of use: smoking, vaping or taking an edible.
• Reduce smoking and vaping to reduce lung health risks.
• If your patient uses cannabis regularly, even every day, encourage them to take some skip days or plan occasional periods of longer breaks.

Learn more about tolerance breaks, also known as "T-Breaks," and find a helpful guide from the University of Vermont