What is Cannabis, THC & Hemp
Cannabis, which is often called weed, pot, marijuana, or hash, can have psychoactive characteristics and is consumed recreationally and for medical purposes in the United States. New York and other states have legalized possession and/or cultivation of small amounts of marijuana under their state laws, and also allow for medical use of marijuana in certain circumstances.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound found in cannabis, can cause impairment. Using cannabis products containing THC may lead to negative health effects.
Hemp and Adult-Use Cannabis are different classifications of the cannabis plant. Hemp is used to classify varieties of cannabis that contain 0.3% or less THC. Adult-use cannabis and Medical cannabis are used to classify varieties of cannabis that contain more than 0.3% THC, which is known for its psychoactive effects (including a feeling of being high)
What is Legal and Illegal
Cannabis Risks
Cannabis Use Disorder
This is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Cannabis use is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of cannabis use disorder include:
- Using more cannabis than intended Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to
- Spending a lot of time using cannabis
- Craving cannabis
- Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school or at work
- Continuing to use cannabis despite social, relationship or school-related problems
- Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis
- Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car
- Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems
- Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of cannabis
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
- Some people may have withdrawal symptoms when stopping cannabis use. These may include:
- Irritability, cravings, anxiety Depression, anger, or confusion
- Symptoms usually peak about 4-5 days after stopping use, and they usually subside within about 2 weeks.
- Sleep problems, restlessness, appetite loss
- Tremors, night sweats, or diarrhea
Support & Hotlines
If you or someone who is with you has consumed too much cannabis, call 911 and the NY Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
If you or a loved one is having problems with cannabis usage, there is help available:
- Buffalo and Erie County Addiction Hotline: 716-831-7007
- NY State HOPEline: 1-877-846-7369 or text HOPENY (467369)
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Find treatment at findtreatment.gov
- Peer Navigation & Treatment Support Services
Report an Adverse Event, a Cannabis Business Issue, or a General Product Complaint
You may report the following using the Incident Reporting Form:
- An adverse health event which includes any troublesome or undesired medical occurrence or symptom associated with the use of a cannabis product.
- A concern about a cannabis business which includes businesses that sell cannabis products including unlicensed business locations, sales to a minor or consumption in unauthorized areas.
- A concern regarding a cannabis product, such as product safety, product mislabeling, product formulation or product expiration date.
More Resources
- Erie County Department of Health Resources
- Harm Reduction and Cannabis Usage Brochure (Brochure References)
- Cannabis Quick Facts
- You may also call (716) 858-7695 to have copies mailed to you
- NY State Office of Cannabis Management
- Videos from the NY State Office of Cannabis Management
- Delta-8 THC Has Serious Health Risks - 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol from the FDA (Español)