Cannabis

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis refers to all products that come from the Cannabis plant, including dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds. Cannabis can be used in a variety of ways for both recreational and medical purposes, this includes inhalation, ingestion and topical applications.

Cannabinoids come from trichomes (resin glands), found on the plant’s buds, flowers and leaves. The human body also produces a type of cannabinoid called endocannabinoid.

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC) is a cannabinoid known for its psychoactive effects, or the feeling of being high. CBD or Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis, does not cause a “high” or psychoactive effect by itself.

Fast Facts

The endocannabinoid system in the human body regulates pain, mood, appetite, and memory. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, both THC and CBD can act on these receptors but behave in different ways.
In New York State, medical cannabis is available to individuals with certain qualifying medical conditions, which includes Cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS), etc.
Cannabis edibles may take up to 2 hours to fully take effect, making it easy to overconsume. Edibles can feel stronger compared to smoking Cannabis, because of how it is broken down by the body. Starting low and going slow is always recommended when ingesting Cannabis.
If you plan to have children or are pregnant, breastfeeding or chest feeding, it's best to avoid using cannabis to reduce potential risks to reproduction and the baby's health.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)- Characterized by repeated episodes of nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration and stomach pain. Typically affects people who have been using Cannabis for a long time or daily.

What is Legal and Illegal

Legal

It is legal for adults 21 years or older to possess 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of cannabis concentrate (edibles, oil).
It is legal for adults 21 years or older to use cannabis in a private home or in most places where tobacco can be used.
It is legal for adults 21 years or older to “share” cannabis without compensation, to a person 21 years or older under the legal possession limit.

Illegal

It remains illegal to smoke cannabis in a private business, any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited, and in motor vehicles. It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis which can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safely. If you drive under the influence of cannabis, you are at risk of injuring yourself, others and getting a DUI.
It remains illegal to grow cannabis plants in your home until the OCM issues regulations permitting home cultivation for adult-use.
It remains illegal to distribute or sell cannabis without a license. Transferring cannabis under the possession limit between adults who are 21 years or older without remuneration (money paid or service provided) is legal.

Harm Reduction Strategies and Risks of Cannabis Use

Know the Risks

Risks Associated with Smoking

Smoked cannabis, regardless of how it is smoked, can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels.

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)

When cannabis use starts to interrupt a person's daily functions, or negatively impact one's life, it becomes chaotic. Continued chaotic use of cannabis can lead to CUD. Talking to a trusted health care provider, or substance use support staff can be a helpful first step if you think your cannabis use is problematic.

Cannabis Withdrawal

If you substantially reduce the amount, potency, or stop use of cannabis you could experience withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can include changes in mood and mental health, changes in appetite, changes in sleep schedule and physically feeling unwell. Speaking with a trusted health care professional can be a helpful first step if you are working to reduce or stop your use.

Reduce the Risks

Check In with Yourself Before and After Cannabis Use

This can help you to understand the ways in which cannabis use may impact your mood and overall mental health.

Lower Risks in Your Environment

Make sure you feel safe and comfortable. Make sure to store any cannabis and related materials in a safe place before and after use. Make sure you will not have to drive anywhere while under the influence.

Storing Cannabis

Best practice for safely storing cannabis is locked and out of reach of children, pets and anyone who may intentionally or unintentionally consume the product. Accidentally consuming edibles is a risk for children, pets and anyone cannabis-naive that can result in the need for emergency medical attention. It is also important to pay attention when discarding cannabis products, making sure to dispose of in a secure location.

Start Low, Go Slow

Start Low with the amount of cannabis consumed and Go Slow when increasing the amount of cannabis, you consume over a period of time.

When trying a new product for the first time remember, different products can take longer to take effect. Wait for effects before taking more. Then the next time you consume you’ll know what the right amount for your body looks like. You can always take more if you aren’t feeling the effects, but you cannot take less!

Support & Hotlines

If you or someone who is with you has consumed too much cannabis, call 911 and the Upstate NY Poison 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)
Never Use Alone- (877) 696-1996
Incident Report

Harm Reduction Home Page

Changed

09/11/2025 - 12:40 pm