Illinois Purchaser Education Plan

http://www.csat.samhsa.govThe information stated here should not be taken as medical advice.  All consumers are encouraged to discuss their use of cannabis with their physician and/or pharmacist.

There may be health risks associated with the consumption of cannabis. The following health risk information and drug abuse data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(“CDC”) Health Effects section on Marijuana1 to educate purchasers on the known health risks associated with the use of cannabis such as heart, lung, brain and mental health, as well as the risk of cannabis abuse and methods of prevention. Though the CDC is the most trusted source of up to date information, the prohibition of cannabis has prevented the Food and Drug Administration from completing double-blind studies regarding the effects of cannabis consumption, creating a lack of science-based health information. The lack of extensive research has contributed to limited information on actual long-term health risks. 

It is important for purchasers to understand that each human body will experience cannabis differently and, as such, NOXX staff will not make claims about what cannabis or cannabis products can do for a purchaser. Instead, staff is trained to explain the aggregated experiences reported by consumers, being careful not to make any firm claims about what the
purchaser can expect. Staff has been trained to encourage purchasers to self-document their experience so when the purchaser returns to the dispensary, staff may learn about their past
purchases and corresponding experience, and make different recommendations if necessary, based on the purchaser’s reported feedback.

a) Heart Health
Based on data collected from the CDC, using marijuana can make the heartbeat faster. It may also lead to increased risk of stroke and heart disease. However, the CDC states that most of the
scientific studies linking cannabis to heart attacks and strokes are based on reports from people who consumed marijuana by combustion. Smoked marijuana delivers THC and other cannabinoids to the body, but it also delivers harmful substances to consumers, including many of the same substances found in tobacco smoke, which are harmful to the lungs and cardiovascular system. It is challenging to separate the effects of the compounds in marijuana on the cardiovascular system from the hazards posed by the irritants and other chemicals contained in the smoke. More research is needed to understand the full impact of marijuana use on the circulatory system to determine if marijuana use leads to higher risk of death from these causes.

b) Lung Health
How marijuana affects lung health is determined by how it’s consumed. Per the CDC, in many cases, marijuana is smoked in the form of hand-rolled joints, pipes or water pipes. The CDC states that research shows smoked marijuana, in any form, can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels. Smoke from marijuana contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking marijuana may also lead to a greater risk of bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production.

c) Mental Health
Marijuana use, especially frequent (daily or near daily) use and use in high doses, can cause disorientation, and sometimes cause unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia
according to the CDC. The CDC asserts that marijuana consumers are significantly more likely than non-consumers to develop temporary psychosis (not knowing what is real, hallucinations and paranoia) and long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might see or hear things that aren’t really there). Marijuana consumption may be linked to depression, anxiety, and suicide among young adults. However, it is not known whether this is a causal relationship or simply an association. The impact depends on many factors and is different for each person. It also depends on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) in cannabis, how often it is used, the age of consumers upon first use, and whether other substances (e.g., tobacco and alcohol) are used at the same time.

d) Brain Health
Based on several nationally conducted studies, the CDC summarizes on its website that marijuana use directly affects the brain—specifically the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time. Heavy consumers of marijuana may have short-term problems with attention, memory, and learning, which can affect relationships and mood. Marijuana may also affect brain development. When marijuana consumers begin using as teenagers, the drug may reduce attention, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Marijuana’s effects on these abilities may last a long time or even be permanent. This means that someone who consumes marijuana may not do as well in school and may have trouble remembering things. The impact depends on many factors and is different for each person. It also depends on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana (i.e., marijuana potency or strength), how often it is used, the age of first use, and whether other substances (e.g., tobacco and alcohol) are used at the same time. Developing brains, like those in babies, children, and teenagers are especially susceptible to the potentially harmful effects of marijuana. Although scientists are still learning about these effects of marijuana on the developing brain, studies show that marijuana use by mothers during pregnancy may be linked to problems with attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior problems in their children.

e) Pregnancy
According to WebMD , cannabis is unsafe when taken orally or smoked during pregnancy. Cannabis passes through the placenta and can slow the growth of the fetus. Cannabis use during

pregnancy is also associated with childhood leukemia and abnormalities in the fetus. Even after pregnancy, using cannabis, either by mouth or by inhalation is likely unsafe during breast-feeding. The chemicals in cannabis pass into breast milk. Too much of these chemicals might slow down the development of the baby.

Additionally, according to the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) DrugFacts on Marijuana in a study of a test group of dispensaries, nonmedical personnel at these marijuana dispensaries were recommending marijuana to pregnant women for nausea, even though medical experts warn against it. This concerns medical experts because marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight and increased risk of both brain and behavioral problems in babies. If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman consumes marijuana, the drug may affect certain developing parts of the fetus’s brain. Children exposed to marijuana in the womb have an increased risk of problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving compared to unexposed children.

f) Cannabis Abuse
Though cannabis is not recognized as physically addictive, according to the NIDA it can lead to marijuana use disorder, which may cause addictive habits in some cases. Consumers can overcome cannabis abuse related challenges to protect the safety, health, and wellbeing of the purchasers, their families, and the greater community. Cannabis abuse can pose a threat to purchasers, employees, and the community.  NOXX staff has been trained to refuse entry to a prospective purchaser who display any of the signs of abuse or current impairment. Should the situation escalate, and the prospective purchaser refuses to leave the dispensary, NOXX staff and/or a Security Guard will be available to assist with the removal of the purchaser without conflict. If an impaired purchaser leaves the dispensary and gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, staff will immediately notify the police. NOXX staff will also be equipped to help purchasers or visitors who are seeking information on substance abuse by directing consumers to this webpage, which provides a list of community resources and the Illinois Substance Abuse Helpline information.

HELP IS AVAILABLE. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) 240-276-2750 www.csat.samhsa.gov Illinois Department of Public Health 855-636-3688

Illinois Department of Public Health (Chicago Office)

Address: 122 S. Michigan Avenue, 7th and 20th Floors, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-814-2793
Website: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Chicago Office)
Address: 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 1 (888) 473-4858
Website: https://www.idfpr.com/