Substances

Cannabis is a plant-based drug made from the Cannabis sativa plant that is used for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects, for both medical and non-medical purposes. It comes in many forms, including dried flowers and leaves, hash, oils and other concentrated extracts, edibles (such as candies or baked goods), tinctures, and topical products like creams. Cannabis can be smoked, vaporized (vaped), eaten, or applied to the skin. 

Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is psychoactive, responsible for the “high” of cannabis, and affects thinking, mood, and behaviour. Higher THC levels generally produce stronger effects and are linked to the main health risks from cannabis. It affects the brain, changes how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a high. It may lessen some of the effects of THC and is being studied for possible medical uses, such as pain and nausea relief. 

Cannabis can make people feel relaxed, happy, or talkative, but it can also cause unpleasant effects such as confusion, sleepiness, anxiety, fear, panic, paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and the same person may have different experiences at different times. Signs of using too much cannabis (sometimes called cannabis poisoning) can include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, severe anxiety, panic attacks, extreme sleepiness, or psychosis. Risks are higher for people under 25 and for those who use cannabis regularly (daily or several times a week).  

Different cannabis products and the way you use it can have different effects. Use products with low THC and an equal or higher amount of CBD. If you are smoking or vaping, start with 1 or 2 puffs of 10% (100mg/g) THC or less. 

Source: Ontario Cannabis Store 

Edible products can have up to 10 mg THC per package. Start with 2.5 mg THC or less. 

After you use, wait to feel the effects. Use this chart as a guide: 

Source: Government of Canada  

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Alcohol is a psychoactive substance found in beverages such as beer, wine, cider, and spirits (for example: vodka, rum, or whisky). The type of alcohol consumed in drinks is called ethanol, which is produced through fermentation when yeast converts sugars from grains, fruits, or other plants into alcohol. 

Alcohol affects the central nervous system by slowing brain activity (depressant). It can change mood, judgment, decision-making, coordination, and reaction time. While small amounts may lead to relaxation or lowered inhibitions, higher amounts increase the risk of impaired judgment, injuries, nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol affects people differently based on factors such as body size, tolerance, and how quickly and how much is consumed, with increased risks for young adults whose brains are still developing. 

How much and how fast you drink affects your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). BAC is calculated by determining how many milligrams of alcohol are present in 100 millilitres of blood.  

This blood alcohol calculator is to be used as a guide only; it should not be used as the sole way to determine someone’s intoxication level or ability to drive a vehicle. 

In computing these BAC charts, a drink is defined as follows: 

• Beer – 341 ml (12 oz): 5% alcohol content 
• Wine – 142 ml (5 oz): 12 % alcohol content 
• Cider/Cooler – 341 ml (12 oz): 5% alcohol content 
• Distilled alcohol (rye, gin, rum, etc.) – 43 ml (1.5 oz): 40% alcohol content 

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For more information on blood alcohol concentration, click here.

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic psychoactive drug that affects the brain. It is most commonly sold as tablets or capsules, but it can also come as a powder or crystal. MDMA is often used in social or party settings because it can increase feelings of energy, emotional closeness, empathy, and pleasure. 

MDMA works by increasing the activity of brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which influence mood, energy, and perception. Effects can include a sense of euphoria, increased sociability, heightened sensory awareness, and reduced anxiety, but it can also cause negative effects such as dehydration, overheating, jaw clenching, anxiety, confusion, sleep problems, and low mood after use. Because unregulated products may contain other substances, note that pills or powders sold as “ecstasy” or “MDMA” do not always contain pure MDMA, which can increase risks. 

Although some people regard ecstasy as a relatively safe drug, a growing number of deaths have been associated with it. As with many illegal drugs, these risks increase with the amount taken and frequency of use. 

A major factor in many ecstasy-related deaths is the dehydration and overheating that can result when ecstasy is taken in conjunction with all-night dancing. Ecstasy increases body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to kidney or heart failure, strokes and seizures. Ecstasy may cause jaundice and liver damage. 

People with high blood pressure, heart or liver problems, diabetes, epilepsy or any mental disorder are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of ecstasy. Part of the danger is that people may not be aware that they have these conditions, and the effects of ecstasy can trigger symptoms. 

As with all illegal street drugs, the purity and strength of ecstasy can never be accurately gauged. When you take ecstasy, you don’t know what you’re taking, or how it will affect you. 

Combining ecstasy with other drugs, whether illegal or prescription, may cause a toxic interaction. Several prescription medications are known to interact with ecstasy, including a type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and ritonavir, a protease inhibitor used to treat HIV. 

How ecstasy affects you depends on several things: 

• your age and your body weight 
• how much you take and how often you take it 
• how long you’ve been taking it 
• the method you use to take the drug 
• the environment you’re in 
• whether or not you have certain pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions 
• whether you’ve taken any alcohol or other drugs (illegal, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal). 

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Hallucinogens are a group of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and thought. They can be naturally occurring (such as psilocybin mushrooms or peyote) or synthetic (such as LSD or DMT) and are usually consumed by swallowing, smoking, or inhaling. 

Hallucinogens affect the brain by altering the activity of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, which can change how a person perceives reality. Effects can include visual or auditory distortions, altered sense of time, changes in mood, and heightened sensory experiences. They can also cause unwanted effects such as anxiety, confusion, nausea, or panic. The intensity and nature of effects vary between individuals and between experiences, and the substance or dose taken can influence the level of risk. 

Hallucinogens affect perception and behaviour. Taking them may cause people to become disoriented, have poor judgment and take risks 

Many hallucinogens can have very unpleasant or toxic effects (e.g., jimsonweed, deadly nightshade). Hallucinogenic plants can be mistaken for other toxic or lethal plants, for example, mushrooms. 

How hallucinogens make you feel depends on: 

• how much you use 
• how often and how long you use 
• your mood, expectation and environment 
• your age 
• whether you have certain pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions 
• whether you’ve taken any alcohol or other drugs (illegal, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal). 

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Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is commonly sold as a white powder or as a crystalline “rock” form known as crack cocaine. Cocaine can be snorted, smoked, or injected. 

Cocaine affects the brain by increasing levels of dopamine, a chemical involved in pleasure and reward. This can produce intense feelings of euphoria, energy, and alertness. People may feel more talkative, confident, and socially comfortable. Senses such as sight, sound, touch, and sexuality may feel heightened, and the need for food or sleep can be reduced. Although it is a stimulant, some people may also feel calm or more in control. Others may experience nervousness, agitation, or difficulty relaxing. 

Taking cocaine can lead to serious effects, including panic attacks, psychotic symptoms (such as paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions), and erratic, bizarre, or sometimes violent behaviour. The intensity and duration of effects depend on the form of cocaine, the dose, the method of use, and individual factors. 

How cocaine makes you feel depends on: 

• how much you use 
• how often and how long you use it 
• how you use it (by injection, orally, etc.) 
• your mood, expectations, and environment 
• your age 
• whether you have certain medical or psychiatric conditions 
• whether you’ve taken any alcohol or other drugs (illegal, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal). 

 Click here to learn more about how to lower your risks when using cocaine/crack.

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Opioids are a class of drugs that reduce pain and produce feelings of relaxation or euphoria. They include prescription medications such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as illegal substances like heroin. Opioids can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. 

Opioids affect the brain and nervous system by binding to opioid receptors, which decreases the perception of pain and the emotional response to pain. Low doses can produce pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness, relaxation, difficulty concentrating, and constricted pupils. They may also cause mild decreases in breathing, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and sweating. Higher doses intensify these effects and make them last longer. Short-term effects can include feeling warm, calm, or detached from stress, while some people may feel dizzy, confused, or lightheaded. 

Use of opioids can cause constipation, decreased interest in sex, menstrual irregularities and mood swings. Addiction to opioids can have devastating long-term social, financial and emotional effects. 

The way opioids affect you depends on many factors, including: 

• how much you use 
• how often and how long you use opioids 
• how you take them (e.g., by injection, orally) 
• your mood, expectations and environment 
• your age 
• whether you have certain pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions 
• whether you’ve taken any alcohol or other drugs (illegal, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal). 

Effects begin within 10–20 minutes when taken orally and within about one minute when injected. Many opioids provide pain relief for four to five hours per dose. 

When used as directed under medical supervision, opioids carry little risk of addiction. People who take opioids regularly will develop physical dependence, which is the body adapting to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can occur: with short-acting opioids (e.g., hydromorphone), withdrawal begins 6–12 hours after the last dose and is usually intense; with long-acting opioids (e.g., methadone), withdrawal begins 1–3 days after the last dose and is more gradual. 

Regular or high-dose use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. 

 Click here to learn more about how to lower your risks when using opioids.

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