Health Canada has become aware of edible cannabis products available for sale that contain a quantity of THC that exceeds the allowable limit of 10 mg of THC per package. Consumers of these items may accidentally consume higher than expected levels of THC, which can cause adverse reactions (side effects). These product formats similar to gummies and other confectionary products such as hard candy, have been incorrectly marketed and sold as cannabis extracts. Cannabis extracts may contain up to 1,000 mg of THC per package, with up to 10 mg of THC per unit. Edible cannabis products are intended to be consumed in the same manner as food. They often have a pleasant taste, odour and texture, and look like conventional food or drinks. It takes longer to feel the effects of cannabis when it is ingested orally (by mouth), and the effects last longer than when cannabis is smoked or inhaled. As a result, there is an increased risk that edible cannabis products may be consumed accidentally (particularly by children) or overconsumed. To reduce these risks, the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations set out a number of legal requirements, such as the requirement for child resistant packaging, and a prohibition against products that are appealing to young persons. The Regulations also prohibit edible cannabis products from containing more than 10 mg of THC per package. Edible cannabis products that do not comply with this requirement may pose a health and safety risk. Signs that an individual has consumed high quantities of THC can include: chest pain rapid heartbeat nausea vomiting psychotic episode slowed and ineffective breathing (respiratory depression) severe anxiety panic attack agitation confusion slurred speech unsteadiness on feet drowsiness/lethargy muscle weakness loss of consciousness
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