Opposed to some public perception, cannabis (marijuana) use is not a completely risk-free drug. It is the most common illegal substance used in Australia and is often smoked in a handmade cigarette or incorporated into food such as cookies or lollies. 

Other names for cannabis use: weed, pot, green, ganga, bud, hash, cones, weed cookies, weed brownies, weed gummies 

Edible cannabis products look much like regular gummy bears, chocolate bars, brownies or even sodas. They are infused with the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant; THC. The THC present in edible products are highly variable and are usually much higher in these products.  

As children and adolescents usually have a smaller body than adults, the effects of THC infused products can be more pronounced. This can include suffering from symptoms such as memory impairment, slower reflexes, increase heart rate, paranoia and, in more severe cases of THC poisoning, seizures and comas. 

The risks associated with cannabis edibles fit into one of two categories: 

• intentional consumption- when children and adolescents choose to knowingly consume a cannabis product without an understanding of the levels of THC present
• unintentional consumption- when young children or adolescents consume edible cannabis products unknowingly as they look like regular products they may enjoy, for example chocolate bars. 

It is important to know the laws around cannabis use and possession in Australia. While it is illegal, if someone is to store any edible cannabis products in their home, it should be treated in the same way as a medication or poisons and kept out of sight and reach of children. 

See Medication safety for more information.