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Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping

Cannabis or Marijuana Products

The cannabis industry has flourished in Illinois since the drug was legalized for recreational use in 2020. Adults over 21 years old now can choose from a wide selection of marijuana products at licensed dispensaries across the state. Medical marijuana is also legal in Illinois.

Here’s a closer look at common cannabis or marijuana products, which contain the active substance THC, as well as the potentially harmful effects of using them. Like with any other drug, individuals using cannabis or marijuana products can experience unwanted effects depending on how much of the product they ingested and their tolerance and experience with marijuana.

Mild Symptoms

  • Dry mouth

  • Decreased short-term memory

  • Impaired perception and motor skills,

  • Nausea

  • Anxiety

  • Lethargy

  • Dizziness

  • Paranoia 

Severe Symptoms

  • High levels of anxiety or panic attacks

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Poor coordination and balance

  • Difficulty having a conversation

  • Confusion

  • Extreme paranoia

  • Hallucinations 

People who use high-potency cannabis or marijuana products over a long period of time may have Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Cannabis-Induced Psychosis. Those with Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome can have reoccurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain. Individuals with Cannabis-Induced Psychosis experience delusions and/or hallucinations. 

Inhaled Products

  • Flower: Plant products are smoked in a joint or bong, or are heated in a device that vaporizes the THC for inhalation. Flower product sold in dispensaries have a THC content that typically ranges from over 20% to just over 30%. In the 1970s to early 1980s, TCH concentrations were 1-3%.

  • Vaping solution: THC in liquid form is inhaled in an electronic vape device. Cartridges usually contain either 500 mg or 1,000 mg of THC.

  • Concentrates/Extracts: THC that has been extracted from the marijuana plant for concentrates and extracts are known as wax, budder, shatter or sugar. These products can contain from 30% to over 90% THC depending on the brand and formulation.  Extracts are smoked in a dab rig or specialized vaporizers for concentrated THC products.

Edible Products

Cannabis edibles most frequently found in Illinois dispensaries include baked goods, soda, chips and candies such as gummies, chocolates, hard candies and mints. Sweet cannabis products are limited to 100 mg of TCH per package in Illinois. For packages with multiple candies, the concentration of each candy will depend on the number candies in each package. For example, a 10-pack package has 10 mg of THC per candy and a 20 pack package has 5 mg of THC per candy in a package with 100 mg total THC.

Tinctures

Tinctures are edible products that come with a vial and a dropper. Drops can be placed in drinks or food and consumed throughout the day. Each vial has a limit of 100 mg of THC per vial.

IPC is here to help. Call our helpline at 1-800-222-1222 if someone you know is having a concerning reaction to cannabis. Our toxicology experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions and provide treatment advice.
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