Health Canada is advising that some Cannabis edible products were found to contain more than the allowable limit of THC per package on Mar. 3, 2023.
Cannabis edibles sold in government official stores have a 10 mg permittable amount of THC per package but some have been incorrectly marketed as cannabis extracts in products like gummies and other confectionary products such as hard candy.
Cannabis extracts can contain up to 1,000 mg of THC per package, and up to 10 mg of THC per unit. The Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations prohibit products that exceed the legal THC limit.
When taken orally, edibles can appear to taste and look like regular foods, while the effects of cannabis are prolonged and last longer than when smoked or inhaled. For this reason, cannabis products may be accidentally consumed or overconsumed.
According to Health Canada, consumers may accidentally consume higher than expected levels of THC leading to adverse reactions. Signs that an individual has consumed high quantities of THC may 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
Health Canada urges consumers to carefully read and understand labels identifying THC amounts for future use and to keep products out of the reach of children and pets.
