Draft status: Client confirmation required before publication.

Last updated: July 28, 2026

Cannabis use involves health and safety risks. The lowest-risk choice is
not to use cannabis. Adults who choose to use it should make informed
decisions, follow the product label, understand the law, and take practical
steps to reduce harm to themselves and others.

1. Adults of legal age only

Do not purchase, possess, provide, or make cannabis accessible for anyone
below the applicable legal age. Review the Bud Approach
Age Policy and current provincial or territorial
rules before ordering.

2. Choose legal, labelled products

• Use products from authorized, regulated sources.
• Read the complete label, warnings, THC/CBD information, and directions.
• Keep products in their original labelled and child-resistant packaging.
• Do not use a recalled, contaminated, altered, counterfeit, or visibly
  damaged product.

3. Start low and go slow

Individual responses vary. If you choose to use cannabis, begin with a low
amount of THC and wait to understand the effects before considering more.
Inhaled products can take up to approximately 30 minutes to reach their full
effects, while edible products can take much longer. Follow the label and
do not assume that the absence of an immediate effect means more is needed.

Products with higher THC concentrations can cause stronger impairment and
increase the likelihood of anxiety, panic, confusion, dependence, or other
adverse effects. New or occasional consumers should be especially cautious.

4. Never drive or operate machinery while impaired

Cannabis can affect coordination, reaction time, attention, judgment, and
the ability to estimate distance. Some effects, including drowsiness, can
last after the noticeable high has faded. There is no standard waiting time
that guarantees a person is safe to drive after using cannabis.

• Plan transportation before use.
• Use a sober designated driver, public transit, taxi, or rideshare.
• Do not drive, cycle in traffic, operate machinery, or perform another
  safety-sensitive activity while impaired.
• Never ride with a driver who appears impaired.

5. Avoid mixing substances

Combining cannabis with alcohol can greatly increase impairment. Cannabis
can also interact with prescription medication, non-prescription drugs,
opioids, sedatives, or other psychoactive substances. Ask a healthcare
professional or pharmacist about possible interactions.

6. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and health conditions

Health Canada advises avoiding cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
People planning a pregnancy, living with heart or lung disease, taking
medication, or having a personal or family history of psychosis,
schizophrenia, or problematic substance use should discuss cannabis with a
qualified healthcare professional.

Cannabis is not a substitute for professional medical assessment. Do not
stop or change prescribed treatment without speaking with the appropriate
healthcare professional.

7. Reduce inhalation and vaping risks

• Vaping and smoking are not risk-free. Consider not using inhaled
  products if you are concerned about respiratory or other health risks.
• Do not use vaping products from illegal or unregulated sources.
• Do not modify a cartridge or battery or add a substance that was not
  intended by the manufacturer.
• Stop using a device that is leaking, cracked, burnt-smelling, unusually
  hot, swollen, or otherwise damaged.
• Follow the battery and cartridge manufacturers' compatibility, charging,
  power, and storage instructions.

8. Store products securely

• Keep all cannabis products locked, out of sight, and out of reach of
  children, teenagers, and pets.
• Store edible cannabis separately from ordinary food and beverages.
• Never leave cannabis unattended where another person can access it.
• Keep products in their original packaging so identity, strength,
  ingredients, and warning information remain available.
• Do not leave cartridges or batteries in direct sunlight, a hot vehicle,
  or near a flame.

9. Protect people around you

• Do not smoke or vape around children, pregnant people, or pets.
• Do not provide cannabis to another person without knowing that the person
  is legally eligible and understands the product.
• If you are responsible for a child or dependent person, ensure a sober
  adult is available to respond to their needs and emergencies.
• Respect local rules about where cannabis use is permitted.

10. Recognize a problem and get help

Stop using the product and seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms
such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizure,
severe confusion, or another immediate danger. If a child or pet may have
consumed cannabis, treat it as urgent and contact emergency or poison
services.

Frequent use, cravings, loss of control, withdrawal, or continued use
despite harm can be signs of dependence or problematic use. A healthcare
professional can help assess risks and available support.