FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. | Windsor and Essex County
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is reminding residents to use caution when consuming, purchasing, and storing cannabis edibles. As edible products continue to rise in popularity, so do concerns related to accidental ingestion, high-potency products, and the risks associated with unregulated cannabis sources. Cannabis is a potent drug, and there are risks involved in using these products.
Edible cannabis products purchased from unregulated sources - whether online, through social media, or from non-licensed retailers - may contain inconsistent or unknown levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound which produces psychoactive effects. Purchasing from licensed retailers is the only way to ensure products meet federal standards for quality, potency, and labelling. Unregulated products often do not undergo safety testing and can contain significantly more THC than is listed on the label.
Consuming high potency products, whether they are regulated or unregulated, can increase the risk of cannabis intoxication:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, or excessive drowsiness
- Anxiety or panic episodes
- Paranoia or hallucinations
Additionally, unregulated product packaging can resemble familiar candy, snacks, or beverage brands, which can increase the risk of accidental ingestion among young people. To prevent accidental exposure, especially among children and pets, safe storage is important. Store edibles the same way you would store medication by keeping them locked up and out of sight and reach. Consider keeping edibles up high and use additional safety guards such as cabinet safety locks or lockboxes. Products should be kept in their original child-resistant packaging to ensure they are identifiable and not mistaken for food, candy, or other substances.
The WECHU encourages anyone who chooses to use these products to:
- Speak with a healthcare provider before trying edibles, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.
- Start low and go slow, especially if you are new to cannabis edibles.
- Wait at least two hours before considering additional consumption, as the effects of edible products can take up to two hours to begin.
- Understand that effects can last 6 - 12 hours, which may impact daily activities, including driving.
If a child has consumed a cannabis edible, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately. For more information, please visit wechu.org.