Safety

Critical information every cannabis user — especially beginners — must know. Honest, research-backed guidance on risks, contraindications, drug interactions, and how to protect yourself.

A cannabis education resource is only as credible as its willingness to be honest about risks. Too many cannabis websites focus exclusively on potential benefits while downplaying or ignoring the real safety considerations that every user — especially someone new to cannabis — needs to understand.

At TryCannabis.org, we believe you deserve the full picture. Cannabis has genuine therapeutic potential for certain conditions, but it also carries real risks that vary based on your health history, the medications you take, how much you use, and how you use it. Understanding these risks does not mean cannabis is dangerous for everyone — it means you are equipped to make informed decisions.

Every page in this section is grounded in peer-reviewed research and cited sources. We encourage you to read each topic that applies to your situation, and to bring this information to your healthcare provider.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis, especially if you take other medications. Never discontinue prescribed medications without medical supervision.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain populations face elevated risks from cannabis use. If you fall into any of these categories, read the relevant page carefully before considering cannabis.

Who Should NOT Use Cannabis

Cannabis is not appropriate for everyone. Adults under 21, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people with psychotic disorder history, and others face specific risks that may outweigh any potential benefit.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There is no established safe level of cannabis use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. THC crosses the placenta and is present in breast milk. The risks to fetal and infant development are serious.

Medical Safety Concerns

Cannabis interacts with your body and your medications in ways that require careful attention. These pages cover the most important medical safety topics.

Drug Interactions

THC and CBD interact with the liver's CYP450 enzyme system, potentially affecting how your body processes common medications including blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, and immunosuppressants.

Cardiovascular Risks

Daily cannabis use, particularly inhaled or high-potency products, may be associated with elevated risks of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke according to a 2025 JAMA review.

Mental Health Considerations

The relationship between cannabis and mental health is complex. While low-dose cannabis may help some conditions, high-potency use is linked to increased psychosis risk, and 29% of medical users meet criteria for cannabis use disorder.

Behavioral Safety

How you use cannabis matters as much as whether you use it. These pages cover the behavioral and lifestyle safety considerations every user must understand.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis use disorder is real and clinically recognized. Learn the warning signs, risk factors, and when to seek help. Approximately 29% of medical cannabis users met criteria for CUD in one major review.

Driving & Impairment

THC impairs driving ability. Over 40% of drivers killed in fatal crashes had THC in their blood. Cannabis impairment is a DUI offense in all states, regardless of legal status.

The Bottom Line

Reading this section does not mean cannabis is inherently dangerous. It means you are taking your health seriously. The vast majority of negative outcomes with cannabis are preventable — they result from uninformed use, ignoring contraindications, failing to account for drug interactions, or using too much too quickly.

Our commitment: TryCannabis.org will never minimize risks to make cannabis seem more appealing. We believe that honest, complete information — including the parts that are inconvenient for cannabis advocates — is what builds trust and keeps people safe. If you take nothing else from this section, take this: always involve your healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications.

If you are new to cannabis, we strongly recommend reading the Who Should Not Use Cannabis and Drug Interactions pages before exploring any other section of this site. Then visit our Talking to Your Doctor page for guidance on having this conversation with your healthcare provider.