Cannabis use and caring for young children

Learn about cannabis use and caring for an infant or young child. Get information to help make healthy decisions for yourself and your family.

On this page

• Important information about cannabis use while caring for an infant or young child
• Talking to your health care provider about cannabis
• About cannabis
• Caring for children safely
• Tips to reduce the risk of harm to yourself and your child
• Caregiving and mental health resources

Important information about cannabis use and caring for an infant or young child

• There's still a lot to learn about how regular cannabis use might affect caregiving and the health of children.
• It's best to avoid using cannabis when you are the only one caring for a child.
• If you use cannabis, you can take steps to reduce the risk of harm to yourself and any children you're caring for.

Talking to your health care provider about cannabis

Your health care provider can recommend supports and resources, and provide help based on your specific situation.

If you're caring for children and aren't comfortable having conversations with your health care providers about your cannabis use, you can use this resource to guide your conversation:

• Starting health care conversations: Cannabis, pregnancy, and breastfeeding and chestfeeding (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction)

About cannabis

Cannabis is also known as marijuana, weed and pot. The cannabis plant has hundreds of chemical compounds, including:

• THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound that makes people feel high
• CBD (cannabidiol), the compound that doesn't make people feel high, but still effects the brain and body in ways that are being researched for possible therapeutic uses

Cannabis products come in different forms such as:

• oils
• vapes
• rolled joints
• edible products

They can contain different amounts of THC, CBD and other compounds.

You can feel the effects of inhaled products quickly, while it may take longer for you to feel the effects of edible products because they must be digested.

Learn more:

• About cannabis
• Health effects of cannabis
• Cannabis in Canada: Get the facts
• Cannabis use before or during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding
• Your questions about cannabis, pregnancy and breastfeeding and chestfeeding (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction)

Caring for children safely

Responding to your child's needs

Using cannabis can reduce your ability to pay attention and make decisions. This might affect how you keep a child safe and respond to their needs. It might be harder for you to recognize:

• signs of danger
• their cues for hunger
• their desire to play and learn
• their need to be comforted

Cannabis can also impair your ability to deal with an emergency, including having to operate a motor vehicle safely in a time of need. If you decide to use cannabis, choose a time when you aren't the only person caring for a child.

Learn more:

• Cannabis impairment
• Drug-impaired driving

Cannabis poison prevention and safe storage

All cannabis products are dangerous if a child eats or drinks them. Many cannabis products look like cookies, gummy candy, brownies and drinks, and might look like a regular treat to a child.

If a child eats or drinks cannabis, call for help:

• 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669)
• 1-800-463-5060 in Quebec

If the child loses consciousness, has difficulty breathing or is having a seizure, call 9-1-1. Explain that you suspect the symptoms are or may be from cannabis consumption. A quicker diagnosis can prevent serious harm.

Learn more:

• Safe storage of cannabis
• Cannabis poisonings in children
• How to help prevent cannabis poisoning in children

Second-hand smoke and vapour

Second-hand cannabis smoke or vapour can be harmful, especially to children. It's safest not to smoke or vape cannabis at home or in a car, especially if a child is present.

Tips to reduce the risk of harm to yourself or your child

• If you choose to use cannabis, plan for another trusted adult who has not used cannabis or other substances to care for your child.
• Use cannabis away from children and store all cannabis products securely and out of their reach.
• Always store your cannabis securely and separate from regular food and drinks.
• Seek medical attention right away if your child eats or drinks cannabis.
• Choose legal cannabis products with child-resistant packaging.
• Don't drive if you've used cannabis.
• Talk to your health care provider about supports and services in your region to help reduce or stop cannabis use.

If stopping cannabis use isn't your goal at this time:

• use cannabis less often
• use less cannabis at a time
• use products with lower THC levels
• don't mix cannabis with other substances, such as alcohol

Canada's lower-risk cannabis use guidelines

Caregiving and mental health resources

Caregiving for a child can be challenging and stressful. Talk to your health care provider about services and supports. Look for supports and programs available through your local public health unit or community organizations.

Learn more:

• Mental health support: Get help
• Pregnancy, infant and child health supports and programs
• Where to get mental health care (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
• Anxiety: Resources and references (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
• Sleep and mental health: What's the connection? (Mental Health Commission of Canada)