State of IllinoisIllinois Department of Public Health

4. Check for allergens - medical cannabis-infused products may be produced in thesame facility where common allergenssuch as tree nuts or peanuts are used.

5. Do not consume medical cannabis-infusedproducts and alcohol together.

6. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery- edible marijuana products and someother infused products remain in yoursystem for several hours longer thaninhaled products, so you should notoperate a vehicle for the rest of the dayafter consuming them.

7. Keep all medical-cannabis-infused productsaway from children and pets - store medicalcannabis-infused products in a securelocation. In case of accidental consumptionby a child, call the Poison Center Hotline,1-800-222-1222, immediately.

8. Label homemade medical cannabis-infused products.

9. Never offer medical cannabis-infusedproducts to others.

10. Seek medical help if needed.

Medical Cannabis can make a personphysically sick, especially in children. If youtook too much medical cannabis or areexperiencing an unwanted or unexpectedreaction, call the Poison Center Hotline at1-800-222-1222.

Information about medical cannabis-infused products isprovided for informational purposes only and should notbe used for diagnosing purposes or be substituted formedical advice.

Illinois Department of Public HealthDivision of Medical Cannabis

Phone: 855-636-3688

E-mail: dph.medicalcannabis@illinois.gov

Visit http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis

for more information

Apply on-linehttps://medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov/

Printed by Authority of the State of IllinoisP.O.#3116014 500 5/16

IOCI 16-629

What are medical cannabis-infused products?These are products such as foods (or“edibles”) and tinctures that are infusedwith concentrated marijuana oils. Edibles arethe most popular form of cannabis-infusedproducts, and are also the most likely toresult in over-consumption. Types of medicalcannabis-infused products may include, butnot limited to:

• edibles such as baked goods, candy orlozenges;

• teas and sodas;

• tinctures, tonics, and oils which are addedto food, medicines, and liquids, orconsumed directly in small drops or byplacing drops under the tongue;

• topicals, which are applied directly ontothe skin in the form of oils, balms, salves,lotions, sprays or ointments.

How will medical cannabis-infused products affect me?The effects of medical cannabis-infusedproducts are much different than smokingor vaporizing. Medical cannabis-infusedproducts usually have a longer effect on thebody and those effects vary from person toperson and are dependent on the type andamount consumed, as well as the method inwhich they are consumed.

New users often experience different effectsthan more experienced users. Some medicalcannabis patients feel no effect the firsttime they try it. Others — especially thosewho use too much their first time — mayexperience unpleasant feelings, such as anincreased heart rate or a sense of paranoia.

What should I knowbefore using medicalcannabis-infused products?Registered patients should use caution whenusing medical cannabis-infused products. Itis much easier to over-consume and over-medicate with ingested products. It isimportant to understand there are two verysignificant differences between inhaling andingesting medical cannabis:

• Ingesting medical cannabis typicallyproduces stronger and longer-lastingeffects because of the way the bodyprocesses it.

• Inhaling medical cannabis results in animmediate effect, which peaks within10 - 15 minutes, while ingesting medicalcannabis can take up to two hours totake effect and can peak for a couple ofhours after that.

If you choose to use medicalcannabis-infused products1. Do not eat raw cannabis - raw cannabis

does not deliver therapeutic benefits andis not recommended.

2. Beware of the potency of cannabis-infusedproducts. Start with a low dosage and goslowly. Always read the product packaginglabel. Some products, such as dense, richbrownies can take longer to digest, whichmeans it will take longer to feel theeffects. Products like infused drinks andtinctures are absorbed into the bodymuch more quickly, so the effects will befelt much sooner.

3. Review the labeling of each medicalcannabis-infused product.

Pros

• Provide long-lasting relief

• Good alternative for people averse toinhaling

• Dosage may be more precise than withsmoked products

• Topical cannabis does not produce apsychoactive effect

Cons

• Can take more time to be effective

• Dosage can vary widely depending onweight, metabolism, experience, andother factors

• Appealing to children and pets (andshould be locked up to avoid accidents)

• Creates a different “high” than smokingwhich may be unfamiliar to patients