Reviews research about edible cannabis products, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals. Findings of the report include the health and safety risks these types of cannabis products have that are different from the risks associated with dried cannabis. It also addresses the risks of over consumption, methods of use, unintentional ingestion — especially by children — and the psychoactive effects of these types of products.

Key points
• Edible cannabis products, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals have unique health and safety risks that are not inherent to dried cannabis.
• High-potency cannabis extracts increase the risk of over-intoxication more than dried cannabis. Although limited, the available evidence indicates that frequent use of these products is associated with problematic cannabis use, cannabis use disorder and mental health disorders.
• Edible cannabis products can increase the risk of over-consumption and subsequent over-intoxication and impairment. Because when unpackaged they look like ordinary food and beverage products, edible cannabis products also increase the risk of unintentional ingestion, especially by children.
• Research on cannabis topicals, including the use of topical and transdermal cannabidiol products, is limited. There is, however, growing interest among dermatologists and consumers in these cannabis products.
• The health impacts associated with long-term use of edible cannabis products, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals are not known.
• Public education efforts will play an important role in mitigating the harms associated with new cannabis products.