Cannabis, Mary Jane, or the Wacky Tobacky. No matter what you like to call it, one thing is for certain is that it’s a fantastic and fascinating plant. With the rise of cannabis legalisation all over the world, more and more people are enjoying cannabis both for medical reasons and with friends. There are many ways cannabis can be enjoyed and there are many more benefits that come along with using the herb. However, at the end of the day, cannabis is a mind-altering substance and should be respected as such. So if you are planning on sparking up soon, here is a list of 8 things to be aware of when understanding how to use cannabis safely and responsibly.
Start Slow and Low
It is essential if you are trying cannabis for the first time that you start off with a lower dosage. If you are smoking cannabis from a joint or a bong you will feel the effects almost immediately. Cannabis affects everybody differently so until you know how your body reacts start slow and take note of the effects. Trust yourself and be aware of how you feel before you go back in for that extra hit.
Stay Hydrated
A little-known fact is cannabis actually works far better when you are hydrated. Scientific studies have shown being hydrated not only enhances the effects of the herb but also can result in your high lasting longer. So make sure you’ve got your bottle of water nearby before, during and after smoking. And of course, if nothing else you can prevent that dreaded cotton mouth.
Understand your Limits
As with any substance, you don’t want cannabis affecting your day-to-day life. While you can’t overdose on cannabis like alcohol or opioids, you can definitely smoke too much weed. So if you are trying to avoid the munchies, couch lock, or passing out for a long weed nap, you have to know when to stop. Some people may be able to handle large dosages while others may need to use cannabis safely and a bit more carefully. Regardless of your tolerances, you must know your limits to avoid bad experiences or cannabis negatively affecting your life.
Don’t Overdo It
While many cannabis advocates on the web will preach about the plant having absolutely no negative effects on the body, this in reality is not the case. Like many things in life, you can have too much of a good thing. Daily and excessive cannabis use can lead to health issues such as lung infections, chronic coughing, mental health issues and the possibility of dependence. Monitor your usage and take breaks to reset your tolerance. Trust me when I say you will enjoy cannabis twice as much after a little break.
Pick and Don’t Mix
Cannabis is often taken alongside alcohol at parties. The risks of impaired judgment and motor control are multiplied by mixing these substances. There is a much larger chance of experiencing cannabis’ negative side effects such as panic or paranoia when smoking and drinking. It is recommended if you are going to drink and smoke cannabis pick one or the other. Enjoy cannabis for what it is and try to avoid having a bad experience by mixing cannabis with other substances. Use cannabis safely and responsibly and it will more than likely be a pleasant experience.
When It Gets too Much…
Nobody has ever died from smoking too much cannabis but it can be an unpleasant experience if you find yourself a little bit too high for your liking. The important thing to do in that situation is not to panic. Calm yourself down with your favourite movie and drink plenty of water. Those YouTube LoFi mixes are my go-to if ever I get to overwhelmed by the effects of cannabis. Remind yourself you will be back to normal in a short while and take some deep breaths. And if all else fails crunch on some black peppercorns. Peppercorns are known to offset the effects of THC. But be sure not to swallow them after chewing.
Be Extra Cautious with those Brownies
Starting slow is even more important when it comes to taking edibles. Edibles can be very potent and also take much longer to take effect than smoking. People can feel the effects of edible cannabis after 30 minutes or sometimes after 2 hours. The high from edible cannabis can last for a much longer time and for many people can feel much stronger. Start off with a quarter of the edible, if not less, and wait plenty of time before going back for more. Often when you say “man I don’t feel anything!”, that is exactly when you start to feel it.
Don’t Dab and Drive
This feels a little silly to include but people never ever drive after you have consumed cannabis. While many can go about regular tasks under the influence of Mary Jane driving shouldn’t be one of them. As we have already covered cannabis affects everybody differently. It can impair judgment and slow reaction times in some people. These are two things that are essential for driving, not to mention smoking and driving are putting other people in danger. While there is no scientific proof cannabis impairs you’re driving we highly recommend staying put while high.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our first blog post on “How to Use Cannabis Safely & Responsibly”. Like most things, using cannabis in moderation is usually good go-to advice. Most people will soon understand their limits very quickly, but bear in mind that every strain has different levels of THC and can affect you differently. Have we missed anything? Any tips or tricks that you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
