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The Essential Guide to Responsible Cannabis Use: 7 Safety Tips

Written by Sam Roberts | May 23, 2023 5:33:26 PM

Cannabis is growing in popularity worldwide due to widespread legalization, changing social attitudes, and perceived health benefits—particularly in the Western world. 

 

However, the growth in legalization comes with one major caveat: You must know how to consume it safely. Unfortunately, not everyone understands their marijuana limits—resulting in anxiety, bloodshot eyes, rapid heart rate, nausea, paranoia, etc. 

 

Consuming cannabis is typically very safe, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. The side effects of a cannabis overdose can be highly unpleasant. 

 

Here are some fundamental tips to avoid those nasty side effects:

 

1. Start Slowly

Cannabis is like alcohol: You must start slowly and work up. You may remember the first time you got drunk (or parts of it). It probably happened quickly, right? Maybe after two beers? 

 

We’ve all been there; alcohol humbles the best of us when we consume too much. 

 

Cannabis is no different. 

 

Start slowly and gradually consume more before trying more potent cannabis strains as your tolerance levels increase. Likewise, seek products with lower THC percentages and perhaps avoid edibles at first. 

 

If you prefer starting with edibles, don’t fall into the common trap of eating too many at once because you don’t feel the side effects quickly. 

 

2. Learn About THC Ratios 

It’s critical to learn about THC ratios. THC, alongside CBD, is one of the prominent cannabinoids found in marijuana. It’s the cannabinoid that provides the psychoactive experience. 

 

A THC percentage is simply how much THC is within the cannabis. For instance, many cannabis strains contain between 20 and 30% THC. Some modern cannabis strains contain over 30% THC, which is a strong amount. 

 

If you’re starting, it’s a wise idea to consume cannabis below 20% before trying more potent strains. That way, you’ll allow your body to become used to cannabis without hefty side effects. 

 

3. Understand Your Limits 

How do you know your limits when starting? It’s simple: Start slowly and learn along the way. Similar to alcohol, different people have different tolerance levels for cannabis. 

 

As a result, you should avoid submitting to peer pressure and consume at your own pace. Likewise, listen to your body and mind. When you smoke cannabis instead of eating it, you’ll know within seconds how your body is reacting. 

 

In addition, never feel afraid to take a break, have some water, and enjoy your current high. 

 

4. Choose Safe Consumption Methods and Environments

There are various ways to consume cannabis, such as smoking, edibles, tinctures, and vaporizing. Each method has its pros and cons and different considerations for safe use. 

 

However, smoking is an excellent way to start consuming cannabis because it’s relatively straightforward, and you can gauge your tolerance levels quickly. 

 

Edibles typically have the most prolonged onset and most potent side effects. Therefore, you should carefully follow the dosage recommendations. 

 

You should also choose a safe consumption environment, such as your home, where you feel comfortable smoking cannabis. It’s always good to have food, water, and a bed nearby if the high comes on stronger than expected. 

 

5. Store Your Cannabis Properly 

If you don’t store your cannabis correctly—you’ll destroy it. Unfortunately, smoking damaged cannabis can ruin the high and make you uneasy. Also, you don’t want to ruin your beautiful cannabis buds. 

 

Therefore, you should store your cannabis at the right temperature—typically between 65 and 55 Fahrenheit—to keep it healthy. Similarly, reduce light and air exposure, watch humidity levels, and avoid moving your cannabis around. 

 

Common signs of damaged weed include crumbling leaves, mold, and a strange smell. It’s probably a wise idea to throw your weed away if you experience any of these symptoms,

 

6. Always Seek Broader Knowledge 

The cannabis industry continually evolves, so you should seek broader knowledge and research the latest regulations and medical advice. Also, learn about potential risks, health benefits, and responsible consumption practices. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact a doctor, a cannabis expert, or budtenders at the best weed dispensaries. 

 

7. Monitor Local Laws

If you’re unsure whether cannabis is legal in your current territory—you should ask questions, research, or simply avoid consuming it. Cannabis laws vary throughout different U.S. states, and cannabis is largely illegal throughout Europe. 

 

Smoking cannabis in places where it’s illegal is unsafe and could lead to fines or time in jail. Therefore, always check the latest laws and regulations. 

 

How to Reduce the Effects of Being Too High

If you’ve consumed too much cannabis and feel the unwanted side effects, such as nausea and paranoia, it’s essential to reduce those feelings. Here are some things you should do:

 

  • Consume Black Peppercorn: A 2011 review from the British Journal of Pharmacology found that various terpenes, such as caryophyllene, found in high amounts of peppercorn, can reduce the side effects of being too high. 
  • Ingest CBD: Research shows that CBD may mitigate the effects of THC on the body. However, studies have found that it needs to be a higher CBD dose to counteract the effects of THC. 
  • Drink Water and Eat: If you ever feel too high, drink plenty of water. If you’re nauseous, you might not feel like drinking and eating. However, it’s often somewhat helpful. 
  • Use Ibuprofen: A 2013 study suggested anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen can mitigate the effects of cannabis, including reducing anxiety and paranoia. 

Get the Most From Your Cannabis and Consume It Safely 

Safe cannabis consumption requires understanding the strain, the dose, and the best use practices. If you start with low doses, choose the safest consumption methods, and learn your limits quickly, you’ll have an enjoyable experience with cannabis. 

 

At Toke, we understand the significance of choosing the best cannabis strain. As a result, we built a platform to help you find the best marijuana with the best insights on strains, regulations, and news. 


Find out more about how Toke.AI can help you now!