The #1 cannabis industry recommendation is, “Start low, go slow.” This article covers the “what next?” question when experimenting with cannabis in different situations and for various reasons.
Cannabinoids are released in our system depending on the delivery method. For instance, if you smoke cannabis, you’ll feel the effects in as soon as 2 to 15 minutes. If cannabis is consumed sublingually (i.e. under the tongue), it will enter the system more quickly than an edible that is eaten and enters through the stomach. If cannabis is combined with sugar, it may take as long as 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to start taking effect. If cannabis is combined with fat, like oil or butter, it may take as long as 45 minutes to 2 hours to begin feeling its effects.
Understand how cannabis can react in the body under certain factors. Food, alcohol, and hydration are just some of the factors that may affect how you metabolize cannabis. Stay tuned for an upcoming article for more on this!
Use a cannabis tracking tool(this one is High Class’ Canna Tracker) during your cannabis experiments. Cannabis comes in many forms (i.e. edibles, flower, vapes, pre-rolls, etc.), and the dosage is just as important, if not more so, than the method of consumption with regard to the factors affecting experience. Know what you’re ingesting and how it may affect you.
Be respectful and responsible when sharing your cannabis. Make sure to know what you have and properly communicate the ingredients’ dose and potency.
Mixing cannabis and alcohol is a recipe for disaster. Ask around before you try the combo; it’s not fun. If you have cannabis to share, avoid giving it to anyone you suspect has been drinking alcohol.
Mixing CBD with THC may be a potential recipe for a great experience! Research has shown that CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC. (Stay tuned for a future blog post on this very topic!) Some industry workers suggest chugging a bottle of CBD-infused water to counteract an unpleasant trip on too much THC. Anecdotal suggestions for balancing out too much THC in the system include orange juice or other high-sugar beverages (without alcohol).
Patience is key to determining a cannabis experience. When smoking cannabis for the first time, just take a puff or two and wait for at least 15 minutes. See how you feel before trying another puff or two. When consuming edibles and infused drinks for the first time, start with a low dose of THC (such as 2 – 2.5mg) and wait 1.5 hours to 2 hours before trying another small dose. Ideally, wait until the next time you can safely consume cannabis to increase the initial dose. Cannabis builds up in the system; so especially with the edibles, taking more too soon can lead to having too much in one sitting and possibly a surprising and unpleasant experience.
Do not drive under the influence of cannabis. The authorities have been doing a great job reminding cannabis users about the dangers of impairment since legalization. Besides driving, operating any kind of machinery and tasks that require a knife or climbing a ladder are, of course, perhaps an unwise idea.
We hope these safe cannabis consumption tips make a difference in your cannabis experiments. Remember, less is best and will help ensure a more pleasant experience, especially for first-time, nearly-new, and occasional cannabis users.
Do you have any safe cannabis consumption tips that you’ve discovered along your cannabis journey? Please share them in the comments below!
