Responsible Cannabis Use: 7 Ground Rules for Adults Who Smoke
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Responsible Cannabis Use: 7 Ground Rules for Adults Who Smoke

Adults only, never high behind the wheel, respect for the people around you and a healthy fear of edibles: what using weed responsibly actually looks like.

BY CosechaLibre Editorial5 MIN READ

Responsible cannabis use means using weed as an adult, never driving or operating machinery while high, paying attention to your mood and surroundings, not letting it hurt your health or goals, respecting the people around you, going slow with edibles and keeping it away from your pets. Legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis starts from the idea that users can consume responsibly, so there's no public benefit in hitting them with criminal and civil penalties. For reasons of public safety, public health, economics and justice, prohibition laws that criminalize responsible cannabis use should be repealed.

So what does responsible cannabis use really mean? As long as our actions don't harm anyone else, we should be free to consume what we want. To use cannabis responsibly and respect other people's freedoms, keep these points in mind.  

1. Adults only

Cannabis is for adults only. Giving weed to kids is irresponsible. What we hope for young people is that they grow up to be responsible adults, and our job is to show them what that means by teaching them that recreational drug use is for grown-ups.

2. Don't drive high

A responsible cannabis user doesn't drive a car or operate other dangerous machinery while high, or while under the influence of any other substance or condition, including some prescription medications. 

Cannabis bud resting on the grass

3. Mind your set and setting

Paying attention to your surroundings before you smoke is part of being a responsible cannabis user. Keep an eye on the conditions (time, place, mood and so on) and don't hesitate to say no when they're not right for a safe, enjoyable or productive experience.

4. Don't overdo it

Cannabis use that hurts your health, personal growth or goals is abuse. Abuse means harm. Some cannabis use is harmful; most isn't.

5. Respect other people's rights

A responsible cannabis user doesn't trample on other people's rights, follows the basic rules of living together and respects those who'd rather avoid cannabis altogether. Whatever the legal status of weed where you are, responsible users follow the etiquette for consuming in public and private spaces.

6. Don't underestimate edibles

Your body processes edibles differently from weed you smoke or vape. When you eat or drink an edible, the THC goes to your stomach and then your liver. The liver converts part of the THC into a stronger THC molecule (11-hydroxy-THC) before it reaches your bloodstream and brain. That can make the high feel much more intense.

That's why edibles can catch even experienced smokers off guard: the cannabinoids (THC/CBD) you swallow take a longer route, and the high lasts longer too. Bottom line: edibles come on slow and hit hard. Instead of fighting a bad high, it's better to avoid one. Start low and give it 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. If you overdid it, these tips will help:

- Stay somewhere quiet where you feel safe and focus on your breathing. 

- Find someone you trust to keep you company, and if it helps, hold their hand. 

- Having something sugary can help with the drop in blood pressure that too many edibles can cause. 

- Some research suggests that taking CBD in these situations can help, since this cannabinoid may tone down the effects of THC. It can be a capsule or a dose of pure CBD extract.

- Drink water.

Most important of all, tell someone you're not feeling well. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help, and above all, remember that you're not going to die and that the bad feeling will pass sooner or later.

7. Protect your pets

Cannabis for animals isn't the same as cannabis for humans. Before you give your pet any cannabis product, talk to your vet about the dose, the type of oil, the concentrations and so on. 

One more thing: if you live somewhere with a regulated cannabis industry, your best bet is to grow your own plants or buy from licensed stores, so you stay out of the black market and away from drug trafficking. 

As cannabis users, it's on us to use it responsibly and without harming others. That's how we can all work together to get this remarkable plant legalized and decriminalized around the world, once and for all. 

How often is it OK to smoke weed?

There's no single, universal answer to how often you should smoke weed, since everyone's circumstances and needs are different. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind about cannabis use:

  1. Responsible use: Use cannabis responsibly and mindfully. Know the effects and risks involved, and follow the laws and regulations where you live.
  2. Health and well-being: Cannabis can have both positive and negative effects on your health. How long-term use plays out, and its possible consequences, varies from person to person. Some people report therapeutic benefits, while others run into adverse effects, especially with heavy or chronic use.
  3. Personal use and the law: Personal cannabis use may be subject to legal rules and restrictions that differ from country to country. Look into the specific laws where you live so you stay within them.
  4. How you consume: The way you use weed also varies, whether you smoke it, vape it, eat it and so on. Each method can have different effects and absorption speeds.
  5. Tolerance and dependence: Frequent use can lead to tolerance and dependence in some people. Be aware of the potential risks, and if you decide to use regularly, keep it moderate and under control.

Bottom line: there's no one-size-fits-all amount or frequency for smoking weed. Everyone needs to weigh their own situation, think about their health and well-being, and follow local laws and regulations.

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