Responsible consumption is essential to an enjoyable and safe cannabis experience. Cannabis is something that should be used in a safe way, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about health and safety.
We’re all adults here. No one needs a lecture – these are just a few “best practice” tips to not only help you stay safe but to get the most out of your experience.
How To Safely Store Cannabis
First things first, we want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep these products out of the wrong hands. Whether it’s keeping them away from children or pets or simply making sure someone else in your house doesn’t accidentally consume an unwanted edible, all of these issues can be mitigated by taking a few simple precautions.
First and foremost, cannabis products should be clearly indicated as such. A good way to do this is to simply keep the product in its original packaging with the THC logo.
For children and pets, you’ll need to go the extra step (this is especially true with edibles that can easily be mistaken for regular food). Store your products in a high, out-of-sight area (the very top cupboard, for example), and consider using something like a lockable container
How To Choose The Right Product For You
Choosing the right product is a highly personal experience and will depend on your tastes, preferences and level of experience with the plant.
Let’s start with consumption methods – for most people, cannabis flower is the most cost-effective and user-friendly option. Smoked flower allows THC to enter the bloodstream rapidly and take effect quickly and requires very little technical knowledge.
While it requires a little more setup and technical know-how, vaping is also a fairly good choice for beginners. It offers most of the advantages of flower, but without some of the drawbacks (less smell, easier on the lungs, etc).
Edibles may seem like a solid choice for newbies. A lot of people want the benefits of cannabis without the drawbacks of smoking or the hassle of getting set up with new equipment.
However, edibles can actually be tricky business – getting the amount right can be difficult if you’re making your own, and the effects can be quite a bit more potent than smoking or vaping.
Finally, we have dabbing. Thanks to the concentrated nature of these products, dabbing is one of the most powerful and potent ways to consume cannabis. And while it’s a great choice for some people, it’s generally a good idea to hold off for a while if you’re new to all of this.
With all of these options, it’s important to consider potency. A lot of this comes down to overall THC content – check your label or consult with your Budtender to find out exactly how much is going to be in your product.
Last but not least, you need to choose the right kind of cannabis. As we covered in our Cannabis Basics (insert link), not all pot is created equal, and the right strain can really make or break your experience. While one may have you feeling mellow and relaxed, another may have you buzzing with creativity.
And with all the strains to choose from today, we know that this whole process can be confusing. Feel free to chat with any of our Budtenders – they’re ready, willing and able to hear you out, understand what you’re looking for and find the perfect strain for you.
Start Low, Go Slow
“Start low, go slow” has been a mantra for a while now, and for a good reason. Cannabis is a beautiful plant with the potential for creating some truly magical experiences…in the right amounts.
In the WRONG amounts, the whole thing can go from magical and wonderful to uncomfortable and downright frightening in a hurry. And the last thing we want is a bad experience putting you off of the stuff (ask anyone who’s ever “greened out” their first time).
So, what exactly does “start low” mean? Generally speaking, if you’re a newbie, you’re going to want to go easy on the THC. Everyone has a different tolerance, and the exact amount will vary from person to person, but anything in excess of 20% is usually considered “high”.
You’ll also want to factor in the consumption method as well. We’d recommend starting on the more “conventional” side of things with products like flower and vapes.
Responsible Use
Consuming cannabis responsibly is key to a safe and enjoyable experience with this incredible plant.
Despite the pervasive “stoner” stereotype, the reality is that the vast majority of cannabis users enjoy the plant responsibly, and we encourage you to do the same.
The principle to keep in mind throughout your journey with cannabis is good judgement. You should treat cannabis in a similar way as alcohol, and consume it in moderation.
If you find yourself becoming psychologically dependent on cannabis, we encourage you to consult a health care professional.
Finally, it is best to enjoy cannabis in a safe and familiar environment. This will make your cannabis experience much more secure and enjoyable.