TIPS FOR SMOKING WEED SAFELY
You've read about it and talked about it with your friends and now you're ready: you want to start cannabis, but how do you do it safely? Starting something new is always exciting and fun, but it's important to make sure you do it wisely. In this article, we'll help you get started with tips and explanations so you know what to expect.
How to smoke weed safely? The best tips!
You can start using weed for recreational reasons, simply for the pleasure that getting high brings. But there are also many people who use weed for medical reasons. Either way, it is important to prepare yourself well.
It's not that cannabis is dangerous, but when starting something new, it's always a good idea to prepare your body and mind for this special experience and to make sure you are safe. Read on below to find out how to go about this.
Tip 1: Make sure the environment is safe and comfortable
Make sure the environment is safe, cosy and comfortable. If you are going to start smoking weed, you can pay some extra attention to your surroundings: put on some atmospheric music, make sure you have soft cushions to hang against and put down some tasty snacks and drinks. After all, the environment you find yourself in has a lot of influence on how you feel and therefore on how weed will affect you. Make sure you feel completely at ease.
The people around you also affect how you feel. Surround yourself with good friends. If you don't want others around you, at least make sure you have a good friend who can be a trip sitter and help you if you were not feeling well.
Tip 2: Choose the right time
When you start smoking weed, you are bound to feel different than usual. So it's nice to know you have nothing else planned that day. Make sure your schedule is really empty, even after smoking. You will probably not be able to do anything for the first few hours after the high. So think carefully about what time of day is most suitable to use cannabis and plan accordingly.
Tip 3: Make sure you eat and drink enough
It's useful to think about snacks and drinks as well. You've probably heard of the munchies: the sudden urge to snack when using weed. This appetite is caused by THC (research published in Nature.com), which makes your brain think you are hungry. So make sure you have your favourite snacks at home. You may also experience a considerable thirst, which is especially after smoking. You can reduce this feeling by continuing to drink well while smoking.
Tip 4: Smoking weed safely
There are many different ways to use weed: smoking a joint, using a bong or water pipe or vaping. A joint is the easiest and safest way to start smoking weed. It is easier to dose and requires no other skills, compared to a bong. If you have already smoked a few times, you can see if other ways might suit you better.
Tip 5: Take possible negative effects into account
Although many people use cannabis without any problems, it can also have negative effects, especially for beginners. Too high a dose of THC can lead to anxiety, paranoia or panic attacks. This is more common in people who are prone to stress or have mental complaints. You may also experience dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness or an accelerated heartbeat. In rare cases, cannabis use can trigger psychotic symptoms, especially in people with a predisposition to mental illness.
Tip 6: Be patient
One of the most common mistakes when starting to smoke weed is being impatient. If you take your first puff and feel nothing, don't immediately think that your weed is no good and that you need more. Take your time, you're not in a hurry, and it may take a while for the effects to kick in. If you take immediately, more then you have a good chance your experience won't be so great. If you're patient, the high you were looking for will come naturally and usually when you least expect it. Enjoy the road to it and smoke in moderation.
Tip 7: Choose cannabis with the right proportions of THC and CBD
CBD and THC are the best-known cannabinoids in cannabis. THC provides the high. The higher the percentage of THC, the more intense the high. But CBD can also have its uses in a strain, especially if you are starting out with cannabis. CBD provides more balance and prevents you from getting too much into higher moods. It can be a good idea to choose a strain with a ratio of CBD to THC of 1:1. You'll then still experience the fine effects of THC, such as euphoria, but the high won't be too intense.
So what's next?
Of course, a lot depends on the strain you chose, how you feel about yourself and your specific situation. Hopefully, the experience was pleasant and memorable. Try to learn from it too, so you can figure out what works best for you.
Also bear in mind that you may continue to feel the effects for a while, even the day after. You may not feel completely yourself yet. This is especially true if you have used edibles, in which case the whole experience can last eight hours or even more. Still feeling high a day later? Don't worry, the effects will fade and eventually subside.
Cannabis is still a popular drug and it is also relatively safe according to a study published on Sciencealert. However, it is important to always use cannabis responsibly. Never combine cannabis with alcohol or other drugs. Also, do not drive when you have used weed; if you need to go somewhere else, ask someone to drive you. Keep in mind that most people can use cannabis without any problems, but some are sensitive to it. Stop using cannabis immediately if you notice this and contact your doctor.
The Trimbos Institute has published a fact sheet on the different uses of cannabis and the associated effects and health risks. Source: Trimbos.nl
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal or professional advice. Cannabis use can have physical and mental effects that vary from person to person. Always consider your own health condition and consult a medical professional if you are unsure about the effects of cannabis use.
Cannabis use may be illegal in some countries and regions. Always check local laws before purchasing or using cannabis. The author and publisher of this blog are not liable for any consequences of applying the information in this article.
Use cannabis responsibly, do not smoke if you are under the legal age and do not combine it with alcohol, medication or other drugs. Never drive under the influence of cannabis. In case of unwanted side effects, such as panic or paranoia, seek a safe environment and, if necessary, medical attention.
