What are harm reduction strategies for people who use marijuana?
There are ways to prevent dangerous situations while also enhancing marijuana’s potential benefits.
People can make educated decisions when they understand marijuana’s effects and have information on dosing. Also, knowing about any resources available to handle potential difficult experiences can be helpful.
Use products with lower THC concentrations.
Using products with lower THC concentrations can be particularly beneficial, especially for new or occasional users. Lower THC concentrations reduce the risk of adverse marijuana effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or cognitive impairment. Lower THC concentrations also allow users to have a more controlled and predictable experience. This makes it easier to gauge personal tolerance and minimize the likelihood of overconsumption. Additionally, lower THC concentration products may be a safer option for individuals using marijuana for medical purposes, as they can provide therapeutic benefits while reducing the intensity of intoxicating effects. Other cannabinoids like CBD may also influence the adverse effects of marijuana and may reduce some of THC’s negative effects.
Consider the pros and cons of different routes of consumption.
Marijuana has several potential benefits if used with moderation. Marijuana may affect people differently based on their method of consumption. Varying levels of THC in marijuana products and the method of consumption impact the different risks and benefits.
Marijuana is usually consumed via inhalation, either smoking or vaporizing, which allows for a rapid onset of effects. This also allows the user to control their dosage and avoid overconsumption. However, smoking marijuana can expose users to other byproducts such as carcinogens that can adversely affect lung health. Vaping is seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking as it reduces exposure to harmful toxins. However, there are still safety concerns about vaping. Vaping may contain additional additives, and vape products often contain high concentrations of THC.
Secondhand marijuana smoke is the mixture of smoke from burning marijuana and what the smoker is exhaling. Secondhand marijuana smoke has the same or higher amounts of toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. People who smoke marijuana should do so in well-ventilated areas and be mindful of secondhand exposure for bystanders.
Consuming marijuana via infused edibles, in foods and beverages, and in oils and tinctures is another option. Marijuana-infused edibles can have a stronger intoxicating effect and last longer than smoking. While edibles eliminate lung risks associated with smoking, they come with a higher potential for accidental overconsumption. Delayed effects of edibles can take up to an hour after consumption to kick in. Users can mistakenly take more than intended, leading to adverse side effects. It’s important to regulate dosage and remember that it can take up to one hour before a marijuana edible takes effect. Oils and tinctures are easier to calculate a precise dosage for, and can lead to a faster onset of effects compared to edibles. However, miscalculation of dosage can still pose a risk to users, especially new users.
Avoid using marijuana with alcohol or other drugs.
Mixing marijuana with other drugs can lead to harmful effects or impairment. When taken with opioids, alcohol, or other downers, it can lead to sleepiness, sedation, and impaired decision-making. Mixing stimulant drugs with marijuana can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of feeling anxious, panicked, or paranoid when taken with these drugs.
Go slow.
People should “go slow.” Taking a little bit at a time can reduce the risk of adverse effects due to accidentally taking too much. In addition, it is important to go slow since it only takes a little bit of a product with a high concentration of THC to have a strong effect. If consuming an edible, it is also important to remember that effects may be delayed, so one should not consume more in the meantime.
