Ultimate Guidelines to Safe and Responsible Marijuana Consumption
Marijuana can be a powerful substance, especially if you don’t use it appropriately.
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Store it Safely
Store all marijuana products in a locked area, out of sight and out of reach of children. Keep marijuana in the child-resistant packaging from the retailer. Remember, how you store marijuana should change as your children get older. What works to protect a toddler from accidental ingestion may not work to protect a curious teenager who might actually be looking for it. For the best security, always keep marijuana of any form locked up, out of sight and out of reach.
Go Slow With Edibles
The effects of marijuana can take up to four hours to peak after eating or drinking it. It’s a good idea to wait at least four hours before consuming more. The standard serving size is 10 mg of THC, so don’t use more than that to start.
Don't Let Accidents Happen
Always keep marijuana safely out of reach of children. If a child eats or drinks marijuana by accident, they may need immediate medical help. Signs of accidental ingestion include: problems walking or sitting up, difficulty breathing, and becoming sleepy. If you worry a child may have ingested marijuana accidentally, call the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222). If the reaction seems bad, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
If you’re a pet owner, you should also store your marijuana safely. Call a veterinarian if your pet is showing the following symptoms of ingesting marijuana: depression and listlessness, loss of motor coordination, loss of balance, vomiting or low body temperature.
Some Things Don't Mix
Using alcohol and marijuana at the same time is likely to result in greater impairment than when using either one alone. Use both with caution, and remember, it's not a good idea to combine them. Also, be aware of the effect marijuana can have on prescription drugs. Ask your doctor if marijuana could interfere with your prescribed medication.
Secondhand Smoke is No Joke
Marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, so be mindful of those around you who don’t want to be exposed, especially children and pregnant women.
Know How Much is Too Much
Marijuana affects everybody differently, and varying doses, strains and forms can lead to different lengths and strengths of impairment. If you are unsure how marijuana will affect you, start with a low dose. For edibles, a serving is 10 mg. Dabbing uses highly concentrated THC and should only be used by those who have used marijuana in the past.
Oops, You Had Too Much
The symptoms of using too much marijuana are similar to the typical effects of using marijuana, but more severe. These symptoms may include: extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure and severe nausea/vomiting. If someone is having trouble breathing, has pale skin, or is unresponsive, call 911.
The article was originally published by Good to Know.
