So you’ve decided to use cannabis to improve your health. It can be a great treatment for certain health concerns, such as controlling nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, relaxing tight muscles in people with MS, and stimulating the appetites of people who have cancer or AIDS. Before you decide to use cannabis though, you need to know the dos and don’ts.
Do Have a Reason for Using Cannabis
Think about why you want to use it. Knowing the reason you use can help you avoid unwanted experiences and have more of the experiences you want to have.
Consider your desired feelings, actions, or benefits when you use cannabis. Next, consider what you would rather not go through. Exercises like these can be a great way to get a better understanding of your options when it comes to cannabis.
Don’t Mix Cannabis with Alcohol
You’ll get better health benefits from cannabis if you don’t mix it with alcohol and other substances. Combining substances can have unpredictable results. It is also possible that two or more substances may interact adversely.
Do Put Off High-Risk Activities
Do not drive, ski, or swim for several hours after you have vaped or smoked cannabis or used edible cannabis products. Your tolerance may dictate how long you need. In some cases, you may need more time.
Don’t Foreget about the Serving Size
Double-check the serving size for all cannabis products, but especially edibles. A standard serving should have less than 10 mg of THC. Your tolerance determines how much THC you can consume.
You should start off with a small serving of edible products when you use them for the first time – perhaps 2.5 to 5 mg. Remember that edibles take between two and four hours to take effect.
Do Take It Slow and Start Low
Before using cannabis, take it easy until you find out how it affects you. It’s especially critical when you use edibles or concentrates. Before you consume more, make sure the product has a low THC content.
Don’t Overdo It
Using cannabis frequently increases tolerance, meaning it takes more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Low-frequency cannabis use is associated with fewer dependence risks, adverse mental health effects, and long-term health consequences.
Do Keep Cannabis Products Safe
Cannabis products should be kept in their original package. Keep in a place where pets and young children cannot access them. Consult a veterinarian or health care provider if your kid or pet has consumed cannabis.
Don’t Break Public Health Recommendations
Follow these public health guidelines if you plan to use cannabis:
- Don’t share cannabis smoking products with others.
- Don’t blow smoke or vapor into confined areas, or at other people.
- Stay at least six feet away from others.
- Limit the size of gatherings and follow public health guidelines.
- Don’t expose your face when you’re not smoking or consuming cannabis
Those are a few things to remember when using cannabis to improve your health. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll achieve the desired health benefits from it.