Safety Tips for First-Time Chronic cannabis users is a growing topic in many communities across the United States. Many cities and towns have been sued, many times for civil rights violations for failure to enforce “properly” smoking cannabis in public. Now that it is legal to smoke cannabis, many cities are being forced to enact ordinances that prohibit smoking anywhere near public places such as libraries, coffee shops, or parks. Some cities are even making it illegal to drive any kind of vehicle while under the influence of cannabis! This article will explore the safety tips for first time cannabis smokers.
The first safety tip for first time cannabis smokers is to try not to get high right away. Smoking cannabis is similar to drinking alcohol; you may feel very alert and hyper but you aren’t going to be driving home. It is best to take your time and calm down before you decide to drive. If you need to, find a quiet spot to sit down for a while without others around to distract you.
While you are sitting down, think back about your last experience where you started to feel extremely alert and hyper. What came over you and made you feel out of control? Did you consume more cannabis or did you end up taking more than you normally do with alcohol? If you found yourself having a hard time coming down from a high point, it is a good idea to increase the amount of cannabis you take to reduce the amount of dopamine that flows into your brain and keep you feeling high.
When you feel high and are ready to drive, talk to your family and friends about the plan you are about to take. Let them know that you are now considering smoking cannabis or taking cannabis at least three times per day to help relieve the symptoms of chronic pain or discomfort. Be sure to let them know that you are planning to start smoking a specific brand of cannabis, such as Shatter or Pink Pipe, and not any old strain or type of cannabis. This way, they can be prepared for the effects when you do begin to smoke and won’t panic if they see you reaching for the Tylenol while smoking one of your favorite strains.
In addition to giving your friends or family a heads up about what you are about to do, you should also take a few moments to evaluate how you feel when you are about to smoke a joint or take a puff of your favorite strain of cannabis. How does your body feel? Does it feel normal? If you smoke a joint or take a hit of your favorite cannabis product and find that you feel strange or off, chances are you will begin to notice other symptoms, including a racing heart, nausea, and even feelings of paranoia. These are all signs that you are using too much of your body’s endocannabinoid system.
It is important to use your body’s natural coping mechanisms to help control and limit the negative side effects of cannabis, especially when you are still getting used to it and have not had many negative experiences yet. Your brain and the chemistry of your body need time to adjust to the new type of cannabis and the different types of strain that you will be smoking. Your goal should be to use these natural methods in conjunction with your daily routine and to maintain your awareness of the amount of THC, CBD, or CB1 receptors that are currently in your system.