Medical cannabis is therapeutic and natural. It’s a plant with medicinal properties that proves effective against mental and physical health problems. But, does this mean that you can be careless with the herb? No.
It is crucial to maintain moderation and ensure proper use even with all things natural such as cannabis. The safer you are with the herb, the better your experience will be. And you can be safe when using medical cannabis by taking very simple steps.
So, here are 5 simple tips recommended by New York cannabis doctors that every medical marijuana patient must follow to use cannabis safely.
Avoid Sharing
The past year has taught us a lot in terms of maintaining caution among strangers. The same thought process must be maintained when using cannabis around people.
Sharing is not that common among MMJ patients but if you end up in a situation where you might have to share your joint or edibles, avoid it as much as possible. Soon adult-use cannabis sales will begin in New York and cannabis might even become a way of socializing. Keeping all this in mind, doctor’s recommend avoiding sharing cannabis in any way until it is completely safe.
Though people are getting vaccinated and many states have lifted mask mandates in public places, the risk remains. There is no concrete proof yet regarding the mildness of symptoms among vaccinated people. So, maintaining distance is the best way to reduce exposure from the virus as well as other germs.
Always Read Labels on Medical Cannabis Products
All cannabis products are properly packed and labeled with every information necessary to help people determine the quality of the product. So, you must take the time to read the labels.
These labels include the expiration date, CBD, THC or other cannabinoid content, any special warnings, usage instructions, serving sizes, etc. In addition to this, you can also use the QR code or the batch number on the label to access the Certificate of Analysis which gives you more idea about the components of your cannabis product.
The entire purpose of reading labels is ensuring that you buy good quality products that are safe to use for your medical condition.
Store Cannabis Properly to Avoid Accidents
Medical cannabis consumers often forget that proper storage of the herb is one of the most important safety measures. While cannabis flowers and vapes are easily distinguishable, other products like edibles are similar to regular food or snacks. Not storing your stash properly leaves room for accidents that can lead to severe situations too.
As per a report, the number of children accidentally ingesting cannabis edibles has increased 29 times since 2010. The number of emergency calls related to accidental ingestions has also increased in the case of pets.
These problems have a simple and effortless solution- proper storage.
Keep your edibles, flowers or other cannabis products in a container and store it in a place that’s hard to reach for pets and children. If you need to store your cannabis products in the fridge, make sure you label them properly.
Remember That Cannabis Works Differently for Everyone
Effects of cannabis can vary from one person to another. Factors like metabolism, age, hormones, history of use, medical condition, etc. can be the reason for such varying effects of cannabis. Such individual factors decide the amount of cannabis a patient needs to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
The one foolproof way to find the right dose for yourself is microdosing. The process involves dividing your total dose into smaller doses and taking them throughout the day depending on the effects you need. This way, you find the best amount for your medical condition without any risks of overdosing.
All MMJ patients must also be careful about the delivery method while microdosing. For instance, edibles have a late-onset but can deliver stronger effects than smokables. So, you need to be careful about the initial amount and the quantity of cannabinoids in it.
Cannabis Impairs Alertness
Yes, cannabis is medicinal but it is also psychoactive. In simple words, it causes a high. The herb contains a cannabinoid called Tetrahydrocannabinol which affects the CB receptors of the body and creates a high feeling. Your body and mind becomes less alert and responsive.
As long as you consume cannabis in moderation, the high will be tolerable. However, it still makes you incapable of operating heavy machinery or performing activities that require alertness.
So, New York cannabis doctors recommend dosing medical marijuana in a private space only. Additionally, they also advise the patients against driving after dosing on cannabis. It’s the best way to ensure your safety, as well as that of others.
Why is it Necessary to be Safe When Using Medical Cannabis?
Every doctor who recommends medical cannabis emphasizes the need to be safe with the herb. The reason is simple. Careless use of anything can lead to unfortunate situations. Cannabis is a great medicine as long as consumed as per the instructions of the professionals.
So, if you are considering using cannabis for medical reasons, keep these tips in mind to have a safe experience.
