Close to 55 million American adults currently use marijuana. If your friend is about to join the millions of users, you might wonder if you should give some advice. You can educate your friend on marijuana use to ensure it is done as safely as possible.
How to Consume Marijuana
First-time users are often overwhelmed by all the consumption methods available. If your friend is going to go the traditional route and smoke it, he or she needs to choose wisely. Bongs are overwhelming for first-time users. The bong smoke can be overly harsh and cause some discomfort. It can also get first-time users higher than they want to be.
One-hitters are ideal for those who want to monitor how much they consume at once. They just load up the one-hitter and take a single hit before reloading.
Bowls are also an option. Bowls hold more marijuana than one-hitters do, making them ideal for sharing.
If your friend wants to smoke but is worried it will be too harsh, recommend a vape. The smoke is much smoother, and it also doesn’t smell nearly as strong.
Many first-time users prefer edibles, so they can avoid smoking altogether. Edibles are available in a variety of forms, including gummies and brownies. Edibles can take 30 minutes to an hour to kick in, so make sure your friend is prepared.
Start Slow with Weed
Dosage is crucial when consuming or smoking marijuana. If your friend is going to smoke it, he or she should try a small amount and wait 10 minutes to feel the full results. Then, it is OK to smoke some more if needed.
If your friend is going the edible route, proper dosage is even more important since it takes so long to kick in. Tell your friend to take a dose of 10 mg starting out. Do not take any more until the full effects of the marijuana kick in, which could take up to 90 minutes or two hours.
Be in a Safe, Cannabis-Friendly Environment
If your friend has never tried marijuana before, smoking or eating in a safe environment is important. First-time users don’t know how the drug will affect them. Some people chill out and relax, while others get paranoid. Being in an unfamiliar situation can make paranoia worse. It is best for first-time users to be in a safe, private place with supportive friends.
Stay Hydrated
You’ve likely heard that you need to stay hydrated when drinking alcohol, but the same is true for cannabis. Marijuana is known as an enhancer, and it can make people dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to anxiety, so hydration is important. People should drink plenty of water before smoking or eating cannabis, then consume water after, as well.
Know the Local Law on Marijuana Legalization
Marijuana laws vary from state to state. Some states allow recreational and medical use, while others only allow medical use. Still others have not legalized marijuana for any use. No states allow driving while under the influence of marijuana, so that should never be an option, regardless of where your friend lives.
Your friend needs to be aware of marijuana laws. If he or she chooses to consume marijuana in a state where it is not legal, discretion is important. Also, make sure your friend never drives while under the influence.
With so much misinformation out there about marijuana, education is important. Give these tips to your friend, and offer more information if necessary. Using marijuana for the first time can be an exciting experience, but your friend needs to know what to expect and how to handle it.