Reducing The Harm in Recreation

The canadian health community recently drafted a list of guidelines for reducing harm with upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis. For the most part, they seem like common sense but not everyone is experienced as our writers and readers. Let’s talk about these guidelines for a second.

(1) The most effective way to avoid cannabis use–related health risks is abstinence,

(2) Avoid early age initiation of cannabis use (i.e., definitively before the age of 16 years),

(3) Choose low-potency tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or balanced THC-to-cannabidiol (CBD)–ratio cannabis products,

(4) Abstain from using synthetic cannabinoids,

(5) Avoid combusted cannabis inhalation and give preference to nonsmoking use methods,

(6) Avoid deep or other risky inhalation practices,

(7) Avoid high-frequency (e.g., daily or near-daily) cannabis use,

(8) Abstain from cannabis-impaired driving,

(9) Populations at higher risk for cannabis use–related health problems should avoid use altogether, and

(10) Avoid combining previously mentioned risk behaviors (e.g., early initiation and high-frequency use).

Number one makes sense, but it goes for any “risky” behavior. The best way to avoid heroin is to just say no, haha. Number two I get but, I started early. I smoked cannabis for the first time at thirteen. Three, if you’ve never medicated before it makes sense to pick a lower THC percentage strain. You might even just want to stick with a high CBD strain for your first time.

Number four is just silly. Synthetic cannabinoids like spice and k2 aren’t even really cannabinoids. That stuff gives actual cannabis a bad name. Number five makes sense from a health aspect, obviously, vaporization and edibles are healthier for you than smoking raw plant material. If you do choose to smoke cannabis the first time or as a non experienced user, start slow. Number six is funny to me too. Obviously, no one should hold in a hit till you pass out.

Number seven is strange. Just because you smoke cannabis every day doesn’t mean you’ll become an addict. Number eight, you should abstain from ANY impaired driving whatsoever. Number nine, anyone can be at high risk for any type of behavior depending on many factors. Last but not least, number ten….avoid smoking too much weed too young. Whenever a doctors prescribes you a new medication there are always guidelines for usage, recreational cannabis guidelines should be no different.

Just remember, start off light, you may just enjoy yourself.