Cannabis is one of the most widely consumed drugs in the world. For thousands of years, humans have cultivated and utilized cannabis for a range of purposes, including leisure and medicinal.
The term ‘cannabis’ refers to a group of plants that contain cannabinoids, compounds that can cause drug-like effects in the body. The two most recognized cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Despite having similar molecular structures, CBD and THC don’t produce the same effects in the body. Unlike THC, CBD isn’t as psychoactive, meaning it’s not addictive and doesn’t cause the high often associated with THC.
Although the two well-known cannabinoids don’t produce the same effects, both can be used to treat and manage various medical problems. These include the following:
- Chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Anxiety and depression
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other health ailments (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, etc.)
Moreover, CBD and THC can be used to enhance creativity, boost exercise, substitute alcohol use, improve wellness, and strengthen spirituality.
But the question is, how to consume these well-loved cannabinoids safely? Keep reading this post to find out how.
Here are the ways to consume CBD and THC safely:
Table of Contents
Dab Your Cannabis
Dabbing refers to the process of consuming CBD and THC in high concentrations. To do this, you’ll need a dab and a unique device known as an oil rig.
A dab is a wax, shatter, or amber that contains high cannabinoid levels. An oil rig is a specially designed glass tool used to heat a dab. Once heated, it’ll produce a vapor you can inhale, allowing you to feel the effects immediately.
If you want to dab in public places, consider using a portable dab rig. This is a handy tool you can bring anywhere you are. For more details check Dr Dabber and similar sites to learn more about portable dab rigs.
You can also dab using a vaping device. This method of ingestion is popular among teens because it doesn’t produce smoke or a distinct smell, allowing them to consume with a low chance of being caught.
Consume Edibles
Edibles are one of the best ways to consume CBD and THC safely and discreetly. There is a wide range of edible cannabis, including truffles, gummies, confectioneries (e.g., brownies, chocolates, etc.), and mints.
But before you take one, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Read The Label Carefully: Not all edibles are created the same, especially when it comes to the amount of CBD and THC they contain. For beginners, it’s safe to consume no more than 2.5 mg of cannabinoids.
- Edibles Can Be Intense: For some people, edible cannabis yields more potent effects than inhaling dried cannabis of similar dosage. If you start to feel unwell after taking CBD and THC edibles, seek medical attention right away.
- Store Edibles Properly: Store your edible cannabis in places your kids and pets can’t reach. If taken unintentionally, it can lead to serious medical problems. You may use a lockbox to ensure that no one else can access your edibles.
Taking cannabis edibles is a safe way to consume CBD and THC. Also, it’s a great way to mask the bitter flavor these cannabinoids produce. But note that it may take up to two hours before the effect kicks in.
Buy Cannabis From A Reputable Source
The legalization of cannabis requires that every product is tested for quality and safety. This ensures that CBD and THC products are free from pesticides, mold, and other toxic substances related to cannabis harvesting and processing.
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an outbreak of lung injuries caused by inhaling vitamin E acetate. This compound is commonly found in cannabis products sold by informal sellers (not lab-tested vapes). That’s why it’s always important to buy your cannabis from a reputable source.
Laboratory testing helps determine the amount of cannabinoid in a product and its ability to produce mind-altering effects. Cannabinoid levels are required to be indicated in every cannabis packaging for consumer awareness.
This way, you’ll be able to control your consumption based on what you feel. Generally, cannabis products with a high concentration of CBD or THC produce more potent and longer-lasting effects compared to those that don’t.
When buying cannabis from a licensed distributor, always look at the label, which shows the concentration of cannabinoids it contains. Experts recommend choosing cannabis products with a balanced level of CBD and THC. This reduces the likelihood of side effects.
Know How Much Cannabis You Can Ingest
Some experts recommend 5 mg as a starting dose. However, it can cause unwanted side effects for some people. This is especially true for women because they’re more sensitive than men. That’s why cannabis experts prefer 2.5 mg as a starting dose.
You may consider starting with 1 mg. In fact, this is considered more appropriate, especially when it comes to cannabis beverages and tinctures. Sometimes, finding low-dose edible cannabis is difficult, so choose one that can be easily divided.
You can always swallow more if you want, but remember that the effects of cannabinoids can never be reversed. So, for best practices, wait at least three hours before ingesting additional doses to prevent adverse side effects.
Know How Much Cannabis You Can Inhale
Unlike ingesting cannabis, inhaling CBD and THC offers other great benefits: the effects don’t last long, and finding the right dose is easier.
It’s like this analogy: When taking edibles, you’re like wearing a parka and getting stuck in that for hours. But with individual puffs, you’ll be able to adjust the layer of your warmers according to the level of heat you need.
Of course, it’s better to start with a smaller dose, whether it’s a cannabis flower or oil. Low-THC products contain a low percentage of THC. For example, a high-THC product may have 70% or 700 mg of THC, while a low-THC product may contain half (35% or 350 mg).
Final Thoughts
CBD and THC offer a range of benefits for medicinal and recreational use. They can help manage chronic pain, treat long-term medical conditions, substitute for alcohol intake, and improve overall wellness.
However, it’s important to consume these well-loved cannabinoids safely to prevent unwanted side effects. Use this guide to take your CBD and THC without harming your body.
