Lowering health risks associated with cannabis use

To date, we have discussed the various side effects and risks of cannabis use for qualifying medical conditions. But how can those risks be avoided? Here we catalog 10 ways to reduce health risks according to Canada’s Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.

  1. Don’t use Cannabis.
  2. Choose to start using cannabis later in life (particularly after age 16)
  3. Choose low-strength products, such as those with a lower THC content or a higher ratio of CBD to THC.
  4. Don’t use synthetic cannabis products.
  5. Smoking cannabis (for example, smoking a joint) is the most harmful way of using cannabis because it directly affects your lungs.
  6. If you choose to smoke cannabis, avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath.
  7. Try to limit your use as much as possible.
  8. Cannabis use impairs your ability to drive a car or operate other machinery. Don’t engage in these activities after using cannabis, or while you still feel affected by cannabis in any way.
  9. People with a personal or family history of psychosis or substance use problems, and pregnant women should not use cannabis at all.
  10. Avoid combining any of the risky behaviors described above.

NOTE: The above guidelines are primarily for adult-use (recreational) scenarios. However, there is sound advice here even for medical patients.

Further reading:
Canada’s Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
ScienceDaily.com

Published by Eric

Lit Naturals founder, Eric McSwain, serves as Chairman of the Board for the Missouri Cannabis Industry Association. He is also a certified caregiver and patient. Eric's wife is also a caregiver and he also mentors several other caregivers in the state of Missouri. Eric's passion is for educating patients in the use of cannabis as well as at-home cultivation.