We want to make sure you’re safe, whatever substance you choose to use. That’s why we’ve created a series of guidance telling you how you to look after yourself, before, during and after using a substance.

So let’s get started…

Cannabis is a plant, used for its mind-altering effects. Different strains offer various effects, making it popular for recreational use to feel relaxed, happy, and creative. Cannabis can be consumed by smoking, eating, vaping, or using oils and sprays.

Making you aware of the harm Cannabis can cause is important so you can make informed decisions.

So, if you do decide to use Cannabis, how can you reduce the harm?

Before

Do your research

Understand the effects and risks of using cannabis, especially if your
new to cannabis use.

• Where possible, try to understand the strain you’re smoking by finding out the levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) vs CBD (Cannabidiol).
• Cannabis with high levels of THC and low levels of CBD will increase the risk of paranoia, agitation and dependency.

Avoid tobacco

• If you don’t use tobacco usually, starting to use it to smoke cannabis can form a dependency on nicotine, meaning you crave it more often.

Be careful with edibles

• Eating cannabis is a very different experience to smoking it as it takes longer to hit (up to 2 hours) and the effects will last much longer.
• The dose can also be much harder to manage so start low
  and go slow.

Think about your mindset

• How we’re feeling can impact our experience of using cannabis.

And setting

• The environment you’re in can change your experience of using cannabis.
• Think about who you are with, or whether you’re ok on
  your own.
• Will the people you’re with be supportive and caring if
  you need some help?
• Is this a safe and comfortable environment to use cannabis?

During

Cannabis and alcohol

• Using alcohol and cannabis together will increase the effects of
  each substance.
• If you plan on using both substances together start low
  and go slow.
• It can also make you more likely to white-out. See below
  for more info.

Cannabis and psychedelics

• Whilst using cannabis and psychedelics tend not to cause physical harm to the individual, the psychological impact can be unpredictable, even in experienced cannabis users.
• Use with caution and as with everything, start low and go slow.

Whitey/white-out/greening out

• If you are new to using cannabis, using a new strain or consuming a higher dose than normal, you may feel unwell.
• You might feel sick, paranoid, dizzy or go pale.
• To help with these symptoms you can drink some water, orange juice or a sugary drink but avoid alcohol as this will make symptoms worse.
• You can also try laying down and taking deep breaths to fill your lungs with fresh oxygen.
• If you’re supporting a friend, ask them what they need, do they need to talk or to be left alone for the feeling to pass?
• Once you’ve recovered, take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid using any more cannabis or other substances even if you feel better.

After

What to expect

• The day after using cannabis you may feel tired, lethargic or like everything is happening in slow motion.
• Cannabis use impacts your usual sleep cycle meaning you don’t wake up feeling refreshed.
• You might also feel dehydrated so drink plenty of water and rest if you need to.
• It’s illegal to drive if you’re impaired by THC. Even after the effects have worn off, THC can still be detected in your system and impact your driving.
• Taking regular breaks from cannabis will help keep your tolerance low and prevent a dependency forming, breaks could be 3-4 days or longer.

Paranoia and agitation

• Feeling paranoid or anxious after using cannabis?
• This could be to do with the strain of cannabis, but it could also be how your brain reacts to THC no matter what the dose.
• Usually, these symptoms will go away within a couple of days… but the best advice is to stop using it.

How to know if you have a Cannabis dependency

• Relying on cannabis to eat, sleep or get tasks done.
• Using cannabis when you have planned not to, or having a high tolerance.
• Daily use.
• Hiding your cannabis use from friends or family.

If you have more questions, need support or want to make a change to your Cannabis use, just get in touch. You can find out more about me and the UWE drug and alcohol service on our drugs and alcohol webpage.