Marijuana Safe Usage

Marijuana safe usage

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the U.S., with 61.9 million users in 2022. Regular use can lead to cannabis use disorder, which makes it hard to stop using, especially for those who start young or use it often. It affects brain function, memory, and decision-making, and can increase the risk of heart problems, lung damage, and mental health issues. Edible cannabis products can be dangerous, especially for children, and overuse can lead to serious symptoms like confusion and anxiety. It’s important to know how much THC is in cannabis products and use them responsibly to avoid harmful effects.

Guidelines for safe marijuana use in adults

• Take small doses and remember that marijuana products take up to 4 hours to reach their full effect
• Only consume products that you know the THC content of
• Overuse of marijuana can cause extreme confusion, anxiety, panic, fast heart rate, and severe nausea or vomiting
• Do not drive or operate a vehicle while using marijuana as it can impair judgment
• If pregnant or breastfeeding, please refer to the Cannabis and Pregnancy health information (https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/pregnancy.html) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

When to seek help: if you are experiencing severe symptoms, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical help by calling 9-1-1 or going to the emergency room.

How to store marijuana safely

It’s important for everyone to store marijuana products safely, out of reach of children, teens, and pets. Keeping marijuana in a secure place can help prevent accidental ingestion.

• Keep marijuana products out of reach of children at all times
• Ensure all products are clearly labeled to avoid confusion
• Use child-resistant containers to securely store marijuana items
• Keep marijuana products in a locked cabinet or box to prevent accidental access

Accidental ingestion

What to do If a child accidentally eats marijuana:

If a child accidentally consumes marijuana, it can make them very sick, causing difficulty walking, sitting up, breathing, or excessive drowsiness. If a child shows serious symptoms, call 9-1-1 or take them to the emergency room right away.

If you are concerned a child has eaten marijuana, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for help. The call is free, and experts will assist you quickly.

Recognizing marijuana addiction and getting treatment

A person may have a marijuana addiction if:

• They are high for more than one or two hours a day on a regular basis
• Struggle to stop using marijuana once they start
• Neglect important tasks or commitments due to frequent marijuana use
• Spend a significant amount of time thinking about, purchasing, using, or recovering from marijuana consumption
• Experience memory problems, trouble concentrating, and take risks while under the influence, like driving or caring for children

If you observe this pattern of behavior in yourself or in someone you love, get informed. Learn all that you can about marijuana use, misuse, and the severity of dependence. Offering support and encouragement to your loved one is essential in finding the help they  need. Talk to a health care provider about your concerns.

Getting Treatment

Getting the right help at the right time can set you or your loved one on the path to recovery. Reach out to a treatment provider (findtreatment.gov)  who can support you with substance abuse or mental health challenges. You can also contact your insurance company to find nearby services that are covered by your plan.

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