Safer Cannabis Use

If you choose to use, the following information can help to minimize harm and increase safety.

  1. Know the law. Laws and regulations around marijuana are changing frequently. Know those that affect you, including the Student Code of Conduct. While legal in some states, cannabis is still federally illegal and therefore not allowed on federally-funded property, such as campus.
  2. Understand the effects of cannabis. 
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Short-term effects include altered senses, changes in mood, impaired memory, and trouble problem solving.
    • Long-term frequent use has been linked to lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, and an increase in relationship problems.
  3. Be aware of how much and what you're using.
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​There are various forms of marijuana, including flower, concentrates (i.e. dabs) and edibles. Each form impacts the body differently.
    • The amount of THC in marijuana has increased dramatically and marijuana concentrates have up to 80 percent THC.
    • Using high levels of THC increases the risk of experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.
  4. Use strategies for controlling your high.
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Use marijuana slowly to understand how your body will respond.
    • THC absorbs at different rates depending on your method of consumption. Smoking affects you more quickly, but the high wears off sooner. Edibles absorb into your system more slowly, but the high lasts up to 8 hours. 
    • Using marijuana along with alcohol may result in greater impairment and increase the risk of a negative reaction.
  5. Be mindful of tolerance. The more you use, the greater the amount of marijuana you will need to feel high. This is tolerance, which can be expensive and lead to increased risk of negative physical and mental health effects. To limit your risk of developing tolerance you can:
    • Take a break from use (T-break).
    • Limit your frequency of use.
    • Use smaller quantities.
  6. Recognize the signs of a negative reaction. These can include: 
    • Vomitting
    • Hallucinations
    • Paranoia 
    • Anxiety

Seek emergency assistance if needed.

Tips modified from cdc.gov/marijuana/index.htm and drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana