Cannabis awareness: How to have fun while staying safe
Next Saturday, Apr. 20, will be recognized as an unofficial advent where many individuals will collectively celebrate and consume marijuana, a legal drug in New York and 24 other states for adults over 21 years old; It still, though, is illegal to have on any SUNY campus regardless of the possessor’s age. With the weekend approaching, it may be necessary to understand the potential risks associated with cannabis and to learn harm-reduction strategies to ensure wellness and safety.
When discussing the potential risks of cannabis, it can be useful to note that there are differences in the make-up of the marijuana found presently as opposed to that from several years ago. The average tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations in cannabis have increased from 1995 to 2017, meaning there is increased potency and effect resulting in a greater risk for problematic use. There may be a common notion that cannabis is helpful for anxiety reduction, and this sense of safety through reputation makes some believe that they do not require the knowledge of prevention strategies. While there are positive effects of cannabidiol (CBD)—a substance found in cannabis that has recently been proven to help seizures, gastrointestinal issues, and inflammation— there is still massive amounts of misinformation spread about the health benefits of using cannabis.
Up until the age of 25, individuals' brains are still in development. Many research studies have proven that the regular use of cannabis before the age of 25 can change the part of the brain that controls emotions. Additionally, cannabis can impair how new memories form, affect movement and coordination, make stress and anxiety harder to manage, and impact the brain’s ability to regulate. Furthermore, before trying any new drug like cannabis, it may be crucial to understand that regular use can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, procrastination, and sleep disruptions.
Consuming cannabis occasionally, or on a certain date in April, can be made much safer with harm reduction strategies, as well. Setting a limit before using, reducing the amount purchased, avoiding concentrated chemical forms such as marijuana electric vapes and edibles, and avoiding use before activities that require focus, namely studying or driving, are proactive techniques that may ensure a safer experience.
When using a filter for a joint, avoid using a cigarette filter as it will filter out THC (reducing the effect), and may lead to smoking more in order to mitigate the lessened effect. Lastly, keeping any smoking piece clean will keep your lungs in better shape—if you see pink, brown, or green fuzz growing, it’s likely to be a mold or fungus. To clean it, mixing a solution of rubbing alcohol and salt, and using a straw brush down any stem is an efficient way to destroy microorganisms.
For cleaning a bong, begin by removing all detachable pieces and placing them in a container to soak. After that, rinse with warm water, then fill it with alcohol and sea salt before placing it inside a large ziplock. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing the alcohol solution and washing the bong or detachable pieces with soap and water. During this entire process, be sure to rinse thoroughly and continue until it is completely clean.
To those celebrating this weekend, remember that being safe, educated, and proactive is important for reducing any potential risks of cannabis.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons