Cannabis is legal—but not risk-free. Knowledge is the key to safe use.
What is Cannabis?
Also known as marijuana, weed, pot, and Mary Jane, cannabis products are derived from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica plant. Marijuana is commonly used by smoking, eating, drinking, or inhaling it. In 2021, recreational marijuana became legal in New York for adults over the age of 21.
Cannabis plants contain CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is psychoactive, meaning it produces the “high” or euphoric sensation commonly associated with cannabis use. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and has a calming or relaxing effect. Both CBD and THC have potential therapeutic benefits, but they work differently in the body.
How Strong is Cannabis?
The average potency of marijuana has increased 4-5X over the last several decades. For example, the average THC level in marijuana was 4% in 1995 and in 2022 it was 16%. This increase in potency means you need less cannabis to feel an effect and the effect may be stronger and last longer. When selecting cannabis products, look for how many milligrams of THC the product contains and what the ratio is of CBD to THC. Products with a higher percentage of CBD will not be as strong. If you choose to use marijuana products, start with a low dosage and wait to see its effects on you to avoid having an uncomfortable experience.
Is it Safe to Drive After Using Cannabis?
Using cannabis can impair your cognition and slow your reflexes. After smoking or vaping cannabis, wait 3-6 hours before driving. Cannabis takes longer to go through your system when ingested. For this reason, wait 6-8 hours before driving after taking an edible.
Is it Safe to Keep Cannabis in My House?
Cannabis products, especially edibles, can be easily confused with candy. It is incredibly important to keep cannabis products away from children and pets. Keep cannabis products in their original containers, in a lock box, up high, out of reach, and out of sight.
Children exposed to cannabis may experience trouble walking, sleepiness, difficulty waking up, and difficulty breathing. Call Upstate New York Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you believe a child has ingested cannabis. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What are the Benefits of Cannabis?
Cannabis has been shown to be helpful for some conditions:
- Chronic pain in adults
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms
What are the Risks of Cannabis?
Approximately 3 in 10 marijuana users develop marijuana use disorder, with a 10% risk of addiction among users.
Signs of overuse include:
- Suspiciousness, paranoia, or uneasiness
- Difficulty with clear thinking
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Unusual or intense thoughts and feelings
- Decline in self-care and hygiene
If you are struggling to cut back on marijuana usage, talk to your doctor or call/text 988 for help.
What Else Can be in Cannabis?
Illegally obtained cannabis may contain fentanyl. If you choose to purchase cannabis from somewhere other than a licensed dispensary, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Know the signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose
- Use in the presence of others
- Test with Fentanyl strips
- Have Narcan on hand
Because cannabis is not regulated by the FDA, even cannabis from licensed dispensaries may contain:
- Pesticides
- Molds
- Bacteria
- Metals
- Solvents
What is a Cannabis Dispensary?
A cannabis dispensary is a licensed, legal retail location where individuals can purchase cannabis products for either medical or recreational use, depending on state laws. Dispensaries are regulated and operate under strict guidelines to ensure product safety, quality, and legal compliance.
Types of Dispensaries
There are two main types of dispensaries:
- Medical Dispensaries
These serve patients who have received a medical marijuana card or physician’s recommendation. Staff are trained to help patients find the right strain or product for their specific condition—whether it’s chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or another ailment. - Recreational Dispensaries
These serve adults 21 and over with a valid government-issued ID. Recreational dispensaries sell products for general wellness or personal use, often to those looking to relax, sleep better, or enhance creativity.
Some dispensaries offer both medical and recreational cannabis under one roof, with designated counters or product lines.
Tips for Safer Use
Here are some tips to help you use cannabis more safely:
Take it slow, especially at the start.
Cannabis products vary in strength, and the effects can differ based on the strain and how it’s consumed. Begin with a small dose and give it time to work before considering more. Remember the rule: start low and go slow.
Be patient—some products take longer to kick in.
Certain cannabis forms, like edibles, may take up to four hours before their full effects are felt. Rushing to take more too soon can lead to an overwhelming experience.
How you react depends on you.
Your body’s response to cannabis can be influenced by your age, weight, overall health, what you’ve eaten, other substances in your system, and your tolerance level. No two people have the same experience, so it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds.
Avoid mixing substances.
Combining cannabis with alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs can lead to unexpected side effects or risky interactions. If you’re currently taking medications, consult your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe to use cannabis alongside them.
Consider your overall health.
If you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from an illness, cannabis might affect you differently. Talk with your healthcare provider about how cannabis could impact your specific situation.
