As cannabis becomes more accepted by society and allowed in more places, chances are you will be offered some at a social gathering. Whether it is a backyard party, a concert, a picnic in the park, or a sit down dinner, hosts are increasingly including cannabis alongside alcohol as a guest offering. And, because the stigma around using cannabis is lessening, you may be tempted or even excited to try these products in a social setting. Just like alcohol, there are some steps you can take to ensure that using cannabis in a social setting results in a good time, not a time you want to forget. When we consider social alcohol use, we often think about whether we are consuming on an empty stomach and how the setting, like temperature, sun exposure and vibe may impact our buzz. We may make arrangements for transportation if we know we will be consuming, and we may avoid certain types of alcohol (e.g. hard liquor) if we know we do not tolerate them well. And while cannabis poses fewer risks than alcohol in a lot of ways, there are still things to consider, especially for newer consumers. So, here is the Personal Plants’ guide for using cannabis in a social setting.
We have all had the experience of sitting with a friend who has had too much to drink and is now sobbing about their relationship/job woes. While cannabis can make some people feel better about the things in their life that worry them, for some, it can make them dwell on it. If you are newer to cannabis, it is recommended that you do not consume in a social setting if you are emotionally fragile. In fact, if you are in that state, sobriety is your friend. Enjoy the company and the event and skip the intoxicants. Just like your mindset, consider the social setting itself. If you are in a place that already makes you anxious (e.g. a loud, crowded event, a party where you don’t know anyone) then cannabis can intensify these feelings. The best advice, especially for newer consumers, is to use cannabis when you are feeling relaxed and comfortable in your environment. Ask yourself, if I start feeling anxious and overwhelmed, do I feel confident that someone here can help me? Do I feel secure in my safety? If the answer is no, then best to leave the herb for another day.
Becoming a cannabis consumer is a social learning process. We don’t innately know how to feel and act when using cannabis and rely on observing others and having several of our own experiences to figure it out. For that reason, if you are newer to cannabis, it is recommended to experiment when you are around more seasoned consumers, and to start with very small doses until you know more about how cannabis affects you. This can mean one hit off a joint, or 1-2 mg of THC via an edible or beverage. Remind yourself to start low and go slow, because you can always take more, but you can’t take less.
Smoking used to be pretty much the only method of ingestion used regularly. Times have changed and beverages and edibles are gaining significant market share. The method of ingestion you choose comes with certain considerations.
If you smoke, be aware of who is around you
You may be at an event where cannabis is welcome, but that doesn’t mean that everyone wants to be exposed to smoke. Some may be allergic, some may not want their clothes or hair to smell like smoke, and, if there are kids at the event, their parents may not want them exposed to it. This is not to say you can’t choose smoking as your method of ingestion, as it is easier to manage dosing than with other methods, just be aware of your surroundings.
If you choose edibles, know the dose
A friend recently told me of a time she was backstage at a concert and someone brought the band infused cupcakes. They had no dosing information, and the drummer ate two. Afterwards, he was told that “1 dose = ¼ of a cupcake”. Sometimes people bring homemade infused goodies to a party or event and do not indicate the dose, or are incorrect about the dose. My advice? Steer clear of homemade products unless you are a seasoned consumer. Even then, be sure to ask the baker about the dose before consuming. If someone hands you a gummy, ask them about the dose. And start on the low side. Even if you have had a 10mg edible before at home with no issue, taking the same dose at a large concert might yield different results.
We all know not to drink and drive. And while the research on cannabis and driving is complicated, driving while intoxicated on ANYTHING is a bad idea. If you plan on consuming cannabis at a party or event, arrange for transportation. Have a sober driver, call an Uber, take a bus. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are high and the only way home is the car you drove yourself. You will have a much better time knowing that your transportation needs are taken care of.
This is something we have discussed before. Cannabis and alcohol have a 1+1=4 relationship. They can enhance the effects of the other, and suddenly 2 beers feels like 4, or taking one hit after a few drinks gets you pretty high. If you are newer to cannabis, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol and choose to use weed instead. With the wide array of cannabis beverages available, you won’t miss it at all!
I know that this article is filled with warnings, so last but not least, have fun! Enjoy the fact that you can sit on a blanket under the stars, listen to some great music and take some puffs off a joint. Relish the opportunity to eat a gummy and play badminton at the family picnic. Feel great the day after a party because you chose cannabis instead of alcohol. The liberalization of cannabis laws and increased social acceptability are opening new doors for recreation and social consumption, and that is a GREAT thing!
