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Plan-It S.A.F.E.R.
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Cannabis
Context, Effects, & Safer-Use Methods
Cannabis (a.k.a. marijuana, weed, bud, Mary Jane, herb, etc. ) is a flowering herb that has been used for medicinal and spiritual practices for centuries. In Colorado, recreational cannabis use is legal for anyone 21 & over and medical cannabis use is legal for those who qualify and are 18 & over. While we understand there are many different reasons one may or may not partake in cannabis, we want to make sure you have information to help keep you safe and healthy if you consume.
Cannabis
The word “cannabis” refers to all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, including non-THC producing parts such as Hemp or CBD.
Marijuana
The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Types of Cannabis
It's important to know what kind of cannabis you are consuming because things like potency, time to take effect, and long-term health effects can differ depending on use method.
CBD
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Most commonly produced as an oil. No age limit on purchasing CBD products in CO.
THC
THC, or, tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psycho-active substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Must be 21+ to purchase non-medically in CO.
Sublingual
Dissolvable strips, sprays, lozenges, tinctures
Feel effects within 20 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting
Effects last between 3-6 hours
Inhalation
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Smoking, dabbing, vapor-based (vape pens)
Feel effects after a few seconds-minutes
Effects can last up to 6 hours, with residual effects lasting up to 24 hours
There is some evidence that inhalation methods of cannabis put you more at risk for lung disease.
Topical
Typically CBD-infused products such as lotions, bath salts, creams, etc.
Effects can be felt after minutes of application
Oral
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aka edibles - can include gummies, baked goods, chocolate, drinks, etc/
Feel effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting
Full effects can peak within 4 hours, and can last up to 12 hours with residual effects lasting up to 24 hours
Potencies vary - check out the below safer use method
Effects of Cannabis
Short-Term:
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Feeling of well-being
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Talkativeness
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Drowsiness
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Loss of inhibitions
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Decreased nausea
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Dryness of the eyes, mouth, and throat
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Increased appetite
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Loss of coordination
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Bloodshot eyes
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Anxiety and paranoia
Long-Term:
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Increased risk of respiratory diseases associated with smoking, vaping
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Decreased memory & concentration
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Decreased motivation
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Please note that research of the long-term effects of cannabis are limited and current effects are based on available research.
Safer Use Methods
Set & Setting
Set & Setting refers to the mindset of a person in addition to their physical setting. These two things, plus the choice of substance and dosage, are all important factors in how a drug experience will go.
Set
A person's mindset includes their current mood, any issues on their mind, if they manage things like depression/anxiety/etc., how stressed they are, and anything else that has impact on their thinking.
Setting
This involves the physical placement of the person (if they're at home, outside, at a party, etc.) plus the people around them and the general atmosphere of the location.
For cannabis (and all other drugs), an ideal set and setting consists of a relaxed, happy, mentally healthy mindset, and in a comfortable and familiar location with people you trust.
"1, 2, 3" Method
With varying THC potency levels, it is important to start low and go slow when taking edibles. The recommendation is to start with 1-2 mg of THC and wait half an hour to two hours to feel the effects before consuming more. A lot of factors (weight, tolerance, metabolism, food eaten, other substances) can affect the time to take effect and intensity of THC.
How can I tell what 1-2 mg is?
Individual Edibles
Gummies, Mints, Candies
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When reading the label of an edible that has individual pieces, there will typically be 1) a total THC content amount and 2) a "by piece" THC content amount.
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These types of edibles help you better track how much THC you are consuming. For this specific edible, you would want to take about half a gummy to start.
Batch Edibles
Cookies, Bars, Baked Goods, Drinks
When reading the label of an edible that is one item, there will be 1) a total THC content amount for the food.
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These types of edibles can be difficult to determine how much THC you are consuming when you consume less than the entire amount. THC does not always evenly distribute, so even if you consume a 20th of the cookie (about 2mg) you may be consuming more or less mg of THC.
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Mixing Cannabis & Alcohol
It is not recommended to mix cannabis and alcohol, as the two substances can cause a mix of signals in your body that can increase risk for harmful outcomes associated with alcohol and cannabis.
Keep in mind...
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Drinking alcohol before consuming cannabis can increase the concentration of THC in your blood, so you may end up higher than you intended.
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Some research suggests that cannabis delays your body's absorption of alcohol, making it harder to tell how impaired you really are.
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Cannabis is a nausea suppressant. Meaning, if you've had too much to drink and need to throw up, your body may not send you the cues, putting you at a greater risk for alcohol poisoning.
Too High to Handle?
Strategies:
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Sleep, lay down, or practice some grounding techniques
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Shift your focus to something that helps you feel calm
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Talk with a trusted, sober friend
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Drink water
Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
Calling for Support:
While the occurrence of overdose due to THC is extremely rare, you can contact emergency services or poison control if you are worried you or a friend has consumed too much THC. ​
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In the case you call 911 or UNC PD due to a suspected overdose, mention the Good Samaritan Law to protect you from legal citation.
Cannabis on Campus
In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, medical and recreational marijuana are prohibited on UNC's campus. ​All forms of cannabis, including edibles and vape pens, are not allowed on campus (including dorms). To learn more about UNC's policy, click here.