10 things we need to stop doing with weed
Things are going pretty well for cannabis enthusiasts, and that is undoubtedly a reason to celebrate, but it isn't quite time to let our guard down just yet. We're feeling slightly more comfortable in this new and exciting role, as the very first legal consumers, and many of us are from the days of prohibition where things weren't nearly as precise or elegant as they should be today. Which is why we are ok with letting some things slide.
We want to be accepting of this grande new path and thankful for the change in society's opinion of getting stoned, but we had to ruffle a whole lot of feathers to get this far, and we're still not quite finished yet. There has been plenty of focus on law but very little on the roles and responsibilities of cannabis users, companies, and society in general. Bringing awareness to the issue, we're going to cover ten things that every green-friendly person should stop doing right now.
1. Exaggerating its benefits
Exaggerating the benefits of cannabis, be it for medicinal or recreational purposes, is dangerous territory that does nothing positive for the movement or consumers. Yet, it's something that's done every single day. Companies claim to offer strains that will help you sleep or to cure your arthritis, and the media continues to play up what it is to be stoned. Leaving many to believe the plant is so strong that it could cause hallucinations. Consumers are also known to exaggerate experiences, and though they may mean well, it can have devastating consequences for the cannabis community as a whole.
2. Ignoring the adverse effects
We love to highlight all of the benefits that cannabis has to offer because those things make us feel good about our decision to partake, but that doesn't mean there isn't a slightly darker side to this substance. It's common knowledge that smoking pot is in no way linked to cancer, but very few realize there is still a risk to their lungs. We also like to talk about the uplifting and enjoyable sensations, but things like anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and headaches can happen. Ignoring the adverse effects only leaves consumers more susceptible to them, something that none of us wants.
3. Smoking it
Smoking cannabis always has and likely will continue to be the most popular method of getting high, and it's not hard to see why. The effects are instant, the habit is soothing for users who enjoy the act of smoking, and it's one of the cheapest ways to get the job done, but as we mentioned, it does come with some risks. Having a joint here and there isn't much cause for concern, but we should be using and promoting healthier alternatives that will keep us feeling and living better for longer.
4. Treating it more harshly than alcohol
It's always a wise decision to consume responsibly no matter what the substance in question maybe, but we as a society still treat cannabis as if it is somehow worse than alcohol and that needs to change. If people can have a drink with dinner before driving home or a glass of wine as they wind down with the kids, then there is no reasonable explanation for cannabis to be treated any differently. After all, it's effects are shorter-lived and milder, and that's something that's been proven by the experts.
5. Calling it a drug
We recently covered this topic, as the controversial status of cannabis is still evolving, and that can be a painful process for everyone involved, so it is important to keep the feelings and reactions of those around us in mind. The word drug for many dredges up images of meth or heroin users and that's not something that anyone wants to be associated with. Instead, call it by its proper name or by one of the many less triggering nicknames out there like Ganga, green, or weed. Call it medicine, pot, or anything else you like, but try to steer clear of the term drug.
6. Wasting plant materials
Before legalization, consumers were forced to grow in the confines of their homes or in outdoor spaces that were well hidden, and once it came time to harvest, it became essential to get rid of as much of the evidence as possible. As a result, it became the norm to toss out everything but the flower or on the odd occasion some trimmings, but this is a colossal waste. Most cannabis consumers use it because they know that it's good for them, so why not take that a step further and learn how to use the rest of the plant to your benefit.
7. Using harmful fertilizers
Modern cannabis farming looks a lot different than the hydroponic setup you might have caught sight of in a magazine or your friends' basement, and these days, the majority of producers avoid using harmful chemicals and fertilizers to assure product quality and safety. Unfortunately, this trend has not been passed on to personal growers, who quite often rely on these products to boost yield. Fertilizer tastes terrible, it's bad for you, and it's an extra expense that is unnecessary and terrible for the environment. So do the world a favour, and ditch it for more natural solutions.
8. Demonizing consumers who have higher needs
Most regions limit the number of allowed cannabis plants to four or less because any more than that is deemed a risk, and potential black market source. This view is also standard among regular everyday users, who can't imagine going through so much green so quickly. However, some recreational and medicinal consumers require a lot more than that to get by, so we must avoid making assumptions based on how many plants someone grows or how much someone tokes to get through each year.
9. Overconsuming it
Most seasoned and new cannabis users are prone to overconsumption because there is nowhere to go for ideal dosing guides that will assure the best experience. The general rule seems to be to use as much as you can until you just can't take anymore, and that can often result in users greening out. New consumers, in particular, should take heed and consider microdosing to ease into the effects slowly, and this is a practice that all users, doctors, and businesses should encourage.
10. Allowing the government to control it
Some experts believe that government control is the only way to keep the general public safe, which implies that users cannot be trusted to regulate their consumption, and if weed were a dangerous drug, that sort of logic would make sense. But we don't have this kind of meddling when it comes to alcohol, which we know kills thousands of people every single year. If we can handle that, we can certainly manage to decide whether or not we want to partake in more potent and exotic cannabis products.
