The 2025 Guide to Responsible Cannabis Consumption

Today we can enjoy cannabis legally and responsibly, with care for ourselves and others. Responsible consumption is more important than ever. 

It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned cannabis user or a newbie; understanding how to use cannabis responsibly ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

Cannabis is gaining mainstream acceptance across the US, with 26 states in which recreational cannabis has been approved. 

Legalization doesn’t mean that there will be abuse, in fact a 2023 report on a study in 2020 revealed that about 20 percent of young adults believed regular cannabis use could be harmful, compared to 60 percent two decades ago. This drop shows significant acceptance of cannabis in our culture compared to the “War against drugs” in the past. 

This topic might not be as “fun” as our other blogs, but it’s more fun than driving under the influence and getting caught… that’s no bueno. 

With your enjoyment in mind, we wanted to share an updated guide to personal use of cannabis. Your parents probably were familiar with the “war on drugs” and hearing that it is a “Gateway drug” – but this can’t be farther from the truth.

Although it is a gateway drug to step into yoga, mindfulness, and personal awareness, at least that is what some say. 

A study in 2023 at the University of Colorado Boulder shared that there was no support that cannabis could serve as a “gateway drug” to other more harmful substances, the researchers found no changes in illicit drug use after legalization.

“For low-level cannabis use, which was the majority of users, in adults, legalization does not appear to increase the risk of substance use disorders,” said co-author Dr. Christian Hopfer, a medical doctor and professor of psychiatry who studies substance abuse disorders.

Now that we’ve dispelled some myths about cannabis, here’s a guide to responsible cannabis consumption. 

Getting started with cannabis, what to know

When beginning to consume cannabis, it’s important to go slow and take notice of your own personal body sensations, auditory, and visual experience. 

The best way to start is with a low dose and increase slowly. This is particularly true for edibles, which can take up to two hours to take effect. 

There are different strains and product types that affect each person differently. 

Indica strains tend to be more relaxing and calming the nervous system, while sativas are typically more energetic and uplifting. 

Hybrids offer a balance between the two. Understanding THC and CBD ratios can help you find the right product for your needs. Verywell Health shares this wonderful guide on the difference between sativa and indica. 

Your tolerance depends on many factors including: frequency of use, metabolism, and body weight. If you’re new to cannabis or taking a break, expect a lower tolerance, meaning smaller amounts will have a greater effect.

The real game changer for cannabis enjoyment is your environment which significantly impacts your experience. To truly deep dive into your cannabis adventure, make sure you are in a safe, comfortable space, preferably with a trusted friend, to reduce anxiety and enhance enjoyment.

Dry mouth? Yes, that can be a downer, for sure. Make sure to have a big water bottle, or glass of water next to you so it’s handled when the feeling of dry mouth kicks in. Not everyone will experience this, but yes it’s a thing.

Using special mints to help keep your mouth and breath fresh. If you take medications that cause dry mouth, then this might be a big deal for you. Consult your dentist – they can prescribe toothpaste that also aids in the production of saliva. 

Considerate Cannabis Consumption 

While cannabis use is becoming more widely accepted and being used as a medical pain reliever, being mindful of others is key to providing a positive cannabis culture.

If you are at an event where cannabis is visible, ask before you enjoy an edible or take a draw on a vape. Offer cannabis politely and respect people’s decisions. Not everyone may want to partake, so never assume. 

The smell of cannabis is strong, especially to those with a keen sense of smell. Not everyone enjoys or can be around cannabis smoke. When smoking or vaping in social settings, ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area preferably outdoors. 

When carrying cannabis, use a smell proof bag to keep the strong odor of this plant contained. 

Alternatively, trying edibles will eliminate this issue when you can’t or don’t want to move from your space but still want to enjoy cannabis. 

When you are enjoying cannabis with others,  always have clean accessories. This shows your guests that you care about their experience. Whether at a friend’s house or a public event, ensure that cannabis use is allowed before lighting up.

Help your non-user friends and first time users by being kind and respectful to their needs and requests. The issue of “peer pressure” is real for those under the age of 21. Young adults are still developing and should not be using any substance. 

Teens may feel more pressure with social media posts from friends who’ve been experimenting with alcohol or cannabis. Each person has the ability to make up their own mind, but in the eyes of the law, those under 21 are excluded from cannabis consumption. 

Cannabis and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

The enjoyment of cannabis can be enhanced by alcohol, but this can lead to unpredictable effects. Combining cannabis and alcohol, often called “crossfading,” is mixing alcohol – beer, wine, or liquor, or malt beverages is hit or miss. 

Consuming alcohol before cannabis increases the absorption of its main psychoactive ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some side effects are dizziness, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. This isn’t the kind of party you want!  

Taking too much at a time and drinking alcohol dulls perception of intoxication, leading to increased consumption. If you’re new to either substance, it’s best to avoid mixing until you understand how each affects you individually.

Add a glass of water in between your next beer or glass of wine, it helps prevent dehydration or excessive intoxication. Thinking about a hangover? Well the main cause is dehydration, so keep hydrated! 

Don’ t drive when you consume Cannabis, it’s not worth it. 

We want to keep this fun, but a reminder to never drive under the influence of cannabis, alcohol, or both. Plan to get a designated driver, ride share, or take public transportation.  

You might think that if you are a “little buzzed” you can be just fine. But driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal in the US.  

As a side effect, cannabis can slow reflexes, impair judgment, and reduce coordination, all of which are crucial for safe driving.

According to an article on Harvard Kennedy School’s website, the issue of driving while under the influence of cannabis is challenging due to the unpredictable effects that remain rather elusive. 

Some US states have agreed upon a THC level in the blood, usually between 1 to 5 nanograms per milliliter. Still, some studies have found those limits to be weak indicators of cannabis-impaired driving.

Do you want to keep driving? It is a permission and it can be taken away for those who don’t abide by the law. Many states have strict laws against driving while high, with penalties ranging from fines to license suspension and even jail time.

There’s no excuse today to not plan for a designated driver. With Lyft, Uber, and good old-fashioned taxis, you have tons of options and encouragement not to drive when using cannabis. 

If you are at an event, you’ll need to wait to see how long the effects last for you. It is safe to wait several hours before considering driving, or better yet, avoid it altogether if you’re unsure of your sobriety.

Being a responsible cannabis user means considering the safety of those around you.  

Cannabis and Mental Health: How to Find Your Balance

It’s essential to use cannabis in a way that supports your mental well-being. Being mindful of your intentions can help you maintain a healthy relationship with it.

If you notice negative effects (an increase in anxiety, paranoia, or dependency) you can take a break and return when you are feeling ready to try cannabis again. Cannabis compliments your wellness but doesn’t replace healthy habits like exercise, social interaction, and sleep. If you have a history of mental health concerns, consult a medical professional before using cannabis. 

Cannabis can make working out fun for some, and finding the right strain for you will give you that boost. For a guide on the different types of strains, check out this blog post. We also have a beginners guide to cannabis here to find your perfect strain. 

Have open conversations with others 

As cannabis use becomes more common, having respectful conversations with non-users is crucial in breaking stigma and fostering understanding.

You can approach discussions with facts, personal experiences, and an open mind. However, you should avoid being defensive or dismissive of others’ concerns.

At the top of this article, we reviewed many stereotypes that non-users associate with cannabis. Sharing the gift of cannabis with scientific research and legal developments can help educate without being preachy.

Evidence suggests that cannabis can be used to decrease pain and inflammation. In addition, it alleviates anxiety and depression. It can also help improve your sleep quality and reduce the risk of cancer. 

If you or someone you know is curious about trying cannabis, find balanced information and encourage them to start responsibly. Responsible cannabis use involves mindfulness, consideration for others, and adherence to legal and safety guidelines. 

By consuming responsibly, you can enjoy cannabis while ensuring a positive experience for yourself and those around you.