BEFORE TAKING HITS,
REMEMBER THE TIPS
Take it from Meg the budtender — responsible cannabis use is the only way to fly. So let’s set the bar high and understand why we all have a responsibility in using cannabis safely and respectfully. Follow along for Meg’s tips and advice on cannabis rules in Colorado.
Don’t ruin someone else’s chill.
People around you have a right to fresh air, so never light up in a public space. Not only is it against the law, but you’re also exposing people to unwanted secondhand smoke — definitely not cool. Instead, remember that it’s perfectly legal to smoke in your own home or on your own property. Just keep in mind that property owners, landlords, and rental companies can ban the use and possession of cannabis on their premises.
Take an edible? Take it easy.
Did you know it can take up to four hours for an edible to take effect? While it can be tempting to go in for another one while you’re waiting for a high to hit, just chill out and have some patience. Using too much can lead to anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia — not a fun time. A single serving dose is 10 mg of THC. However, in the Colorado retail market, edibles are available in different THC content, typically ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg, so don’t take more than that to start. Edibles can have a different effect depending on how often you use cannabis.
To keep your stash safe and sound, invest in a lockbox.
Kids, pets, or even curious visitors can get into cannabis if it’s not locked up and out of sight. It’s always best to keep cannabis in the child-resistant packaging from the retailer, and invest in a safe or lockbox to ensure the only person who can get to your cannabis is you. Because even as your kids get older, it’s important to keep your stash locked away safe and sound.
If a child accidentally eats cannabis in any form, immediately contact a medical professional or call the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222). You may know if someone has accidentally used cannabis if he has problems walking or sitting up, difficulty breathing, and becoming sleepy. If the reaction seems more severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
Booze and bud don’t mix.
Using cannabis and alcohol at the same time can impair you more than using either one alone. It’s never a good idea to use them together. Also, if you’re taking prescription drugs, be sure to ask your doctor if it’s safe to use cannabis.
Don’t test your limits.
Whether you’re trying cannabis for the first time or you’re an old pro, there is such a thing as too much cannabis. That’s why it’s important to understand how cannabis affects you and know your limits. You may have had too much cannabis/marijuana if you experience signs like:
- Extreme confusion
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic
- Fast heart rate
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Increased blood pressure
- Severe nausea or vomiting
If you’re new to cannabis and are unsure how it will affect you, start with a low dose. For edibles, a serving is 10 mg. Dabbing and hash oil products use highly concentrated THC with potency up to 90% and shouldn’t be used by anyone who hasn’t used cannabis in the past.
Never drive high.
Driving while you’re under the influence of cannabis is illegal and dangerous to yourself and others on the road. You can be charged with a DUI and are subject to the same penalties as driving drunk. Under Colorado cannabis laws, you can’t drive if you have five nanograms or more of THC in your system. Make the right choice by planning to wait several hours if you’re going to drive. So if you’re smoking, wait at least six hours before driving. If you’re having edibles, wait at least eight hours. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation to learn more about the risks of driving high.
Keep it in Colorado.
Even though cannabis is nice and legal in Colorado, it’s totally illegal to take or mail it out of the state. Carrying cannabis is also banned at all Colorado airports, so if you’re flying out of town, make sure you leave your cannabis at home.
Sharing is not caring.
This is an essential cannabis rule in Colorado. Not only is sharing cannabis with people under 21 against the law, but it can also hurt their health, get them in trouble, and put their future goals at risk. You could be charged with a felony if you share with anyone under age, even if they’re family members or friends.
CANNABIS
AND YOUR HEALTH
There’s still a lot to learn about the effects of cannabis, but here’s what we do know:
CANNABIS AND YOUR LUNGS
It’s important to be mindful of the cannabis health effects in Colorado. Smoke irritates the lungs. People who smoke cannabis daily or near-daily may have a daily cough, bronchitis, mucus, and wheezing. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke. Heavy cannabis smoking has been linked with tissue damage in the lungs, although we need more research to determine if this tissue damage increases the chances of developing lung cancer.
CANNABIS AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Daily or near-daily use of cannabis can have a negative effect on your memory. Cannabis, especially in high doses, can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and not knowing what’s real.
SECONDHAND SMOKE
Secondhand smoke from cannabis has many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as secondhand smoke from tobacco. Never smoke around children, pregnant women or anyone who doesn’t want to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
CANNABIS’S HEALTH EFFECTS ON YOUTH
Young people who use cannabis regularly are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, have difficulty learning, have memory issues, and have lower math and reading scores. Visit our Youth Health Effects section for more information.
A GOOD EXPERIENCE
IS THE BEST SOUVENIR
If you’re visiting Colorado and plan to use cannabis, follow Meg the budtender’s tips to make sure your good time is also a legal and safe experience.
Buying bud? Learn the laws.
In Colorado, adults 21 and older can buy up to one ounce of cannabis flower at a time. It’s important to know where to buy cannabis in Colorado. Dispensaries, which are licensed retail locations where budtenders like Meg work, are the only legal places to purchase cannabis. So that means it’s also illegal for you to re-sell cannabis. Please visit our Laws page to read more about the cannabis laws you need to know to safely, legally, and responsibly use cannabis.
Locations to not light up.
Before you use cannabis, find out if it’s cool to use where you’re staying. Many hotels don’t allow cannabis on their property, so check with them first before using it, as it could be illegal. Cannabis is also not allowed in any public space in Colorado. If you’re renting a car, know that it’s illegal to drive high and to use cannabis in a vehicle, even as a passenger. Many rental companies may even charge a fee if the car smells like cannabis — and fees stink.
Don’t be THAT tourist.
Even though cannabis is legal in Colorado, it’s illegal to take or mail it out of state. Don’t mess around, just keep it here. Carrying cannabis is also banned at all Colorado airports, so if you’re visiting make sure you have properly thrown away any cannabis before you leave. When getting rid of cannabis, use a secured container and place it in a safe place that’s out of reach from children, like a dumpster. Never leave cannabis in hotel rooms or rental cars, because you could be charged additional fees, or it could fall into the hands of a minor.