Cannabis
101
Bongs, dabs, and vapes — oh my. Read on to get a crash course in cannabis/marijuana 101.
How cannabis is used, from smokes to sweets.
From edibles to vaping, and lotions to concentrates, there are many different ways to use cannabis (also referred to as marijuana), and each one affects people differently. No matter how you use, use responsibly.
Smoking
Cannabis can be smoked using a joint, pipe or bong. This is the most common way people use cannabis.
Vaping
Vaporizers heat cannabis to release THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, and the vapor is inhaled.
Vape products can contain nicotine, cannabis (THC or CBD), or other substances like flavoring agents or additional chemicals. While vaping products have grown in popularity, we have seen outbreaks of lung illnesses linked to vaping. The long-term health effects of vaping are unknown, and as information on the illness emerges, our best advice is to not vape at all. See here for Colorado-specific updates on the outbreak.
Dabbing / Hash Oil
THC extract from cannabis, also called hash oil, shatter or concentrates, can contain up to 60-80% THC and may take effect very quickly. When dabbing, the oil is heated and the vapor is inhaled. We don’t know much about how safe dabbing is, but we do know that it’s extremely potent and shouldn’t be used by anyone who hasn’t used cannabis before.
Edibles
The effects of edibles, teas and sodas can take longer to peak and last longer than smoking. Sometimes this can cause people to take too much. It can take up to four hours to feel the full effects, and effects can last up to ten hours. A serving size is 10 mg, so don’t start with more than that.
Topicals
Infused lotions, salves and balms are sold for localized pain and inflammation related to skin problems or pain, but do not make the user feel high.
Know how to tell if something
has THC in it.
Colorado weed law requires all cannabis products to include the universal caution symbol on packaging and on edible products themselves. Make sure you and your guests are familiar with this symbol so no one accidentally ingests cannabis. Teach your kids not to eat or drink anything with this symbol and always keep cannabis locked up, out of sight and out of reach.