Responsible Cannabis Use: Consuming Weed Safely and Smartly

As cannabis becomes more accessible in Thailand, it is important to enjoy the plant responsibly. Respecting the ethos of the law and people while being aware of how marijuana affects people, is vital in creating a safe space where people can consume weed without worrying about penalties or punishments.

As per Thai cannabis laws, cannabis products are prohibited for sale to people under the age of 20. In other words, cannabis is for adults only.

With this as a starting point, the team at Weed Review has compiled the following principles for safe and responsible marijuana use.

Know what works for you

There are three ways to consume cannabis:

• Smoking/vaping
• Edibles
• Topical use (extracts, massage oils, balms)

To these, you should also ask yourself: how much THC do you want to consume?

Smoking is the most popular option, but it also carries the most risk of harming your lungs. Edibles are potent and can keep you high for a long time if you eat too much. Topical applications are non-psychoactive and are more geared toward providing a therapeutic experience.

What works for one person may not work for the other. So do your research and see what method works best for you while being aware of its advantages and pitfalls.

No cannabis during breastfeeding or pregnancy

Research has shown that no amount of cannabis is safe for the fetus during pregnancy. Using marijuana during pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause:

• Fetal growth problems (the baby may be born with a lower birth weight)
• Problems with the development of the baby’s brain and health
• Increased chances of stillbirth

Compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can pass from the mother’s system to the baby’s through the placenta, breastmilk, or the lungs (secondhand smoke).

The bottom line is if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not consume cannabis. If you are on medical cannabis, seek a viable alternative from your doctor.

Do not drive

The adage ‘do not drink and drive’ can also be applied to cannabis. Do not get high and drive or operate heavy machinery.

Your timing, hand-eye coordination, movement, decision-making ability, and critical thinking are all impacted when you are high. So even though it is safer than alcohol, the truth is you are still intoxicated and may not be able to drive as well as you think.

Currently, there are no driving-under-influence (DUI) laws regarding cannabis in Thailand – this should not be your license to get stoned and drive.

Cannabis impacts male fertility

A fair amount of research supports the claim that marijuana negatively affects male fertility. Chronic use can impact sperm count, sperm volume, sperm shape, and even motility. That said, there is not enough data to further validate these claims, but the writing is on the wall.

Guys who want to be fathers soon, refrain from smoking cannabis.

Beware of the side effects

Cannabis has a few negative effects that you should keep in mind.

From anxiety, paranoia, and increased heartbeat to poor memory and lung health damage, there are a fair bit of consequences that you should remember. But, of course, some of these also depend on how you consume cannabis – through smoking, vaping, edibles, or topicals.

Mixing with Medicines & Alcohol

As far as possible, do not mix weed with other medications, as it can cause your body to metabolise the drugs differently. As a result, your system may have too much or too little medication, leading to unwanted effects. These drug interactions are tricky and unpleasant. Blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and sedatives are just a few drugs that can interact with THC and CBD (cannabidiol).

If you are on some form of medication and want to add cannabis to your routine, please consult your doctor beforehand.

Similarly, taking weed with alcohol is not a great idea, as it seriously impairs your judgement and motor control.

Quality matters

Whether it is CBD oil, cream, lotion, or THC flowers, always aim to buy a high-quality, premium product that has undergone the necessary tests and certifications. In addition, the ingredients and concentrations of the cannabinoids should be clearly visible so you know what you are ingesting.

Put differently, you must smoke or use cannabis free of chemicals, additives, or synthetic substances that can harm your body.

Respect your surroundings

Not everyone is likely to enjoy cannabis the same way you do, especially in Thailand. Being a country where people value respect and traditions, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and not smoke blatantly in public. Smoke in the privacy of your room/home instead of the on the streets like in Amsterdam. If someone does not want to use cannabis or is uncomfortable around it, respect their space and move on.

Responsible cannabis use is vital for a good experience. It reduces the chances of adverse effects and ensures everyone enjoys weed without being a nuisance to society. Abusing marijuana can also lead to addiction tendencies – which is all the more reason to understand the ins and outs of this plant properly and learn how to use it responsibly.