Cannabis and Cannabis products can vary significantly depending on how much THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and/or CBD (Cannabidiol), or other Cannabinoids they contain. The general rule here is: “Start low, go slow.”
Although everybody reacts differently on CBD and THC (and on the way it’s consumed), it’s custom to start with no more than 2.5 mg THC for one dose. CBD dosages can be significantly higher to start with, but it’s advised to only take 10 mg up to 20 mg for a first dose.
The idea is to monitor your reaction closely to see if there are any unwanted effects or an allergic reaction (which also depends on the type of intake such as inhalation or through edibles, etc.) If you don’t show adverse reactions, and the desired health effects are not yet reached, you can gradually increase the dose.
Additionally, you should always take into account what other medication you already use, because Cannabis may interact adversely in combination with other drugs.
As a general rule, it’s advised to consult a professional healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose is best for a specific health condition. Even for recreational use it’s advised to first seek consultation.
Only buy Cannabis products from a reputable, trustworthy, and certified retailer or dispensary, and read the product labels and packaging to see what kind of CBD and THC you’re buying.
Pregnant women should not use Cannabis; active substances pass through the placenta and may slow the growth of the baby and increase the risk for premature birth, stillbirth, childhood leukemia, other abnormalities, or the need for intensive care after birth.
It’s also thought that Cannabis can result in lower intelligence and emotional problems in the baby (and later on in life), while increasing risks for anemia and high blood pressure for pregnant women. The same precautions count for women who are breastfeeding their baby.
Although CBD is used for children, there’s actually still not enough research about the exact effects of CBD on them. It’s advised to always first consult a professional healthcare provider before administering CBD to children.
If you have a heart disease you should be aware that Cannabis might cause fast heartbeat and high blood pressure, and increases the risk of having a heart attack.
If you have a liver disease or liver damage you should not use Cannabis products or only after consultation with your healthcare provider.
If you have a personal or family history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia you should not use Cannabis or only after consultation with your healthcare provider.
When you are under the influence of Cannabis, you should not drive, operate machinery, or do work that could harm other people.
And finally — you may also want to read our post Risks and Side Effects of Cannabis Use before using Cannabis products.
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