While traditionally seen as taboo, research shows that over half of Americans said they’ve tried cannabis at least once. As more people than ever open up about their cannabis experiences, the focus now shifts from stigma toward safe and responsible use.
Our role as professionals in the cannabis industry is not just about selling but educating and guiding our audience. Engaging both the canna-curious individuals new to exploring cannabis and the canna-averse ones — who may have reservations due to lingering myths and misconceptions — requires a different approach. In this blog, we’ll provide quick guidelines to help you effectively discuss consuming cannabis responsibly with these new audiences.
Guidelines for Safe Cannabis Consumption
There’s a responsible way to approach almost every adult activity. For example, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has established guidelines for responsible alcohol consumption. Cannabis demands a similar approach.
- Users — especially those new to or unfamiliar with cannabis use — must be mindful of how cannabis affects them. Everyone reacts differently, so help these folks remember to start slowly and consume cautiously to better understand how certain strains or products may affect them. For those revisiting cannabis after a long break, discuss with them how the effects may be more intense than what they might recall from “back in the day.”
- Brush up on the local laws and regulations surrounding cannabis consumption in your area. While some states permit recreational use, authorities still enforce restrictions on where you can partake. Make sure customers always know to buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries to guarantee they’re purchasing safe, tested and legal products.
- Inform your audiences not to drive or operate heavy machinery immediately after using cannabis — wait until fully sober (at least six hours for anything 35 milligrams or lower) to ensure everyone is kept safe.
- Remember that children, pregnant women and certain other groups should not use cannabis due to potential health risks. Ensure you avoid using cartoons, excessively fruity or candy-centric flavors and attractive packaging that could appeal to a younger audience.
- Stress the importance of safely storing cannabis products, especially those that resemble candies, to ensure they are out of reach for children and pets.
As with any substance, education and moderation are key. By staying informed, we can ensure that we communicate experiences with cannabis that remain positive and beneficial to cannabis consumers — new and old.
Fostering Safe and Mindful Cannabis Use
Understanding the various methods of consumption, adhering to local laws, respecting the preferences and spaces of others and being educated on how people react to cannabis are foundational principles for safe and respectful use.
Using cannabis with an informed and respectful approach not only enhances personal experiences but also contributes to a broader understanding and acceptance within our communities. As marketers and brand ambassadors, providing informed recommendations and guidelines for responsible use empowers us to create a culture where society appreciates cannabis for its benefits — and safe, responsible use is the norm.
