Social Cannabis Consumption – How do we regulate?

Over the last few months I have attended social cannabis consumption events of various calibers. While they have all been peaceful and positive events, the concern about over consumption has continued to come up.

After spending the weekend with my parents where both of them experienced over consumption issues, I decided to pose the question on Facebook and open up an educated conversation on the topic.

How do we regulate social cannabis usage in a social setting? 

What is being done to ensure everyone is consuming at a safe level? 

Social Consumption at Private Events 

One person addressing this issue is Andrew Mieure, owner of Top Shelf Budtending.

Andrew started his career in cannabis as a bud tender after being introduced to cannabis as a way to treat his Xanax withdrawals. Like myself, Andrew started attending consumption events in the industry and recognized the various issues with social consumption and the flaws in an unregulated industry.

Many of the pieces used for consumption were not being sterilized after each use, people were taking entirely too many hits, and it became apparent that there was no standardization for social consumption in place. 

As a result Andrew created Top Shelf Budtending, a company specializing in offering an educated, safe, and responsible cannabis experience. Top Shelf has various standard operating systems in place, tolerance questions to ask consumers, cleanliness standards, and educated servers on staff. 

From my personal experience watching Andrew work I can say that Top Shelf Budtending is truly a trailblazer when it comes to social consumption! 

The bud tenders are very knowledgable about the product and emphasize the “lowest common denominator” theory that one should always serve the patron less because you can never take away too much once someone has reached a limit they cannot maintain. 

This is very important especially in a social setting where there is a lot of peer pressure around smoking. Especially if you are at a smoking event where the intention is to consume cannabis. If you are an infrequent user or have a low tolerance you shouldn’t be taking five dabs to keep up with your friend. Top Shelf is there to ensure that you are only getting the greatest dosage you personally should consume. 

When there aren’t companies like Top Shelf available at the event it is the responsibility of the consumer to know his/her limits. Just like a bar when consuming alcohol one normally knows their threshold between having fun and being too drunk.

Luckily for cannabis users the side effects of cannabis tend to be less dangerous than alcohol, but should still not be taken lightly. Users should also consider the side effects of mixing alcohol and cannabis which tends to leave people feeling slightly “twisted” or like the room is spinning. 

Higher Potency of Pot 

Another issue that has arose in terms of social consumption is the higher potency of today’s cannabis versus pot in the 70’s. For example, both my parents consumed with me and had complaints of the

cannabis being too intense, making them feel sick, and causing grogginess the next day. 

When we are dealing with infrequent users it is important to start slow.

Microdosing is the concept of using small doses of cannabis to reap the benefits of THC without the physchoactive effect. People are commonly using microdosing in conjunction with CBD to help regulate the endocannabonoid system on a daily basis through tinctures. 

While microdosing is ideal there are scenarios where an infrequent user would like to “get high” with you.

In those situations what do we do to protect the consumer? 

After posing the question on Facebook I had various responses. Everyone was in agreement that starting with edible consumption especially with higher milligrams of THC is a bad plan. If someone wants to smoke cannabis they should start with a high CBD strain such as Charlotte’s Web or Harlequin so they can feel the relaxing body high from cannabis and less physchoactive effects from the THC. 

According to Daniel Pedro, a cannabis advocate, “it is important that the user feels at ease and are consuming in a safe environment.” Ensuring that the consumer is comfortable with consumption and is in a safe space to do so is vital for a pleasant experience.

If for any reason the consumer becomes overwhelmed by their experience its best to lay down and take some deep calming breaths. No one has ever died from the over consumption of cannabis, so if one has taken one too many hits it will eventually wear off through sleep or time. 

Another suggestion from cannabis socialite, LaynieGanja, was for users to bring their own cannabis to the party. For example, if you know you do not have a high tolerance for cannabis, but would still like to partake bring your own stash to smoke. Bringing a high CBD strain or a 5mg edible is much more beneficial to the user than consuming too much and being in a cloud of mind fog for the rest of the event.  

Overall there are measures we can take to consume cannabis responsibly in a social settings. In an industry not yet regulated by the federal government it is the responsibility of those in the industry and the consumer to self regulate and take accountability for their actions. Education is key and continuing to provide high caliber services such as Top Shelf Budtending will lead the way for future companies in the industry.

Dispensaries also need to educate their staff members on how to provide appropriate suggestions to new users and infrequent users so they do not over consume during their first experience. 

It is the responsibility for veteran users to also watch over their friends and family at social events by providing them with more appropriate strains and dosages for their tolerance levels and knowing when too much is too much.

With everyone taking accountability we will ensure that cannabis continues to shine in a positive light with hopes of one day federal legalization.