Why “Start low, go slow” is the golden rule for cannabis consumers

Highlights:

• To avoid unpleasant side effects, consumers should start with small quantities of product that are low in THC.
• The more frequent your consumption and the stronger the product, the quicker your tolerance will increase.
• Maintaining a low tolerance to cannabinoids can be cost-effective. 

The golden rule for cannabis consumers is: Start low, go slow. Following this advice will allow you to find products that provide a desired result, while avoiding unwanted side effects.

Start low

Depending on your desired outcome, a good place to start might be with a product high in cannabidiol (CBD), which is considered to be non-intoxicating, or one that contains a low amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (under 15 percent). While the consumption method you choose (smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting) and other factors such as metabolism and tolerance will play a role in the effects you experience, starting with a low-THC product will enable you to feel its effects, without leading to increased anxiety levels that might occur if you consume too much.

Go slow

If you’re smoking or vaporizing cannabis for the first time, start with one puff and wait 15 minutes before considering consuming more. If you’re taking an oil or capsule, ask a cannabis consultant for a product with the lowest possible concentration of THC, and follow the instructions on the label. Wait at least two hours after ingesting cannabis oils or capsules before ingesting any more. Chances are your experience will be positive if you stick to these guidelines.

While you might be tempted to consume products with high concentrations of THC or CBD right off the bat, starting with a product that contains high levels of the plant’s most active compounds may not only result in unpleasant side effects, it could also increase your tolerance at a faster rate than a consumer who decided to start with a product containing a lower concentration.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with having a higher tolerance to THC, moderating your consumption of cannabis will also mean that you may have to purchase less in order to achieve a desired experience, thereby saving you money.

Starting low and going slow enables you to keep your tolerance at a lower level as you educate yourself about its potential effects, allowing you to make the right choice about cannabis and its consumption.

Visit Health Canada to learn more about the potential effects of consuming cannabis.