High Anxiety
Potency across cannabis products has been on the rise, there aren’t many beginner friendly products on the market today and it may be hard for a new smoker or people who are sensitive to cannabis to find a manageable high. Although I can’t give any medical advice, I’d like to share ways in which I am personally able to mitigate anxiety when going into a cannabis session. The best way I have found to reduce anxiety in relation to the use of cannabis has been preparing my mind, body, and surroundings before taking in any THC.
One of the biggest issues I run into when I get anxiety from cannabis is from procrastinating a task, smoking before doing what needs to be done in the day. If there are essentials that need doing such as chores, food prep or assignments of some sort it is always best to finish these tasks before beginning consumption. In my experience, getting high feels a whole lot better when you are actually able to relax and use cannabis to aid in that relaxation rather than to escape your responsibilities.
Speaking of being responsible, another major part of managing your high is making sure your body is prepared. I always make sure I am well hydrated and nourished for a more pleasant experience. If you are dehydrated and hungry it can occasionally lead to more negative side effects such as a headache or nausea which are the opposite effects of what we look for in a high. Not only should you prepare your body to get high but also your mind. Making sure you are in a good headspace for the experience is essential for the peak enjoyment of this plant. There are times where cannabis is nice to take the edge off of a stressful day but it should always be used in conjunction with other ways to destress and it should never be relied on as the sole way to manage emotions.
My favorite way to use cannabis is to enhance whatever activity I am doing; with that being said, certain types of cannabis are better for certain activities. Choosing the right strain for the specific activity is very important in depicting what type of experience you will have. I try to stick with indica strains for things that are more relaxing like watching movies or sunbathing. When I am participating in activities where more attention is required such as doing a puzzle or playing some board games or video games I enjoy using a hybrid strain. For activities that require creativity, focus and concentration like playing a musical instrument, a physical activity or going out for a night of dancing I’ll choose a sativa strain. In the same way that we search for synergy between an activity and a high, you will also want the environment and the people around you to be that of a positive nature that will uplift your experience. If you are new to cannabis, I recommend consuming in a safe familiar place with close friends or family until you are comfortable with the effects. The people and the “vibe” around you shape your experience. A nice cozy room with a loved one is going to be a lot more enjoyable than a crowded noisy place for your first few sessions.
Overall, take things slow and start with low doses, you can always take more but you can never take less. I recommend taking even just a single hit from a joint and waiting 15 minutes before consuming more to see how you feel. With these tips I hope you’re able to go into your sessions with more confidence and get the most out of each experience.
– Mitch Arruda – Cape Cod Cannabis Product Specialist
