According to research, 18% of Americans have used cannabis within the last year. What's more, 91% of people in the US say that marijuana should be legalized, either recreationally, medically, or both. 

However, is consuming cannabis safe? 

If you're new to the world of cannabis, it's important that you weigh the risks and the benefits so that you can try out the herb responsibly. 

Before you begin consuming marijuana, you also need to know about the different consumption methods and possible effects. 

Are you ready to get smart to cannabis safety and consumption? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know in this handy guide. 

Is Consuming Cannabis Safe?

If you're considering consuming cannabis, whether for recreational or medical reasons, the first thing you're probably asking yourself is whether or not marijuana is safe. 

Marijuana has had a history of bad press and stereotypes. However, lately, it's also been touted as a cure-all. Which viewpoint is correct? 

As with most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. 

Clinical research has proven that cannabis does have a wide range of health benefits. One of the primary medical uses is for treating pain. However, some people also use it for releasing tension, assisting with sleep, calming anxiety, and more. 

Cannabis has also been found to be useful in the treatment of cancer patients where it can reduce nausea and stimulate appetite. 

Other conditions where marijuana has been used for treatment include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and glaucoma. 

As far as the health risks of consuming cannabis are concerned, the primary one is respiratory diseases from smoking. Overdosing on marijuana can also trigger or exacerbate mental health problems. 

Interestingly, research has also found strong supporting evidence that marijuana use can relieve depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. At the same time, take note that marijuana use is not recommended for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and psychosis.

Is Consuming Cannabis Addictive?

Another common concern around consuming cannabis is whether it is addictive. 

Although there can be an addictive element to cannabis, this is purely psychological, and actual addiction is very rare. According to research, only 9% of people ever become addicted to cannabis.

This might still sound like a high percentage. However, it is nothing compared to some of the things we consume every day in our food. According to studies, sugar is far more addictive than even cocaine. 

If you're worried about addiction and consuming marijuana, keep in mind that addiction rates are much lower than what is portrayed in the media. What's more, addiction is usually set off by chronic use. 

The Effects of Consuming Cannabis 

Cannabis can have a range of effects, depending on the strain, the amount, and the person who is consuming it. Everyone's makeup is a little different, and people often have varying responses to weed. 

The strain you try also plays a big role. The two main categories of strains are Indica and Sativa. Indica-dominant strains are better for pain relief, relaxation, and sleep. 

Sativa strains on the other hand produce more cerebral stimulation. They are often energizing and many people turn to these when they want to work on creative projects. 

Because cannabis can produce a wide range of effects, it's very hard to pin down the most common. However, here are some of the effects you might experience when consuming cannabis:

• A feeling of mental and physical relaxation
• Altered thoughts (eg you might find yourself looking at things from a unique perspective)
• Euphoria
• Feelings of wellbeing
• Altered perception of time

At the same time, if you consume too much, or have an adverse reaction, you may also feel anxious or disorientated. 

Lastly, keep in mind that consuming marijuana can temporarily lower your blood sugar levels and blood pressure. 

If you're worried about trying marijuana for the first time, keep in mind that most of the unpleasant effects happen at high doses. If you err on the side of caution and consume lower amounts, you're unlikely to experience adverse effects. 

The Different Ways of Consuming Marijuana

Just as there are numerous ways consuming cannabis can affect you, there are also numerous ways to take it in. These include smoking, vaping, and cooking with cannabis. 

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most common ways to consume cannabis, either through joints, bongs, or pipes. 

However, smoking cannabis is the one method that poses the most health risks. This is because cannabis smoke can have an impact on one's respiratory system. 

Vaping

If you want to puff on cannabis but avoid inhaling harmful smoke into your lungs, vaping might be the ideal option. 

You can either choose to vape cannabis concentrates, or you can opt for a dry herb vaporizer. 

Cannabis extracts for vaporizers are widely available, however, you will need to do a bit of product research before you partake and decide whether you want to buy isolate or full-spectrum extracts. 

Dry herb vaporizers have a chamber into which you place dried cannabis flowers. The heat in the chamber vaporizes the cannabinoids and plant compounds. However, it does not incinerate the flowers or produce any smoke. 

Although vaping is considered safer for your lungs than traditional smoking, there are still some safety tips you should be aware of. Check out this guide of ours on vaping safety tips if you want to learn more. 

Cooking With Cannabis

Another popular for consuming cannabis is through edibles. 

Although you can eat uncooked cannabis and enjoy some of its health benefits, many of the main cannabinoids can only be activated through heat. 

Most cannabis recipes, such as pot brownies or cannabutter, require the cannabis to be heated in oil or fat. This activates compounds like THC and CBD.

When ingested as an edible, marijuana typically takes a lot longer for the body to absorb than when smoked or vaped. The effects are also a lot longer lasting. 

Therefore, when cooking with cannabis or eating edibles, it's always a good idea to start with low doses. 

Are You Looking for High-Quality Cannabis Products?

Now that you know about the basics of consuming cannabis, are you in need of premium-quality cannabis products? 

Here at The River Provisioning, we supply a range of cannabis flower strains, tinctures, pre-rolls, Pax pods, gummies, and more. We also offer delivery to most of Mid-Michigan's main centers.

If you would like to browse our products, head over to our specials page to get started.