Reducing Harms
Reducing Harms – cautiouswithcannabis.com.au
Before looking at ways you can reduce the harms, it's important to consider the different patterns of use. A first-time user's drug experience will be markedly different from that of someone who has been smoking heavily for years. As with most drugs, the more people use the more entrenched their use can become, and the greater the potential for harm.
Obviously the most effective way to reduce harm is not to use. However, we acknowledge some people will still choose to use cannabis. If you don't want to stop, or you are finding it difficult, here are some practical strategies that you can try. Let’s first look at reducing the harms to yourself: |
Eating cannabis (cakes or cookies) instead of smoking
- When marijuana is burned it releases toxins (poisonous fumes) which are then inhaled when smoking. If the person eats the cannabis instead the risk of contracting respiratory (breathing) illnesses is significantly reduced.
- However, it takes a lot longer to feel the effects after eating cannabis than it does with smoking. This can make it difficult to judge the dose and people can become a lot more stoned than they anticipated. It's also worth keeping in mind that more time will be needed for the drug to wear off, which may be important when it comes to driving or other tasks.
When smoking cannabis in cigarettes (joints)
- It is common for people to mix it with tobacco. This poses some problems as tobacco is highly addictive and will make it harder for the cannabis user to cut down or stop. Mixing tobacco with cannabis also increases the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory (breathing) problems. It also raises the risk of heart disease. It is therefore better not to mix the two.
When smoking cannabis in water pipes (bongs)
- Don't inhale deeply and don't hold the smoke in. Approximately 95% of the THC is absorbed within seconds of inhalation. The smoke is forced further down into the lungs increasing the surface area for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. Take small, shallow puffs.
- Regularly clean the water pipe and replace the water. Unclean bongs and water are breeding grounds for germs and viruses.
Use a screen (filter) in the 'cone' or 'down pipe' - this prevents inhalation of small particles and contamination of the water.
- Monitor the water level in the chamber - should be at least 20cm below the rim of the mouthpiece. This will minimise the risk of leakage and water vapour entering the lungs. Water vapour (droplets) accumulating in the lungs can cause lung infection. This is called 'pleurisy'.
- Avoid using bongs made out of wood, aluminium or plastic (including those made out of drink containers or garden hoses). Toxic fumes can be released when smoking through these types of bongs. It's less harmful to use bongs made out of glass, stainless steel or brass.
When smoking cannabis in a pipe
- Again, avoid using wood, aluminium or plastic pipes for the reasons stated above.
Avoid mixing drugs together
- Avoid using other drugs while taking cannabis. If they are mixed, the effects may be more powerful or more unpredictable, and the chance you will have a bad reaction is increased.
- Mixing drugs (or what is called 'polydrug' use) can result in you feeling more paranoid, anxious or panicky and/or nauseous (leading to vomiting).
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
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