The Value of Cannabis Education

Cannabis use is legal in Vermont and, just as with alcohol and tobacco, we need to educate Vermonters of all ages about the risks associated with its use.

Cannabis is out there in Vermont, so education should be to. In Rutland County we have numerous partnerships and funding to inform the community about harm reduction tools and to educate, youth, families, and the general community about cannabis, tobacco, and other substances. These partnerships are supported through state grants like Rutland Partners for Prevention, Tobacco Control Prevention, and the Vermont Prevention Lead Organization.

If you, or someone you know, choose to use cannabis follow these steps to ensure responsible use and to reduce risks:

• The legal age for use and possession is 21 years old.
• Keep cannabis out of reach and secure from children and pets.
• Cannabis use by youth under the age of 21 can cause permanent changes to the growing brain and can increase the risk of developing a cannabis use disorder.
• Use one substance at a time.
• If you are prescribed medications, especially if you are over the age 65, ask your doctor about mixing medications and cannabis.
• Eat food and drink plenty of water when smoking or ingesting cannabis.
• If you are using edibles start low (5mg or less) and use slow (allow for 90 minutes to pass before taking more).
• Have a designated driver and remember that a high from cannabis can last anywhere from 2-10 hours (Healthline.com).
• Buy cannabis from a regulated dispensary or someone you trust.
• Ask about the potency levels when buying cannabis. Cannabis over 15% THC is considers high-potency and can increase your risk of developing a psychiatric disorder.
• High potency cannabis use in youth can lead to mental health issues such as depression, social anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
• Know the signs of a cannabis overdose also known as greening out which can include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, loss of mobility, paleness, anxiety or paranoia, panic attacks, memory loss, and hallucinations.
• Pick up a free cannabis lock bag from select cannabis stores in Vermont to keep your products locked away and safe from children.

Perhaps you need to take a break from cannabis use. The University of Vermont offers a free Cannabis Break Guide that provides tools to help you use cannabis responsibly and to know when you need to take a break from use all together. The guide is full of information about the impact cannabis may have on your sleep, appetite, boredom, anxiety and more. The guide walks you through what you might expect during the 21-days of a cannabis break.

Understanding cannabis better, and specifically its effect on you, will help you make informed decisions about its use. Learning your own tolerance levels is important, but always maintaining a healthy respect for the effects of cannabis use is just as important.

Sara Stearns, BSW, is the Prevention Coordinator for the Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) of Addison and Rutland Counties.