Safer Use
Scientific information and recommendations for lower-risk cannabis use.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cannabis use is associated with various risks to your own health and that of the people around you.
Below we have summarised the most important Safer Use information for the lowest-risk cannabis use possible.
Avoid using cannabis if...
- …you are not feeling well psychologically
- …you need to concentrate, for example at work, school or while studying
- …you take part in road traffic, operate machinery or carry out other risky activities
Things to avoid when using cannabis
- Mixing cannabis with tobacco
- Mixed use with alcohol, other drugs or medication
- Cannabis products whose ingredients or origin you do not know exactly
Protect children
and young people
- No cannabis use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Protect children and young people from second-hand smoke
- Always keep cannabis products out of reach of children and young people
Use mindfully
reduce risks
- Limit how often you use and keep a consumption diary
- Take regular breaks of at least one week
- Choose cannabis products with less THC and more CBD
- Start with a low dose and increase slowly (“start low, go slow”)
- Prefer a vaporiser and/or oral cannabis products to smoking
- With oral cannabis products (edibles/tinctures), be aware of the delayed and long-lasting effects
- When smoking joints, use activated-charcoal filters and avoid cardboard filters
Good to know
Vaporiser instead of joints
Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so it is important to know your own tolerance and adjust dosage accordingly.
A gradual increase in dose helps you find the desired effect without amplifying side effects.
Pay close attention to how your body reacts to different cannabis products, doses and consumption forms in order to manage your use more effectively.
Good to know
Edibles and tinctures
Edible cannabis products (edibles) and tinctures offer a smoke-free form of consumption that is gentler on the lungs and allows more consistent dosing.
It is important to start with a low dose and to be aware of the delayed effect of oral cannabis (up to 2 hours) to avoid overdosing.
Since the effects of edibles and tinctures last longer, it is advisable to be cautious about taking further doses.
Good to know
Dosage and tolerance
Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so it is important to know your own tolerance and adjust dosage accordingly.
A gradual increase in dose helps you find the desired effect without amplifying side effects.
Pay close attention to how your body reacts to different cannabis products, doses and consumption forms in order to manage your use more effectively.
Health risks of polysubstance use
Mixing cannabis with tobacco significantly increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco contains many harmful substances that raise cancer risk and general health risks. Using cannabis without tobacco can reduce these risks.
Mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can lead to unpredictable and risky interactions. Depending on the substance, the respective effects can be amplified or weakened, and psychological overload or even overdose can occur quickly.
Interactions with medication
Cannabis can interact with various medications and amplify or weaken their effects.
Find out about potentially risky interactions and speak with your doctor if you regularly take medication.
Good to know
Cannabis and driving
Driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal, as reaction time and attention are significantly impaired.
Use public transport or a ride service if you have used cannabis.
Wait at least six hours after using cannabis before driving a vehicle, and make sure you are fit to drive again.
After using edibles or tinctures, it can take up to 12 hours to be fit to drive again, due to the longer duration of effects.
THC is detectable in blood and urine for a long time. With regular cannabis use, a THC concentration above the legal limit can be detected even after an extended break.
Cannabis and stress management
Some people use cannabis to relax and reduce stress. Excessive use, however, can be counter-productive and lead to dependence.
Make sure not to use cannabis as your only coping strategy, and complement it with other stress-reducing activities such as sport, time in nature, breathing exercises, meditation, etc.
Occasional and targeted cannabis use can help reduce stress in an unproblematic way, without slipping into dependence.
Risks of starting use early
Cannabis use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression and psychoses.
Young people who use cannabis regularly are at higher risk of developing schizophrenia or other serious mental disorders, especially when there is a genetic predisposition.
Mental health problems triggered or aggravated by cannabis use during adolescence can significantly impair quality of life, as well as social and professional integration.
Cannabis dependence
With regular cannabis use there is a risk of psychological dependence, with mild physical withdrawal symptoms.
To prevent dependence, you should only use occasionally and take regular, longer breaks.
Keeping a consumption diary can help you better manage the frequency and amount of your use.
Seeking support early can help you recognise unhealthy patterns in time and counteract them.
There are many professional counselling and therapy services specialised in cannabis.
Dealing with withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can occur with regular or high-dose cannabis use and include insomnia, loss of appetite, sweating, hot and cold flushes and irritability.
A gradual reduction of the dose and a healthy lifestyle can help relieve these symptoms.
Professional support and counselling can also be very helpful.