‘High holiday’ 4/20 comes with safe-use tips
Posted Apr 20, 2023 3:03 pm.
Last Updated Apr 20, 2023 3:04 pm.
Alberta Health Services and a cannabis chain are offering safe-use tips for those taking part in 4/20 celebrations Thursday.
Dr. Ife Abiola, the vice president of advocacy and education at chain FOUR20, says his cannabis store takes an educational approach with both returning and new users.
He says the “high holiday” is a great opportunity to impart some wisdom on anyone who is “cannabis curious.”
“FOUR20 started in Alberta. We started right here in Calgary, we were a little medical clinic that turned into what we are now. So we’ve always had the approach of if you’re going to be a pioneer or a leader or take that leading role, you need to do things correctly. And I think Alberta can do that,” Abiola said.
The cannabis industry, which has seen some highs and lows since marijuana became legal in 2018, has grown to include more than 3,700 legal recreational stores in Canada, or less than one store per 10,000 residents.
According to Statistics Canada data, Alberta is among the provinces with the largest number of stores, allowing retail sales by private-sector businesses. Calgary and Edmonton have 208 and 197 stores, respectively.
“If we’re going to have the most cannabis shops and such a high amount of consumption, you better be the most educated,” Abiola said.
‘Start slow and go low’
Abiola says the standard consideration for new users is to “start slow and go low.”
“This is for a few different reasons. The first one is that everybody doesn’t react to cannabis in the same way,” he told CityNews.
“This goes double for if you’re using something like edibles … Generally, it’s three to seven times stronger than if somebody had smoked it.”
He says edibles can be even stronger, depending on a person’s body size, age, genetics, and even gender, “genetics being the big one.”
“So if you are new to cannabis, particularly if you’re using edibles, you can’t go at someone else’s pace. You have to go at your own pace and use it slowly,” Abiola said.
“If you are new to cannabis, you need to be very, very cautious with your approach. Also, get the advice of a very qualified ‘budtender.'”
Cannabis effects on the body
Meanwhile, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is also sharing some safety tips with those planning to celebrate the day.
AHS says cannabis can have both “short and long-term effects.”
The short-term effects can include making a person feel drowsy, slow reaction times, and decreased coordination.
The health authority says cannabis can also make it harder for you to focus, concentrate, “remember and make decisions.”
Albertans are also being reminded not to drive impaired.
“If somebody is using cannabis and is going to be under the influence … they should not be driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of cannabis,” Abiola said, also recommending against the mixing of alcohol and cannabis.
“One of the effects that you can get from the use of cannabis is a change in blood pressure. So oftentimes, people will try to compensate by drinking a beverage, but we prefer that you use water,” Abiola explained.
“Alcohol can actually interfere with the metabolism of THC, which can lead to other issues, like you may have heard of ‘greening out.’ This is dysphoria, that kind of sick feeling you get, especially when you mix the two.”
Use before 25
AHS defines longer-term use as “using cannabis often (daily or near-daily)” over a long period of time.
Both it and the federal government say a human brain is still developing until around the age of 25. Health Canada notes “you are more likely to experience harm from cannabis” during this period.
“The younger people are when they start using cannabis, and the more often they use, the higher their risk of addiction and other health problems,” AHS added.
“Delaying cannabis use until at least the age of 25 can lower the risk of harmful health effects.”
Abiola says FOUR20 never allows anyone under the age of 18 to enter its stores and that store owners understand youth are at a higher risk of psychosis and schizophrenia when smoking at a young age.
He adds the risks are based on the potency of use, age, and genetics.
“This is why it’s very important for people who are young to avoid cannabis until their brain has developed until they are of legal age, and then to follow these health guidelines that we have. They’re set out there for reason, namely being (for) the health of the customer,” Abiola said.
AHS recommends those consuming cannabis “limit” use as much as possible and to “avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath.”
Abiola agrees and says it is a common myth to think it is necessary for a person to hold their breath.
“It is not necessary to experience greater effects of the drug,” Abiola said.
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It’s recommended you follow the advice of an expert when you’re consuming cannabis, whether it’s your first time or not.
Meanwhile, AHS says there are also considerations to keep in mind when you are smoking — for those around you.
“Second-hand smoke and vapour is harmful, especially to children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding,” AHS said.
“Keep your home and vehicle cannabis smoke and vapour-free. Smoke or vape outside away from children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.”
It also says to keep cannabis locked up in the original container and “out of sight” of pets or children.
“Not using cannabis is the safest choice when pregnant or trying to become pregnant,” AHS added.
While Abiola says 4/20 is a time for people to enjoy themselves, he wants Albertans to be mindful.
He adds his goal is to be a resource to the community, adding the more educated a person is, the safer they will be.
“We do ask that people are as safe as possible and that they get the proper recommendations from somebody who is qualified, somebody with experience, that they understand that they can be impaired by cannabis,” he said.
“However, cannabis is, compared to a lot of other things, relatively safe but we need to treat it with the proper respect. So be safe out there if you are celebrating 4/20.”
