Traditionally, partaking in a smoke sesh is a group activity and with any group activity it’s important to be mindful of your manners. As people become more marijuana friendly and new users join the cannabis community, it’s important to spread the word about what cannabis etiquette is and how to follow it. In this article, we will explore some of the basic and new stoner rules that you should follow while in the circle.
Bring your own to match
What does it mean to match? It means it is polite for everyone who has brought cannabis to the circle to put an equal amount in for the session. You have to remember that cannabis is expensive so if you don’t have any to share, make sure you have some next time.
Offer what you can
Have a pack of papers, grinder or a piece on hand? Tell the circle they can use them. Do you have any munchies on you? Share them! It shows your appreciation and it makes you look like you’re trying to help out.
Always offer to your guests the first hit
Have you ever had friends over for dinner and offered them the first plate of food because they’re your guest? The same principle applies here. It shows generosity and makes them feel welcome.
Take cleanliness and spreading germs into account
In today’s day and age, sanitary practices are of the utmost importance. Here are some old and new tips to keep in mind:
1. Don’t slobber on the piece or joint
2. Don’t partake if you are sick
3. If available to you, rub a disinfectant wipe, sanitizer or rubbing alcohol on the mouthpiece when it is passed to you, and, when you pass it on. This only should apply if you’re using a glass piece.
4. Turn your head away from everyone else if you cough upon exhale
5. Don’t blow the smoke in someone’s face
Don’t hog the weed
There are a few ways you can do this. First is by holding onto the piece or joint while telling a story. Second, always take two, and only two hits, then pass it to the left. Third, unless the bud is yours, always light the corner of the bowl. Torching it in the middle may provide you with the most green but it makes you look inconsiderate.
Let the circle know how you intend to smoke your bud and if it is mixed with any other drug.
This is a big one for the person who is offering. This may not seem like a big deal but for some people it can be. Why? Well, what if you have someone with a lung condition in the group? If so, a bong may be the better route. Because smoke is filtered through the water, some of the harmful components in the smoke stays in the water, resulting in them not going into your lungs. What if there’s someone who’s terrified of getting too high? If that’s the case, a joint might be a better option for them. When you smoke out of a bong, you don’t lose as much smoke. You’re also taking in all the smoke at once which means you have to inhale more deeply, as a result, the smoke goes deeper into your lungs. When these three things are combined, cannabinoids are launched into your bloodstream and take effect much more quickly when compared to a joint. Finally, do you have someone in the group who is a cannabis smoker but doesn’t smoke cigarettes? It is particularly important to let them know if you’re going to be using a blunt wrap due to nicotine and tobacco possibly being on the inside of the wrapper. According to a study by National Center for Biotechnology Information, immediate effects of nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting, and headache, among other unwanted symptoms. If someone who is not used to nicotine inhales it, they could be more at risk for experiencing these symptoms versus someone who has built up a tolerance for it. Additionally, you should always let people know if the bud is mixed with other drugs such as LSD or ketamine.
Be honest and grateful
This applies to the owner of the bud and those who partake. To the owner, always be as honest as you can about potency, where the bud came from and if it is laced with something. Everyone’s tolerance is different and you never want your guests to become paranoid or scared as a result of using cannabis. To the user, be honest if it is your first time using, are sensitive to cannabis or if you have any health conditions associated with lung irritation such as asthma or cardiac issues.
In short, following cannabis etiquette is like any other type of etiquette. Be respectful and kind to the person who is offering their stuff to you, always say thank you afterwards, return the favor next time and be honest with them. It’s the right thing to do and takes very little effort to do it.
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photo courtesy of oneleafcbdtalks.com
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