Start Here: Use & Safety
Here at Christian Cannabis, we believe in the broad range of benefits that cannabis can offer regarding the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those who use it.
We recognize and have a deep respect for the truth that cannabis (specifically, THC) is a mind-altering plant medicine. How this plant interacts with natural systems in the human body has significant and profound healing potential. That being said, it requires a certain level of precaution for those considering consuming plant medicine for the first time (or first few times.)
First and foremost, not every human body will agree with cannabis. Although the only way to know for sure is if you try it, it is essential to be mindful of the effects cannabis has on you, both while it is in your system and how it affects you over time.
Secondly, although at times cannabis in your system can FEEL scary, there is zero risk of overdose. Due to the location of the receptors in the brain and nervous system that are affected by compounds in cannabis, it is physiologically impossible to consume cannabis to the point of overdose or death. If you over-consume, your experience will likely be unpleasant, ranging in intensity based on how much you’ve consumed, you’re not in any real danger.
Scroll down for some recommended methods to reduce the intensity of your experience.
For anyone interested in experiencing plant medicine, the golden rule is to start low and slow.
Starting with small microdoses (1-5mg of THC) either in the form of edibles or tinctures, or just inhaling one or two breaths of smoked flower will allow you to tiptoe into the realm of altered consciousness in a way that feels safe. Wait 15-30 minutes after smoking to feel the effect entirely, and up to two full hours for consumables. A “rookie mistake” a lot of newbies make is not waiting enough time for the onset to fully take place and consuming more before it’s fully kicked in.
As important as the amount you consume, is the setting or environment where you consume cannabis. Your environment will have a significant effect on your experience overall and for those that are new to cannabis, we recommend trying cannabis in the safety and comfort of your home with people you trust. Once you feel comfortable with its effects, we encourage you to add cannabis to activities and experiences that you enjoy.
We, under no circumstances, advise consuming cannabis and operating a car or heavy machinery. We implore you to abide by the laws set forth by your local and state government and do not condone, under any circumstances, illegal or public consumption, possession, or distribution of cannabis in any form or fashion.
We recommend speaking to your doctor about any medications you are taking to determine the effects of mixing cannabis with prescription drugs. Do your due diligence and research the ways cannabis can affect the body.
Lastly, we maintain the position wholeheartedly, that the underage consumption of cannabis is dangerous, and it’s long term effects are, at best, unclear. We believe that introducing mind-altering substances of any kind to a developing mind is irresponsible and detrimental. Information on this website or on our affiliate platforms is intended for the use of responsible and consenting adults over the age of 21, with mental capacities to make informed decisions for themselves.
Tips for Overconsumption
Over-consumption is a normal occurrence amongst cannabis users, and it can happen from time to time as people learn how much is right for them. Although, it can be very uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that you are not in any real danger when you have too much cannabis. It is physiologically impossible to overdose or die from cannabis, as zero deaths have been reported from consuming cannabis, ever.
The physical experience of over consumption varies, but some might experience dizziness, nausea, feelings of anxiousness or panic, increased heart rate, vomiting, confusion, paranoia or intense feelings of fear and doom. As much as possible, it’s important to remember that you’re not in any real danger and that the symptoms and the experience will pass.
That being said, we have all been there, and overconsumption is only problematic because it can be incredibly unpleasant and the mind has a tendency to run away from you as you enter into states of consciousness that you do not feel comfortable in. Here are a few of our tried and tested methods of decreasing the intensity of THC if you find yourself in a position where you may have had too much.
- Decrease your sensory input. If you are in a loud, bright or overly-stimulating environment, find a way to decrease the intensity. Finding a darker, quieter space will help you recenter yourself.
- Focus on your breathing. Take 9-12 deep, slow intentional breaths. Fill the lungs up to their capacity and then exhale as slowly as possible. This will help decrease the heart rate and will connect you back to your physical body.
- If you are indoors, it is helpful to get outside. Maybe take a walk around the block, sit in the grass in the back yard or get in nature. (Obviously, do not drive, but if you have access to nature, it can be very comforting to be in a space larger than you or the confines of your home.)
- Turn the lights down and put some relaxing music or worship music on in your headphones. Close your eyes, talk to God. Focus on your breathing and intentionally calm the mind with affirmations.
- Taking a hot shower can be helpful to calm and soothe the mind and reestablish the connection with the body.
- A cup of coffee, chewing on a peppercorn or the rind of a lemon are also methods people use to negate the intensity of THC.
- Consume CBD isolate or CBD-dominant products as the CBD counteracts or softens the effects of the THC.
This is absolutely why we recommend starting low and slow. Making sure your environment is safe and comfortable. Our intention is to support people in having pleasant experiences with cannabis. If your experience with cannabis is unpleasant, you will likely not try it again. Holding a deep respect for the power of the plant medicine is so important. Keep a consumption journal and know your limits.
Once the intensity of your experience has subsided, we highly recommend journaling about your experience. As uncomfortable as it may be to over-consume cannabis, the plant medicine does have a special way of showing you what is in the deep parts of the subconscious mind. What came up for you once you realized you had too much? What fears, thoughts, and emotions presented themselves to you? Did you notice any recurring thought loops or beliefs? Sit with the things that come to your mind in an objective and compassionate way. Is there any truth to what came up for you?
Cannabis expands our awareness and shows us parts of ourselves that we hide, even from ourselves. We have found that there is a lot of truth hidden in the emotions that come up when we accidentally over-consume. Even though the experience itself might have been unpleasant, there is still abundant opportunity for growth, awareness and healing. Keep a consumption journal so you can make notes of how much is too much for you.
THC vs. CBD
A simple google search will yield vast research and positions on the differences between THC and CBD.
This entry is to serve as a general and basic summary for the understanding of many. We encourage you to research in more detail the differences between the cannabinoids and how each can serve you on your journey.
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, which are compounds in the plant that affect and interact with the human endocannabinoid system. The two most popular ones are THC and CBD. These cannabinoids are highly saturated in cannabis and have been studied the most regarding how they affect the body.
CBD, which has become increasingly more popular after hemp was removed from the Schedule I Narcotics List in 2018, contributes significantly to a felt sense of relaxation. It helps with sleep, anxiety and mood disorders, nausea, headaches, and a plethora of other physical ailments.
THC, known as the “one that gets you high,” also plays a significant role in managing pain and inflammation, contributing to creative thinking and expression, elevates feelings of elation and joy, among many other healing and balancing benefits.
Important to note is the way these compounds work together. Isolating the cannabinoids does have it’s benefits, however, the synergistic effect of how the compounds play together, known as the entourage effect, is essential in garnering the holistic and medicinal properties of the entire plant.
A strong misconception is that THC is “bad” because it gets you high. You can consume small amounts of THC and still receive the many benefits it offers without getting high. When approaching cannabis from a holistic perspective, we believe in the power of the entire plant. We have put together resources for those of you seeking CBD-only information that can be found by clicking here.
For the sake of simplicity and clarity, when we use the term cannabis, we are referring to the plant in its entirety, including THC. And we will use the term CBD to refer to hemp-derived can
