Don’t forget about the safety of other people, either. Take care to keep your medication securely hidden and locked away from any pets or children in your household. The Pet Poison Helpline says it has never received a report of a marijuana-related pet death, but one study did note two canine deaths after the dogs “ingested butter made with medical grade marijuana in baked products.”
Finally, be sure to avoid synthetic marijuana products, like “K2” or “spice,” which has been linked to deaths caused by kidney failure and respiratory problems. K2 is not marijuana, contains numerous chemicals that are not found in marijuana, and it should never be used as a marijuana substitute.
With a little bit of caution and common sense, cannabis is a remarkably safe drug with no risk of fatal overdose. If your quality of life is being negatively impacted by a serious medical condition, you may be a good candidate for medical marijuana.
Sexual and Social Risks
Marijuana can reduce your anxiety, lower your inhibitions, and make you feel more comfortable and relaxed around others. Just be careful you don’t get too relaxed about your own personal safety. If you’re going to have sex, always use a condom to prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and double check-in with yourself to be sure you won’t regret this interaction in the morning. Be very cautious about leaving bars or parties with strangers, and make sure a trusted friend knows where you are going and who you will be with.
Jordan Tishler MD
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