Basic Information About Weed | Cannabis Honestly

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Weed 101

You don't have to navigate this alone — or from scratch. We've got you covered with what you need to know and tips for the important chats.

Potency & Risk, Honestly

Potency is the strength of a cannabis product, based on how much THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are in it. Today’s cannabis products can be much stronger than they used to be, especially concentrates and edibles. There are many types of products with different potencies, some with higher amounts of THC.

Greater Potency = Greater Risks Stronger products have greater risks, especially for young people. The risks for greening out and experiencing unwanted mental health effects are greater with higher levels of THC, more frequent use, or if there is a family history of serious mental illness.

Your Brain is Still Developing Because your brain is still developing, using higher-THC products can affect memory, mood, learning, and your mental health. How cannabis affects someone depends on how strong the product is, how often they use it, how they use it, and their tolerance.

Avoid higher-THC Products Cannabis products such as flower, concentrates, edibles, and tinctures can have very different amounts of THC. Waiting to use cannabis or avoiding higher-THC products altogether is one of the best ways to protect your health and future.

What happens when you’re too high?

Being too high, also known as “greening out,” is temporary, but can feel very scary and uncomfortable. It can lead to intense anxiety, panic, paranoia, and disorientation that for some feels like it will last forever.

Other symptoms can include:

Racing heart
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Hallucinations

What if you green out?

“Greening out” on its own isn’t usually a medical emergency. But sometimes there are underlying health reasons – ones a person might not even know about – that mean waiting it out isn’t the right call. If you or someone you know is “greening out,” the most important thing is to stay calm.

If you’re not sure what to do, just get help!

Call 911 or get a parent or trusted adult especially if:

You have reason to think that something other than weed might be involved
The person can’t wake up
The person has chest pain or trouble breathing
The person is suffering from severe confusion or paranoia

How can I get rid of my high?

While greening out can feel scary in the moment, the effects usually pass with time. The only way to get through the experience of consuming too much cannabis…is to get through it!

Get to a quiet, safe place away from crowds or loud noise
Sit or lie down and try to rest
Sip water slowly and take deep breaths
If possible, have someone you trust stay with you or stay with the person until they feel better.
Find an activity that offers comfort. This might include listening to music, watching a show, or coloring.
Call someone you trust and feel safe talking to while waiting it out.

There is no instant fix for being too high, time is usually what helps the most.

Make a Note

The risks for greening out and unwanted mental health effects are greater with higher levels of THC, more frequent use, or if there is a family history of serious mental illness.

Get the facts

Myth

Weed must be safe. It’s legal after all.

Fact

Weed is legal for those 21 and older in New York State. Legal doesn’t always mean safe, especially for teens. Studies show that key areas of the brain continue to develop into early adulthood, or around age 25. Using weed while your brain is developing can negatively impact memory, attention, and even emotional development in ways that can stick around long after the high wears off.

Myth

Everybody is using weed.

Fact

Most teens in New York State are not using weed. The numbers are pretty clear on this one. In a New York class of 20 high school students, about 17 have not used weed recently.

Myth

People can’t get addicted to weed.

Fact

Some people may develop a health condition called Cannabis Use Disorder. This means they continue using weed even when it is causing problems in their daily life, and they find it hard to cut down or stop. Cannabis Use Disorder is treatable and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Myth

Using weed will help with my anxiety and depression.

Fact

Weed can affect mental health in different ways. For some people — especially those who have a mental health condition — using weed may worsen anxiety, trigger panic, or lead to symptoms like psychosis (seeing or hearing things that aren’t grounded in reality).

Myth

Weed and driving is harmless.

Fact

Driving while impaired, including by weed, is illegal and unsafe. Weed can slow reaction time and make it harder to focus. Never consume before or while driving or ride with someone who has. Plan ahead for a sober ride or use public transportation.

Myth

If my parents or other adults use it, it has to be safe.

Fact

Adults you know may use weed recreationally or medically, and that’s their choice to make. But young people’s brains are still developing and respond to weed very differently than a fully developed adult brain. The risks to memory, mental health, and long-term brain development are higher for teens, regardless of what the adults around them do.

Myth

You can’t overdose on weed.

Fact

It is possible to overconsume weed and become physically ill or experience anxiety, paranoia, and/or short-term psychosis. These effects can take many hours to wear off, depending on the type and amount of product consumed, but remember they will wear off. Call the Poison Center if you think someone overconsumed. Call 911 if there is a medical emergency.

Myth

Vaping cannabis a safer alternative to smoking because it's vapor and not smoke.

Fact

Just because it’s marketed or seen as an alternative doesn’t make it safe. Vaping can still damage your lungs. The aerosol (vapor, mist) from a vape isn’t harmless water vapor. Smoke and vapor can contain chemicals that may affect your lungs and overall health. It can also deliver high levels of THC quickly, making the effects stronger and harder to control.

Let's talk about weed, honestly

Weed 101

Potency & Risk, Honestly

The Real Questions

Make a Note

Get the facts

Have more questions? We can help.