Cannabis Consumer Education

Limitations on the right to possess and use cannabis for Adult Use Consumers:

• Purchase Limit: Connecticut purchase limits are currently limited to ½ oz per transaction.
• Carry/Possession Limits:
  1. 1.5oz of plant material
  2. 7.5grams of concentrate
  3. or cannabis products containing up to 750mg of THC
• Locked in a container at home or in a locked glovebox/trunk:
  1. 5oz of plant material
  2. 25 grams of concentrate
  3. Or cannabis products containing up to 2500mg of THC

Limitations on the right to possess and use cannabis for Medical Patients:

• Purchase Limit:
  1. 5oz monthly allotment (unless otherwise noted by a physician)
• Locked in a container at home or in a locked glovebox/trunk:
  1. 5oz of plant material
  2. 25 grams of concentrate
  3. Or cannabis products containing up to 2500mg of THC

Safe techniques for proper use of cannabis and paraphernalia:

Inhalation: Inhalation is one of the most common forms of consuming cannabis, when you inhale cannabis all the active compounds including THC are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. The two main ways of inhaling cannabis are via smoking and vaping:

1. 1. Smoking: When you smoke cannabis the cannabis flower is ignited, and the consumer inhales the smoke produced. Some of the common terms involved in smoking are:
      • • Joints – Cannabis that is rolled in paper, igniting one end and inhaling through the other
        • Pipes – Pipes are smoking devices typically made from glass with a bowl-shaped end for the consumer to place their cannabis, igniting the cannabis will produce smoke that carries down the chamber of the pipe to the mouthpiece where a consumer would inhale the smoke.
        • Water Pipes – More commonly known as Bongs or Bubblers work similarly to standard pipes with the exception that water pipes use water to filter and cool the smoke thus creating a smooth inhalation.
        • Vaping: Vaping involves using a device to apply heat to either cannabis flower or cannabis concentrates to a point just below combustion. This transforms the cannabinoids and terpenes into vapor which are then inhaled by the consumer.
   2. Oral Consumption: There are two ways to consume cannabis orally. Consuming cannabis through ingestion typically results in a longer onset of effects due to the cannabis needing to be absorbed through the digestive tract.
      • • Edibles – Are one of the most common forms of consuming cannabis with products being widely available in infused beverages, baked goods and gummies. A key factor to remember when consuming edibles is the onset will not be as quick as it is with inhalation with the initial onset of effects from edible consumption ranging from twenty minutes to three hours.
   3. Tinctures – Are cannabis products that are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue. A few drops of tincture sublingually can have a rapid onset of effects while any tincture that is swallowed will have similar effects to an edible as the product will be absorbed through the digestive tract.
   4. Topical Application: Topicals as the name implies refers to cannabis products such as lotions, creams and ointments that are absorbed through application to the skin, unlike other consumption methods you will not experience and psychoactive effects.

Signs and Symptoms of overconsumption/substance abuse:

Although different substances have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. If you find yourself relating to the following signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction, consider talking to someone about your substance use:

1. You have begun neglecting your responsibilities at home, work or school because of your substance abuse
2. You are taking risks while high such as driving under the influence and/or are finding yourself in legal trouble due to the risks taken while under the influence of substances
3. You have abandoned hobbies such as sports and socializing due to your substance abuse
4. Your substance abuse is causing issues in your life such as blackouts, mood swings, depression and paranoia.

Knowing when you’ve overconsumed cannabis can be helpful, although no known case of fatal overdose concerning cannabis has ever been recorded, it is important to know the common warning signs associated with overconsumption, such as:

1. Extreme Confusion
2. Paranoia
3. A rapid heart rate
4. Hallucinations
5. Severe nausea and vomiting

If you or someone you know is feeling any of the symptoms listed above you can call the Poison Control Center at (800)-222-1222, the call center line is always open, and they are trained to help.

Opportunities to participate in substance abuse programs:

1. 211 United Way of Connecticut: (211ct.org/ Call (800)-563-4086 for assistance.)
   Access Line is a twenty-four-hour access and entry line that provides individuals with information on all statewide agencies providing in-patient substance use treatment.
2. Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
   DMHAS has established 24/7 Access Line to facilitate access to substance abuse treatment.  Individuals from anywhere in Connecticut may call to help with linkage to residential detox. Also assisting with helping individuals seeking walk-in services and more online via https://www.ctaddictionservices.com/.

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