Cannabis Etiquette: 5 rules to share Cannabis with Friends
Many people know that cannabis is best enjoyed in a social setting. It's quite popular worldwide, with 12% of US adults using it. Cannabis often acts as a social lubricant, helping people feel relaxed and open to new friendships and meaningful conversations. Nevertheless, like any social activity, there are unspoken rules to follow if you want to make a good impression and be invited to future sessions
What Does Cannabis Etiquette Entail?
Cannabis etiquette can be summarized as the customary guidelines for polite and considerate behavior when smoking in a social context. While experienced cannabis enthusiasts might find these rules second nature, it's essential to remember that everyone begins as a novice. As previously mentioned, these rules consist of unspoken norms and potential social blunders that may initially appear perplexing.
If you plan to enjoy cannabis with your friends, it's advisable to contribute your own supply when attending the gathering. Even better, consider pooling your resources to purchase it collectively, ensuring fairness and fostering a more enjoyable atmosphere.
Related article: Best Practices to Shop for Cannabis
Share Weed Etiquette
If you’re about to head out to your first marijuana session or if you’d just like to brush up on your cannabis etiquette, here are some tips for you to follow.
1. No Peer Pressure
Let's start with an important rule: Avoid any kind of peer pressure at all costs. This means you should never pressure someone else to smoke. If you have a joint, it's a good practice to politely offer to share, but if they decline, respect their choice without making them feel uncomfortable.
Similarly, if you find yourself in a room with individuals who prefer not to smoke, it's considerate to step outside or use a different space for smoking to prevent exposing them to secondhand smoke.
2. Share the Cannabis
As we mentioned earlier, it's considered courteous to extend an invitation to those around you, asking if they'd like to partake in cannabis with you. If you're the host, offering your guests the opportunity to join your smoking session can make them feel welcome and comfortable.
On the flip side, if you're visiting someone else's place, it's a good idea to bring some cannabis along so you don't appear impolite or thoughtless. Similar to bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party, it's best not to arrive empty-handed at a smoke session – at the very least, bring some rolling papers!
3. Passing the Joint to the left
Experienced cannabis users often advise passing the joint to the left, but in reality, the direction isn't a critical factor. What truly matters is maintaining consistency in how you pass it and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity. When seated in a circle, continue passing it in the same direction and avoid skipping anyone in the rotation.
In terms of smoking etiquette, it's a good idea to follow the "puff, puff, pass" guideline. Take two hits and then pass it along, which prevents anyone from thinking you're being overly greedy.
4. Mind Your Dosage
Be mindful of your own tolerance and the potency of the cannabis you're using. Avoid overindulging, especially if it's someone's first time or if you're in an unfamiliar setting. Responsible consumption ensures a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
5. Keep Things Clean
Let's talk about something important: sharing a joint isn't the most hygienic activity. Essentially, you're sharing saliva with multiple people, which can be a bit unpleasant when you think about it. However, it's part of the deal when it comes to smoking cannabis. Nevertheless, here are some steps you can take to maintain cleanliness:
- Keep your lips dry and avoid making the joint overly wet with saliva.
- If you're feeling unwell, it's best not to share the joint.
- Prioritize hand hygiene by washing your hands.
- Keep the joint away from dirty surfaces to prevent contamination.
And here is an extra one; Show Respect
Finally, it's crucial to demonstrate respect for those around you. If someone is trying cannabis for the first time, be supportive and offer guidance. Avoid laughing at others or making them feel uneasy. It's perfectly fine if someone chooses not to partake, and if someone gets overly high and acts unusually, that's okay as well.
Respect goes a long way, and when you show it, others are likely to reciprocate.
