• Smoking or vaping: Take one small puff and wait 10 to 15 minutes before taking another. Effects are felt quickly but can intensify over several minutes.
• Edibles: Start with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC. Wait at least 2 hours before considering a second dose. Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
• Tinctures: Begin with a low dose as directed on the packaging. Sublingual absorption takes 15 to 45 minutes.

Factors that influence tolerance include how often you consume, the potency of products you typically use, your body weight and metabolism, and individual differences in your endocannabinoid system. If you take a break from cannabis, your tolerance will decrease, so adjust your dose accordingly when you return.

Never feel pressured to match someone else's consumption. What matters is finding the dose that gives you the experience you want, not consuming the most.

• Do not mix with alcohol: Combining cannabis and alcohol intensifies the effects of both and significantly increases the risk of nausea, dizziness, and impairment. If you choose to combine them, use far less of each than you normally would alone.
• Know when to stop: If you start feeling anxious, dizzy, or uncomfortable, stop consuming. These feelings are temporary and will pass, but continuing to consume will make them worse.
• Respect others: Not everyone wants to smell or be around cannabis smoke. Be mindful of your neighbors, roommates, and people in public spaces. Consume where it is welcome and legal.
• Take breaks: Regular tolerance breaks help maintain the effectiveness of cannabis and ensure your use remains a choice, not a habit you cannot control.

• Generally allowed: Private residences, licensed consumption lounges. You can smoke cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is permitted under state law.
• Not allowed: Schools, workplaces, inside vehicles, federal property, public transit, and anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited. Individual landlords and building management can also restrict cannabis use on their property.
• Know your lease: If you rent, check your lease agreement. Many buildings prohibit smoking of any kind, including cannabis. Edibles and tinctures may be an alternative in smoke-free buildings.

Cannabis is not for everyone, and there is no shame in that. Consider avoiding cannabis or speaking with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, are taking medications that may interact with cannabis, or have a history of substance use disorder.

If you find that cannabis is causing problems in your daily life, relationships, or responsibilities, it may be time to reassess your use. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day.