According to a study published by the American Public Health Association, eating cannabis products is better for consumers than smoking and users should avoid strains containing high THC and low CBD content.
The review was conducted using the latest scientific research in an effort to create Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.
The researchers put forth 10 recommendations in all for lower-risk cannabis use, including urging individuals under 16-years-old to abstain completely from use; avoiding any synthetic cannabinoid products, such as Spice; and avoiding “deep or other risky inhalation practices” and daily use.
The researchers suggest the “most effective way to avoid cannabis use-related health risks is abstinence,” especially for those populations at higher-risk for cannabis use-related health problems.
“Evidence indicates that a substantial extent of the risk of adverse health outcomes from cannabis use may be reduced by informed behavioral choices among users,” the authors wrote. “All of these measures are concretely possible under emerging legalization regimes, and should be actively implemented by regulatory authorities.”
In every U.S. state with adult-use cannabis regimes, the legal purchase age is 21. Under Canada’s federal legalization plan, the legal age to buy cannabis products is 19; however, provinces will be able to set their own age limits.