[vineyardmike]

So not that it really matters, and not that you have to consume drugs you don't want to, but its legal in a huge chunk of the US now (assuming you're in the US since you took DARE). It's very likely that you're withing driving distance of a legal store - where you can just buy it like any other product. Even more likely that you'll vacation somewhere its legal otherwise.

Cannabis specifically is a very easy drug to try for two reasons- the dispensaries usually cater to first timers, and it's a pretty "low intensity" drug in normal doses. The dispensaries that sell it know that a huge chunk of the population isn't familiar, and its pretty standard to ask an employee "I've never tried this before, what do I do, what should I buy, and what should I know going into this" and they'll be super helpful and give you solid advice. It's their job, and they're prepared for it. If you asked someone at a liquor store how to prepare to drink for the first time they'd laugh or roll their eyes - and this is nothing like that.

Don't feel pressured to do drugs if you don't want, but don't feel scared. That goes for anyone on the internet reading this - don't feel scared, go into the store and try to learn if you're curious, but don't feel pressured to partake.

[KerrAvon]

Counterpoint: be a little scared. Mild curiosity is not a good reason to try cannabis. (1) Some people are more sensitive than others to THC, and, worst case, you can end up hospitalized. (2) Smoking anything is bad for your lungs.

If you really want to do it, try low grade edibles; do it in the presence of a friend so they can get you medical help if you need it. Only a small number of people will have a problem, but don’t take stupid chances with your body and mind, people.

[vineyardmike]

Hmm I don’t know. I don’t like scared as an emotion here, and i think this reply is mildly fear-mongering. Be skeptical, be discerning, be cautious- especially when putting something in your body.

That said, there’s really few cases of cannabis use going poorly, especially in the context of other drugs (alcohol, tobacco) and their documented harm. I’m not a doctor, I’m not a lawyer, etc so do your own research, but it is most likely a safe activity at a “normal” dosage for the average person.

> If you really want to do it, try low grade edibles; do it in the presence of a friend so they can get you medical help if you need it. Only a small number of people will have a problem, but don’t take stupid chances with your body and mind, people.

I do agree with this. Edibles are good because you don’t have to smoke, but bad because the affects can take upwards of 2Hr to hit. it can be hard to dose and many people get impatient and take more and then they don’t enjoy the sensation. There’s almost no documented case of overdosing especially in the context of amounts someone might buy, so that’s not likely a concern, but just having a bad time is likely. Do it with friends - it’s also more fun that way. Most people don’t turn 21 and start drinking alone, so don’t do this alone either. Establishing a sober medical monitor type relationship for taking a small edible is a bit extreme but don’t be alone.

[kadoban]

> Some people are more sensitive than others to THC, and, worst case, you can end up hospitalized.

How? For an adult human, marijuana is one of the safest substances out there. Easily safer than alcohol. Don't drive or operate heavy machinery and you'll be fine.

What percentage of people end up in the hospital from it, and how?

I'm not sure I'd recommend edibles for a first-timer. The high lasts a fairly long time, so if you don't like the feeling it's kind of annoying. Having a friend is always a good idea though.

[Jarwain]

There are tradeoffs. It's a lot easier to manage your dose for edibles vs smoking. Edibles and smoking do have qualitatively different effects though.