Some like to consume in a social setting at parties, while others prefer consuming at home where they’re more comfortable. Considering your setting is important when planning your desired experience when consuming cannabis because it can have an effect on your comfort level.

Like all drugs, the experience you have with cannabis is determined by a number of factors, including the drug's pharmacological makeup, where you're consuming, and the mindset you're in when consuming. Picking a specific product type (e.g. edible vs smoked), the right strain, and knowing how to use the bong, pipe, vape, or other device is important. At times you may prefer strains that are more psychologically stimulating and uplifting, and sometimes you may prefer strains that produce more relaxing effects (a better choice for more low-key activities). Different strains produce different effects, so it’s important to know how the intent of your consumption ties to the products you are purchasing. Speak to a budtender at a local dispensary, and they will help you find a strain that works for you and your desired outcome. But you should also consider where you are and with whom you're consuming. Using good quality cannabis in a low quality situation is going to impact how much you enjoy the experience.

There are many reasons someone chooses to consume cannabis. Some consume socially to make activities more enjoyable, and others consume to improve their health (such as relieving chronic pain or digestive problems). All reasons are valid, but it’s important the decision comes from you as your intent greatly impacts your experience.

74% of cannabis consumption is in the form of dried bud. It can be purchased legally from local dispensaries across Canada in various strains and potencies. Dried cannabis is mainly consumed via smoking methods such as bongs, joints, and pipes, or more minimally harmful methods such as vaporizers. Smoking cannabis presents few respiratory risks for infrequent consumers, but if you are consuming smoked products frequently you may want to consider alternative methods. A dry-herb vaporizer will still allow you to consume flower, have quick onset, and enjoy the taste of good cannabis, but ensures there are fewer combusted materials entering the lungs.

It is recommend that young consumers minimize consumption during adolescence or delay use altogether until their early 20s. Research suggests that frequent use in adolescence is associated with some potential mental health issues and cognitive impacts, though it appears that much of the potetial cognitive impacts can go away if cannabis use is reduced or ceases. If you're going to consume cannabis as a teenager it is best to consume infrequently and to stay away from products that have very high levels of THC.

Before consuming any drugs, it is important to consider your ‘set and setting’. Set refers to your internal environment, including your mindset, expectations, intention, mood, and fears. Setting refers to your external environment, which is the physical, cultural, and social environment where consumption is taking place. Finding the right set and setting for you will ensure you achieve your desired experience.

When consuming cannabis, it is important to consider how your mindset and the location of your consumption can affect your experience. Start with consuming around people you know and trust, like a close friend, and consuming in a comfortable, safe location. You should also make sure you are prepared for your consumption and are in a good mindset. Lastly, ensure you understand what to expect, and plan transportation for your ride home.

Consumers should determine where and why they prefer to consume, as this is different for everyone. Some people feel comfortable consuming socially at parties, while others are more comfortable at home with a smaller group of close friends. This is important to consider because set and setting consist of the behaviours, moods, and relationships among those present during consumption.

Cannabis is not a harmless drug, but it is relatively harmless. The overwhelming majority of people that consume cannabis do so without problems to their mental or physical health, but some people do experience issues, and these issues are more likely to appear in very frequent consumers. This doesn't mean that all, or even most, frequent consumers will experience any sort of problem, but we need to acknowledge there are some risks and take steps to mitigate those risks.

Start low, go slow. This means start with a low dose, and don't take too much at once. Edibles take a while to kick in, but inhaled cannabis takes effect rather quickly. In either case you want to give yourself sufficient time to know how high you are before deciding whether to have more. Being high feels quite nice if you're are the level of being high that you intended, but can be uncomfortable if you miss the mark. Start low, go slow.

Cannabis is not harmless, but it is relatively low risk. Understanding how to use cannabis safely, and what mental health risks might be present for you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with cannabis.