CanadaLifestyle 7 Ways to Celebrate Halloween Responsibly With Cannabis Amanda Scriver October 26, 2018 Moncherie/iStock

Legalization just happened over a week ago and now that all that excitement is over–Halloween is on its way! Whether you’re staying in or going out, we want you to enjoy, safely and responsibly.

While this year may seem like the time to take your Halloween shindigs to a higher level with cannabis-themed costumes or canna-infused edibles, we suggest following these tips and tricks to reduce risks for yourself and others this Halloween.

1. Serve and Store Edibles Responsibly

With legalization, some people may be looking to whip up a batch of their own canna-infused brownies and Halloween sweets. These adults-only treats are not intended for children and should only make an appearance at 19+ celebrations. Better still, store edibles in a lockable edibles box or child-proof containers, and always label cannabis-infused foods so adults don’t make a mistake, either.

2. Ask Questions About What You’re Eating!

For guests heading out to parties this Halloween, it’s important to ask your host about what kind of treats they will be serving. If you’re not looking to partake in any canna-infused edibles, indicate this to your host, or, in the absence of clear labelling, ask if they can highlight what foods are infused and what the dosage is.

3. Start Low and Go Slow

You’ve probably heard this saying more than once before, as it serves as a mantra for many. No matter whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or a newbie, it’s always best to start with the lowest possible dosage and increase from there to achieve the desired high you’re looking for. Don’t forget: edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to kick in, so be aware!

4. Be Cautious When Mixing Alcohol With Cannabis

When you’re hopping from party to party, there is bound to be a lot ‘crossfading’–described by Vice as the mixing of alcohol and weed to get a different, stronger kind of high. While at first, it may not seem like a big problem but there are studies that show that once alcohol is in your system, it can boost marijuana’s effects by opening up your blood vessels, allowing more THC to be absorbed, which in turn can make people ‘green out’.

5. Surround Yourself with Good Friends

Listen, we’ve all been there: someone can have a particular reaction to a certain edible or a panic attack after the pipe is passed around. No two people will have the exact same trip and this is why it’s good to ensure you have solid pals around who will look out for your best interests.

This includes: keeping friends hydrated with water, getting friends to a safe, comfortable place and most importantly, reassuring them that they’re going to be okay. That’s what friends are for!

6. Have Proper Smoke Etiquette

Before arriving at anyone’s home, send a quick note to your host to check in and find out what their stance is on smoking. This will show that you clearly respect their home. If your host gives you the a-okay to smoke, ask about a designated area away from potential under-aged trick-or-treaters.

And always bring enough to smoke with other guests–you’ll want to make sure to share.

7. Don’t Drive High

If there is one thing you and your friends should know, it’s the following: don’t toke and drive.

Even though cannabis legal, and you may not feel like it impairs you–it’s not worth the risk to yourself or others. Arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi, or order an Uber or Lyft at the end of the night, and stay safe!

Amanda Scriver Amanda Scriver is a passionate storyteller and body-image advocate based out of Toronto. In her spare time, she loves trashy reality television and traveling. Don't ask what her favorite restaurant is, it's complicated. You can find some of her bylines in the National Post, Broadly, High Times, Canadian Living, and more. View Amanda Scriver's articles