Cannabis consumer mistakes are all too common during the holidays for a few simple reasons. For many people, the holidays are stressful and probably the most difficult time of the year, not with all the activities, family gatherings, and hunt for the perfect gift.

As a result, we cannabis consumers long for the good plant to fix it all: manage the stress, ignore the drama, and inspire creative ideas for our cannabis and non-cannabis loving family members. 

In the whirlwind of the season, going a teeny bit over the top isn’t unusual and—well—slightly permitted. The real trouble happens when we overreach and make several common cannabis consumer mistakes, some of which we have listed in this article below.  

This article discusses 8 common cannabis consumer mistakes to be especially cautious of this holiday and how we can avoid them. 

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #1—Buying Too Much

Over 20% of Americans went way over budget and ended up with credit card debts, which many are still yet to pay off. Avoid making this shopping mistake this holiday, because in the cannabis industry, buying too much cannabis or any product would not only lead to you drilling into your finances, but you’d also risk facing one of these two outcomes: 

• A fate sealed as a wasteful consumer, especially when you forget to add proper cannabis storage kits to the list.

• An overbuzz and increased product tolerance because you bought too much, then consumed too much cannabis. 

So, how do you avoid buying too much cannabis this holiday? Here are a few cannabis shopping tips to help:

• Make a budget for pot presents, weed products, and green tips. Reviewing last year’s shopping expenses can help guide this year's spending plan.

• Create detailed holiday cannabis shopping guides with the what, why, and how much.

• Start your holiday shopping early and with a shopping buddy who can help you stay on budget.

• Opt for cash over cards and avoid shopping online. This shopping style makes your spending feel more tangible and lets you experience the product before purchase.

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #2—Consuming Too Much

The hustle, bustle, and hubbub of the holiday season give us plenty of excuses to go a little extra on not just our spending but also our cannabis consumption. However, while some consumers can go that extra mile with no repercussions, other consumers shouldn’t even think of going beyond 2.5mg THC. Product tolerance varies, and every cannabis consumer should always consider this difference by adhering to the following consumer tips to avoid consuming too much cannabis:

• Consume products in small doses and be patient for product kick-ins.

• New doesn’t always mean better. Stick with familiar products.

• Prepare yourself with a comfortable environment, suitable meals and drinks, a proper mindset, and the right product. 

• Keep a consumption journal to track your product intake. Knowing what you’ve had will help manage what's next (or what we can have).

• Explore other cannabis options, like CBD and balanced-ratio products, for a more mellow experience. But watch the doses; even CBD has its limits.

Avoid synthetic cannabis alternatives like JWH-018 or K2. These products may have some unusual side effects. Below are some tips to help you identify synthetic weed:

P.S.: We do not mean cannabis-related pharmaceuticals like “Marinol.”

• For flower purchases, look for buds; synthetic weed typically resembles various plants or herbs.

• Not convinced by the bud? Smell the weed for that dank odor.

• Still can’t tell? Check the texture; synthetic options like K2 (also called Spice) aren’t as sticky and may “resemble potpourri or herbal tobacco.”

• Choose reputable dispensaries and trusted brands to ensure product quality and consumption safety. 

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #3—Underestimating the Edibles

The holidays come with lots of sweet desserts and delicacies that cannabis can make an excellent partner with. And with recreational cannabis becoming increasingly legal, pot brownies and weed cakes are likely to make it to the dinner table this season. But, before anyone consumes those sweet treats, make sure these cannabis edible tips are passed around the table. Underestimating cannabis edibles is a classic cannabis consumer mistake and a leading cause of cannabis overdose.

Please note: Cannabis overdoses are generally non-fatal, but the consequences are still very unpleasant. 

• Edibles take longer to kick in and last longer than inhaled products. Don’t consume more because “you can’t feel it” just 5 minutes after you have them. 

• The onset and intensity of the buzz may vary with each person. With cannabis, product tolerance varies with individuals—and most especially with edibles. 

• Do not mix edibles with other medications or alcohol. Also, some foods amp up the buzz. So, make smart pairing choices to avoid consumer mistakes. 

• Always ask about potency and ingredients (for allergies) before taking an edible.

• Confirm certifications and ensure clear labeling before making product purchases. 

• Respect individual preferences and offer non-THC product varieties to those who prefer other cannabinoid options or who might like solemn wind-downs between sessions.

Oops, too late; I already consumed too much cannabis.

Remain calm. There are ways to get “unhigh” quickly.

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #4—Poor Marijuana Manners

The United States is almost halfway through its nationwide cannabis legalization movement. While this means the cannabis community is growing wide and you might more cannabis enthusiasts visiting this holiday, it is important to remember not everyone is team #cannabis yet (for various reasons). Thus, as a responsible cannabis consumer, whether you're hosting, visiting, or simply hanging out with friends, these cannabis etiquette rules are essential: 

• Consume all vapor-emitting cannabis products outdoors to keep the air clear for non-consumers

• Explore discreet options like edibles and tinctures if you’d prefer to stay with the party. 

• Label and keep all cannabis products safely away from unsuspecting hands and eyes, like curious children and pets. 

Side Note: Cannabis is also introducing bar-like settings, like alcohol, called consumption lounges, where you can visit and make new canna-buddies. Just make sure consumption lounges are legal in your region before visiting them. 

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #5—Making Wrong Pairings

Like wine and cheese, cannabis pairs well with a boatload of food, drinks, and activities. Thus, with plenty of delightful meals to explore during the holidays, what better time is there to whip out your gourmet skills and find what pairings work best with cannabis, if not during this season? 

But, before you do, note this: cannabis may pair well with a ton of things, but there are a few items and activities you should never pair cannabis with. Below are 6 cannabis pairings you should never try:

• Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with cannabis can dial up dizziness and nausea.

• Sleep aids: Never take cannabis when on medications like Xanax or Valium; this can lead to extreme drowsiness and cognitive impairments.

• Amphetamines: Pairing cannabis with amphetamines will bring on even more anxiety, raised heart rate, and paranoia.

• Psychoactive drugs: Mixing cannabis, especially high-THC forms, with psychoactive drugs amplifies effects and can turn a chill time into an unpleasant memory.

• Prescription medications: Always check with your qualified healthcare practitioner before taking cannabis when on prescription medications to avoid counter-reactions.

• Coffee: Some say cannabis with coffee takes out the drowsiness you feel with some strains; others state this combination leads to increased stimulation and discomfort. With these widely diverse results, it appears it might be best to stay away from mixing stimulants.

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #6—Ignoring Health Concerns

“A friend with weed is a friend indeed.” The cannabis community is fairly consistent with sharing products and experiences, and the holidays are a time to share and care. 

However, many cannabis consumers take the sharing literally without caring about personal considerations, like product tolerance or health conditions, that might interfere with their perfect cannabis consumer experience. This leads to several consequences of varying degrees. Thus, this holiday, remember: 

• Your product tolerance is one key factor to consider before exploring a cannabis product. Never compare how much cannabis you can consume to how much cannabis your friend consumes. Making this comparison could lead to very unpleasant memories. 

• The cannabis industry offers a variety of legal cannabis products to ensure that your considerations do not limit your ability to have a good time. Do not consume a product or go for a consumption style that does not suit your health status or other considerations.

For instance: 

• Do you struggle with respiratory ailments like asthma? Avoid inhaled products that might irritate your lungs. Smoother cannabis products, like edibles and tinctures, are a better way to go. 

• Do you have a history of anxiety or other neurological symptoms or disorders? Stimulating cannabinoid options, like THC products, are likely not suitable for you. Go for more calming cannabinoid options, like CBD. 

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #7—Ignoring Regional Laws

Are you a cannabis consumer traveling this holiday? Most experts, including California attorney, Omar Figueroa, who specializes in cannabis-related cases warn against the scrooges of cannaville—the meshwork of pro- and anti-cannabis laws. 

Whether you are a medical marijuana user or simply a cannabis connoisseur who takes High Holidays literally, remember “...the laws don’t travel with you.” Omar Figueroa made a postulation about why cannabis tourist mistakes are so common: 

“Many times people live in the freedom bubble, they see freedom all around them, then they’re traveling to places of less freedom and they make a mistake and drop their guard.”

This holiday, avoid the season’s mistake of traveling without checking your destination’s regional/local cannabis laws, and get familiar with these rules: 

1. Know possession limits: Small retail purchases are usually a breeze. However, larger hauls would require fishing deeper for current local limits. 

2. Respect consumption laws: Not all places are 420-friendly zones. Understand where you can blaze up and where it’s a no-go to avoid an unwelcome ride in the back of a patrol car. 

3. Mind open container laws: In states with legalized possession, open container laws also apply to cannabis. Keep your product sealed and out of reach while driving.

4. No state-hopping with cannabis: In regions like the United States, it doesn’t matter if your current and target destination cannabis laws align; crossing state lines with cannabis (0.3% THC) is a major federal offense that could lead to federal prosecution. 

Cannabis Consumer Mistake #8—Not Eating Before

Cannabis, specifically “the munchies,” makes everything taste better, which is why many of us hit a blunt before a meal to “appreciate the flavors better.” However, new findings reveal that not eating before consuming cannabis is likely another classic consumer mistake. Here’s why:

Please note: The experience of smoking or consuming cannabis on an empty stomach will probably be different for each person and may vary with the type of weed, tolerance, and, of course, the method of consumption. 

• Smoking or consuming cannabis on an empty stomach may intensify unpleasant sensations like nausea and vomiting. 

• Smoking or consuming cannabis on an empty stomach often leads to quick, short-lived, and sometimes overwhelming effects rather than a steady, sustained, and controlled experience.

• Many cannabinoids love fat. So, smoking or consuming cannabis on an empty stomach deprives these cannabinoids of beneficial interactions. 

• A lot of people find that edibles are ineffective on an empty stomach.

Now You’re Ready for the Holidays. But Are You Really?

Cannabis and the holidays have a lot in common. One honest mistake could lead to massive blowbacks. Thus, this holiday season, take it slow, savor the experience, appreciate the product, and be mindful of other common cannabis consumer mistakes that might interfere with your perfect cannabis experience. Remember that while product experiences vary, everyone can have a pleasant time if we prioritize personalized experiences. Cheers to a merry holiday!