There’s been a dramatic shift in social attitudes toward cannabis use, whether it’s being used medically or recreationally. Edibles, in particular, have become popular among users who want to be able to discreetly use the drug without anybody noticing.
Unfortunately, even though South Dakota voters approved broad marijuana legalization, opposition from Governor Kristi Noem has stalled access to legal products. If you’re going to consume edibles (which are likely homemade) anyway, make sure you avoid the following mistakes:
Don’t assume they aren’t working
Novice edible users don’t realize that marijuana metabolizes differently when it is processed through the liver instead of the lungs. It can take up to two full hours for an edible to kick in. Do not take an edible, wait 20 minutes and assume that you’re safe to drive. You can easily end up with a charge of driving under the influence of drugs as a result.
Don’t forget to label your homemade products
Your roommates may not know how to tell the difference between the regular brownies and the brownies you’ve laced with THC. While it’s virtually impossible to fatally overdose on cannabis, someone could get very sick — and that could lead to an unwanted police investigation.
Don’t share with your friends
You may be very proud of your cannabis recipes — but keep whatever you make to yourself. It may feel stingy not to share. However, sharing with the wrong person can leave you facing drug trafficking charges.
If you do make a mistake, don’t add to your troubles: Exercise your right to remain silent until you can discuss your legal options with an experienced defender.