How to stay safe when smoking pot this summer
Summertime is filled with frosty drinks and sunbeam afternoons. Families go on camping vacations, and friend groups sit lakeside during those elongated days. As cannabis continues to reach new legalities all over the nation, many will be tempted to include the plant in their fun.
RELATED: How CPS feels about pot smoking parents
Certain summer activities are perfect for a high mind. Puffing a joint while watching lightning bugs in the yard at sunset, hanging out with friends on the lake shore, and playing beach volleyball are all fun things to do while baked. On the other hand, some summer fun is dangerous with the plant in play. Avoid these activities high unless there’s a designated sober friend available.
Boating
Driving a boat carries many of the same dangers as operating a car. For both, the greatest risk is impaired drivers. It is never cool to drive high on the road or the water, not to mention it is illegal. Boating stoned is never a good choice, and it is up to the captain whether they are comfortable with passengers being high. As for boating, the person driving may need help when approaching the dock, tying off, or flagging people in the water–those helpers shouldn’t be stoned either.
Cycling
When it comes to the roads, everyone should stay weed-free. That goes for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. Cyclists follow the car and bicycle rules while on the road–and often navigate dangerous drivers around them in more busy stretches. This kind of action can require a quick reaction to stay safe.
Cannabis can do many things, but making a reaction time quicker is not one of them. Those going on a long road ride or bike commuting (e-bikes count, too!) will be safest if sober.
Hikes with big cliffs
Hiking high is a favorite pastime for many, but if weed is coming along, pick a trail that fits the vibe. Sauntering along a nature trail stoned is delightful, but scaling a long drop or scrambling up sketchy rocks may not be. Choose safe trails for hiking high, and if possible, refer to a local guide before trusting trail reviews online before trusting something as easy.
Bombing hills
Anyone who has lived in San Francisco knows the sound of skateboard wheels rapidly rolling down an enormous hill. It usually means someone is bombing it and to move out of the way and watch the show. When mountain roads defrost for summer, people start bombing those hills on skateboards, roller skates, and anything with wheels.
Skaters going this velocity have long worked on their skills to avoid big wrecks–and probably had a few. Boards get to high speeds going down these hills, which means pumping and counterbalancing to escape a catastrophic fall. Not to mention the fact that the space is actually meant for cars. Maybe someone highly skilled can do this after a bong rip, but it is not recommended.
Off-roading
Whipping a four-wheel-drive vehicle around backroads can be thrilling, especially for the driver. However, navigating rough terrain can get dicey, and hands-on experience is the best training. Unfortunately, many get their trucks stuck or flip them when gaining off-roading wisdom. Honestly, it should be common sense that an off-road driver should never smoke weed, hit a vape pen, or eat a gummy before ripping around in the mud.
Summer activities to do and not do while stoned
Bird watching, sitting by a campfire, and having a water balloon fight all sound very fun stoned, but not all summer activities fit that bill. Staying safe this summer and keeping weed separate from heavy machinery like boats and off-roading vehicles. Monitor trails to avoid cliff drops and rock scrambles when planning to hike high, and avoid trying new (sometimes dangerous) activities while stoned. Cannabis can be a fun summer addition, provided everyone stays safe.
