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Safe-Use Guidelines

Using medical cannabis safely starts with good information.

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Safety Guidance for Patients

Medical cannabis can be an effective tool in patient care, but like any treatment, it’s important to use it safely and responsibly.

At NCCRE, we work to ensure patients have access to trustworthy, research-backed information about medical cannabis. These safety guidelines are part of our commitment to helping you use cannabis confidently, effectively, and with care.

Determine the Right Dosage

Finding the right dosage of medical cannabis isn’t always straightforward—it depends on your condition, the type of cannabis product you’re using, and how your body responds. That’s why it’s important to work closely with a qualified medical provider who can help guide the process. 

To learn more about the basics of medical cannabis use—including product types, routes of administration, and dosing considerations, check out this community toolkit, developed by NCCRE in collaboration with the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association (3MA).

Start Low, Go Slow

One common approach is to start with a low dose and gradually increase only as needed, allowing time to monitor both benefits and side effects.
Phone in user's hands

Track Your Health Effects

As you begin using medical cannabis, keeping track of how you feel can be a helpful way to understand what’s working—and what isn’t. You can help your provider and yourself make informed adjustments to your treatment plan by paying attention to when you take cannabis, how much, the type of product, and how it affects you over time.

A helpful tool for this is the Releaf App, which lets you log your experiences and monitor changes in your symptoms.

Best Practices for Safe Cannabis Storage

Storing your medical cannabis properly helps keep it effective, fresh, and—most importantly—safe from unintended use. This is especially important if you live with children, teens, or pets.
Access More Tips

Avoid humidity and heat.

Store cannabis in a cool, dry place to preserve its effectiveness. Avoid bathrooms and kitchens, where temperature and moisture levels fluctuate.

Use child-resistant packaging.

Choose products with certified child-resistant lids or containers—and always reseal them properly after use. This is especially critical for edibles, which have been linked to an increase in accidental ingestions in children.

Dispose responsibly.

If you have unused or expired cannabis, ask your dispensary or medical provider about proper disposal options. Never throw it in the trash where others could access it.

In Case of Accidental Ingestion

If you suspect that someone—especially a child or pet—has accidentally consumed cannabis, contact your state’s Poison Control Center immediately.

For Mississippi residents, call the Mississippi Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. This free, confidential helpline is available 24/7.

Understand How Cannabis Reacts with Other Medications

Cannabis can interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, sometimes changing how your body processes them. These interactions may affect the strength or side effects of either the cannabis or your other medications. That’s why it’s essential to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting medical cannabis—especially if you’re taking medications for conditions like heart disease, anxiety, or epilepsy.

 

For a research-backed tool to explore possible drug interactions, visit the CANN-DIR database, developed by researchers at Penn State.

 

Some examples of known or possible drug interactions include:

Cannabis may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with these medications.

Combining cannabis with antidepressants can potentially lead to increased side effects or altered effectiveness.

Combining cannabis with these medications (e.g. benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium) can amplify sedation and slow reaction time.

These include calcium channel blockers, certain statins, and immunosuppressants like tacrolimus and cyclosporine, which are critical for transplant patients. Cannabis can raise the levels of these drugs in the body and increase side effects.

Your Healthcare Provider Is Your Best Resource

For personalized advice about medical cannabis and your health, always reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine what’s safe and effective for your specific needs.