Cannabis Safety Tips

Safe Storage

Proper storage protects children, pets, and the quality of your cannabis products.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Cannabis edibles can look like regular candy or snacks. Store all products in their original child-resistant packaging.
• Use a lockbox or high shelf. A locked container is the safest option, especially in homes with children or teenagers.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place. New Mexico's dry climate helps prevent mold, but heat and direct sunlight degrade cannabis quickly. Avoid leaving products in a hot car — interior temperatures can exceed 150°F in summer.
• Label everything. If you transfer products to another container, clearly label the THC content and product type.
• Keep separate from regular food. Never store edibles alongside regular snacks where someone could accidentally consume them.

Avoiding Overconsumption

Taking too much cannabis is the most common negative experience for both new and experienced users. While not life-threatening, overconsumption can cause hours of discomfort.

• Start low, go slow. Begin with 2.5–5mg for edibles or one small puff for flower.
• Wait before re-dosing. Allow at least 2 hours for edibles, 15 minutes for flower or vape.
• Don't mix methods. Combining edibles with smoking in the same session makes it easy to overshoot your dose.
• Know your limits. Tolerance varies widely between people. What works for a friend may be too much for you.
• Be cautious with concentrates. They are significantly more potent than flower and are not recommended for beginners.

If You've Taken Too Much

Overconsumption symptoms can include anxiety, paranoia, rapid heart rate, nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. If this happens:

1. Stay calm. Remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will pass. No one has fatally overdosed from cannabis alone.
2. Find a safe, comfortable space. Sit or lie down somewhere you feel secure. Get out of the sun if outdoors.
3. Hydrate. Drink water or a non-caffeinated beverage. Avoid alcohol. In New Mexico's dry climate, dehydration compounds discomfort.
4. Eat something. A light snack can help some people feel more grounded.
5. Breathe. Slow, deep breathing can help reduce anxiety.
6. Wait it out. Inhaled cannabis effects typically subside within 1–3 hours. Edible effects may take 4–8 hours to fully wear off.
7. Seek help if needed. Call 911 if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or feel you need medical assistance. New Mexico has no legal penalties for seeking medical help while using cannabis.

Desert Heat, Sun, and Dehydration

New Mexico's climate creates unique safety considerations that other cannabis states do not have:

• Dehydration is your biggest risk. Cannabis causes dry mouth. Combine that with New Mexico's arid climate (often under 20% humidity) and you can become dehydrated rapidly. Drink water before, during, and after consuming cannabis.
• Sun exposure: Cannabis can reduce your awareness of sunburn and overheating. Wear sunscreen, seek shade, and don't consume heavily before extended outdoor activities.
• Summer heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in southern New Mexico. Cannabis impairs your body's ability to regulate temperature. Avoid consuming in direct sun during peak heat hours (11am–4pm).
• Never leave cannabis in a parked car. Heat degrades products and can cause edibles to melt and become difficult to dose accurately.

Altitude Awareness

Much of New Mexico sits above 5,000 feet. Altitude intensifies cannabis effects, particularly edibles. If you are visiting from a lower elevation:

• Reduce your typical dose by 25–50%
• Allow extra time for edibles to take effect before re-dosing
• Stay hydrated — you lose moisture faster at altitude
• Be aware that combining altitude adjustment with cannabis can cause dizziness and fatigue

Cannabis and Alcohol

Mixing cannabis and alcohol significantly increases impairment and the risk of negative side effects. If you choose to consume both:

• Alcohol amplifies THC. Even a small amount of alcohol can intensify cannabis effects. The combination frequently causes nausea and "the spins."
• Order matters. Using cannabis after drinking tends to produce stronger, less predictable effects than the reverse.
• Neither excuses driving. New Mexico's impairment-based DUI law applies regardless of which substance caused the impairment.
• Best advice: Choose one or the other, especially if you are new to cannabis.

Federal Land and Tribal Land

New Mexico contains vast areas of land where state cannabis law does not apply:

• Federal land: National forests, national monuments, BLM land, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, and military installations are all federal jurisdiction. Cannabis possession is illegal on all federal property regardless of state law.
• Tribal land: New Mexico has 23 federally recognized tribes and pueblos. Cannabis laws on tribal land are governed by tribal and federal law, not state law. Do not assume cannabis is permitted on tribal land unless the specific tribe has enacted its own cannabis regulations.
• Federal checkpoints: Border Patrol checkpoints operate on I-25 south of Truth or Consequences, I-10 near Deming, US-54, and other southern highways. These are federal operations. Exercise caution.

Who Should Avoid Cannabis

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. THC can cross the placenta and is present in breast milk. Major medical organizations advise against use during pregnancy and nursing.
• People under 21. Cannabis use during brain development (which continues until approximately age 25) may have lasting cognitive effects.
• Individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia. THC may trigger or worsen psychotic episodes.
• People with heart conditions. Cannabis can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Anyone with a history of substance use disorder. Cannabis can be habit-forming. If you're in recovery, consult your provider. Visit CannabisDependence.org for resources.

When to Seek Help

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone near you experiences:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe vomiting that won't stop
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs of heat stroke (confusion, hot dry skin, rapid pulse)
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges

For non-emergency support with cannabis use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).

Related on this site: Beginner's Guide to Cannabis in New M..., Cannabis Dosing Guide, Driving & Cannabis in New Mexico.