The Green Code
Strategies for Cannabis Risk Reduction
While there is no risk-free way to use cannabis, using The Green Code can help reduce some of the common risks associated with cannabis use!
Note: While cannabis is legal in Maryland, it is still illegal at the federal level, and it’s prohibited on the UMD campus. While we remain committed to sharing important risk reduction education for cannabis use, The University of Maryland does not condone illegal substance use in any form.
If you are concerned about your substance use or the substance use of someone else, please call (301) 314-8106 to schedule an appointment with our Substance Use Intervention and Treatment (SUIT) team at the University Health Center (UHC). If you are unsure what type of appointment would be right for you, the SUIT team will be happy to guide you.
Why Use The Green Code?
All substance use carries a level of risk, and how much risk depends on how you choose to partake. The only way to completely avoid personal or physical consequences of substance use is to choose not to use them to begin with.
There is a lot of misinformation about cannabis out there, but we believe that students who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make more informed decisions about cannabis are less likely to experience significant harms as a result of cannabis use.
The Green Code aims to equip those who use cannabis with harm reduction strategies to reduce the risks associated with cannabis use. It is not intended to endorse cannabis use, but rather to provide practical tips for reducing the risks associated with cannabis use.
If you choose to use cannabis, start with a cannabis product with very low levels of THC, and take plenty of time between using more cannabis. Cannabis that is inhaled can take effect anywhere within 5-30 minutes, while cannabis that is ingested can take upwards of 2 hours to make the user feel its effects. Keeping your cannabis tolerance low is key for preventing issues associated with cannabis use, like cannabis use disorder - and it’s better for your wallet, too!
The cannabis products on the market today are significantly more potent than cannabis of previous generations. High potency products are described as any cannabis product with a THC concentration of 10% or above, and these products are linked to significant health risks, including addiction.
One of the best ways to keep your cannabis tolerance low is by taking a tolerance break, or T-Break. These 28-day breaks help your system reset and allow the user time to reflect about how and why they choose to use, and explore other, less risky options for meeting those needs. Use our free, anonymous T-Break Guide to guide you through!
Self-medication for mental health challenges is a common reason why people choose to use cannabis. While there may be short-term symptom relief when using, research has proven that cannabis use actually worsens anxiety and depression over time. If you have a personal or family history of psychosis and/or schizophrenia, it’s important to refrain from using cannabis at all, as cannabis use has been linked to psychosis onset.