Cannabis Harm Reduction

Most UB Students choose not to use cannabis products. But if you do use cannabis, we want to help keep you safe.

“I’ll Pass, Thanks”

According to our survey data, most UB students don’t use cannabis products. According to our Spring 2025 National College Health Assessment, 67% of students have never even tried cannabis. Of the students who have tried cannabis, most use it less than once a month.

Remember: even though cannabis is legal in NYS if you’re over 21, it is not permitted on campus due to the Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.

It’s Not Easy Being Green: Cannabis Safety Tips

If you do choose to use cannabis, here are some tips to be a little bit safer: 

  • Edibles can be extremely potent. Even people who have tried cannabis in other forms (i.e., vapes, joints, etc.) can find edibles to be overwhelming. If you decide to have an edible, limit yourself to 2.5 to 5 mg of THC at first, and wait at least 2 hours before having more.
  • Avoid mystery cannabis products with unknown THC content (e.g., homemade pot brownies, a friend’s vape pen, etc.).
  • Avoid mixing alcohol and cannabis. This increases your risk of alcohol poisoning.
  • Anything you breathe into your lungs that isn’t clean air increases your risk for asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Keep this in mind – especially if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition.
  • If you do decide to inhale cannabis products, aim to use products that are under 10% THC. Products with a higher potency increase your risk for short and long term cannabis complications, like paranoia, memory loss, worse mental health, and decreased academic performance.
  • Keep an eye on your friends, and don’t pressure anyone to use or use more than they’d like.  If a friend is unconscious or throwing up repeatedly, seek medical help.
  • Do not drive after consuming cannabis, have a plan to get home.

Cannabis Concerns

If you do choose to use cannabis, get to know your habits and patterns. Consider taking an  if you need help taking a closer look at your usage. Frequent cannabis use is associated with poor mental health, lower GPA, and general dissatisfaction with life. If you’re looking to cut back, check out this .

Alternatively, Alcohol and Other Drug  specialists are available to meet with students one on one to discuss concerns about oneself or others, as well as any topic related to alcohol and other drugs, and can be reached by contacting the AOD Harm Reduction Program Coordinator.

Health Promotion

Student Life

University at Buffalo
114 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-2837; Fax: (716) 645-6234