Hiking can be great fun and is a wonderful way to feel more in touch with nature. Nothing beats being in the great outdoors: the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, and the promise of adventure.
Many marijuana smokers find that cannabis only adds to the experience. Relaxing strains such as the Stardawg strain in the UK can help you feel calm and centered, letting you feel at one with nature. If you plan on going stoner hiking, however, you should make sure that you do so safely.
One thing to keep in mind while hiking, whether stoned or sober, is that wild plants you come across on the trail can be dangerous. This article will explain why you should be careful of plants you encounter while hiking, and it will offer a few tips to help you stay safe.
Why You Should Be Careful of Plants When Hiking
Nature is beautiful, but it can also be quite dangerous. Out on a walk, you could easily come into accidental contact with a poisonous plant. Take poison ivy, for example; if you don’t know these plants, you may not even recognize them. But brushing up against this particular weed can result in painful blisters and bumps.
Other types of plants are toxic when burned. Poison sumac is an example of one such plant. Inhaling the smoke of burning poison sumac can, in some cases, cause pulmonary edema—an emergency condition that can often prove fatal. It’s essential to consider this when gathering kindling for your campfire.
Finally, it’s easy enough for untrained individuals to mistake toxic berries or fungi for edible ones. If you ingest any kind of toxic plant, fungi, or berry, you may experience such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Some types of toxic plants can even be fatal to humans. According to estimates released by the AAPCC (American Association of Poison Control Centers), as many as 60 people per year die from ingesting toxic plants and mushrooms. The last thing you want to do is become a part of that unfortunate statistic. But what can you do to stay safe from toxic plants when out hiking?
How to Stay Safe When Hiking
The best way to stay safe from toxic plants when hiking is to do your research.
You should start by identifying the most common types of toxic plants in the area where you plan to hike. There are countless books on plant identification, so it should be easy enough for you to find one that suits your needs. If not, you can find a wealth of information on the topic for free on the internet. When looking for information on the internet, just make sure that your source is legitimate and trustworthy.
As a rule, unless you have the appropriate training, it’s best to avoid eating mushrooms and berries you find while out in nature. Many toxic plants look very similar or even identical to edible ones, so it’s easy to get yourself into trouble. You’d be better off bringing your own snacks rather than relying on nature’s pantry.
That said, if you are absolutely determined to go foraging, just make sure that you really do your research. If you have even the slightest uncertainty about a plant you come across, do not risk eating it. At best, you could end up vomiting. This will, in turn, lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous when out hiking.
If you think you may have ingested or come into contact with a poisonous plant while out hiking, contact poison control immediately for advice. However, if you’re already showing symptoms of being seriously ill, do everything you can to seek medical help as quickly as possible.
Staying Safe While Stoner Hiking
No matter whether you’re stoned or sober, it’s important to remain aware of the dangers of poisonous plants when you’re out hiking. However, it’s particularly important to be smart about things. If you smoke the wrong kind of weed or even too much of the right kind, you could very quickly find your ability to think clearly severely impaired.
Some strains of weed are more likely to make you sleepy. It’s a good idea to choose energizing strains where possible to help keep you clear-headed.
Certain strains also promote clarity of mind. This is also extremely important, as that clarity can help ensure you make good, safe decisions on the trail. Not only that, but these kinds of strains will also improve your stoned hiking experience in other ways, letting you fully absorb and appreciate nature.
Poisonous plants aren’t the only danger when it comes to stoner hiking. It’s not unheard of for stoned hikers to get lost while hiking. If you overindulge, you may find that you quickly become disoriented and lose your way.
Don’t Compromise on Your Safety
As a final piece of advice, don’t compromise on your safety for the sake of a bit of fun. Marijuana can really enhance the hiking experience, helping you feel calm and connected with nature. But it’s important to smoke responsibly and stay safe.
Keep these tips in mind for your next outing out into the wilds. Whether stoned or sober, be careful out there, and have fun!
