Trying cannabis for the first time can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. There is a lot to think about like choosing the right product for you, to figuring out how much to use. No need to be anxious! I am here to guide you through it with some tips to help make your first cannabis encounter peaceful and enjoyable. Start low and go slow.
In the world of cannabis there are so many new and old ways to consume! To understand the different types of cannabis products available you must do your research. The most common ways of consumption is smoking flower (the dried buds), edibles (like gummies and chocolates), and concentrates (oils and waxes). Each type has a different way of being consumed and can have different effects on you. If you’re new to cannabis, starting with flower or a low-dose edible might be the best option. For your first time maybe stay away from oils and waxes as they are said to be the purest form of cannabis products on the market. They contain between 82% and 99.7% pure THC, which makes it several times more potent than cannabis flower. Flower sold in dispensaries have labels indicating the percentage of THC, picking ones with low percentages are easier to control and generally have lighter effects. Do not be afraid to ask your budtender at the dispensary for help, advice, and their opinions on products. They are there to help you and will happily share their experiences with you.
Believe it or not, location is important when smoking. Some people prefer to smoke outside and others inside but it’s all about what you want. Think about where you’ll be when you try cannabis for the first time. Choosing a comfortable and safe environment, preferably at home or at a friend’s place is where you will feel relaxed. Being in a familiar setting can help you feel more at ease and reduce any anxiety you might have before and after smoking. It’s also a good idea to have a trusted friend with you, especially if they have experience with cannabis. They can help keep you calm and make the experience a good one.
Remember when consuming cannabis, start low and go slow. This means starting with a small amount and waiting to see how it affects you before taking more. For flower, this might mean just one or two puffs. For edibles, it’s best to start with a low dose, usually around 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC. Remember, it can take up to two hours to feel the full effects of edibles, so be patient and don’t rush into taking more if you don’t feel anything right away.
Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, and it’s important to listen to your body and your brain to know how you feel. Sometimes people don’t like it and that is okay cannabis is not for everyone. When trying to figure out if the effects of cannabis are working, look out for these common feelings: euphoria, relaxation, and improved awareness of your senses. However, there are some negative feelings some people might experience for example the most common ones are dry mouth, red eyes, or an increased heart rate. Other negative effects could be you start to feel anxious or uncomfortable, in these situations try to stay calm. Find a quiet place to sit or lie down, take deep breaths, and remind yourself that these feelings are temporary and will pass. Here is a tip for when your high gets too overwhelming, try to eat or drink something with citrus flavor or something that is spicy. Lemons are your friends, eat it or squeeze it into your water for best results. Another one of those weird tricks is to chew peppercorns (gross I know) or sniff black pepper. This will reduce anxiety. It is scientifically proven to help and is strangely effective against this. If you get too high don’t panic, you’re not dying and it will pass. If you are experiencing chest pains from the overwhelming anxiety then try deep breathing to slow your heart rate, lay down somewhere quiet and try to meditate. Take control of your body.
A helpful tip not just in life but for when smoking cannabis is to stay hydrated! Cannabis can sometimes make your mouth feel dry, so having water or another non alcoholic drink can help you feel comfortable. It’s also a good idea to have some snacks ready, as cannabis can increase your appetite (known as “the munchies”). Choose healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or popcorn to keep things light and enjoyable. If you’re afraid of the munchies because you know you will start eating and you will “never” stop, a helpful tip is to eat a large meal before you smoke. When your brain tells you to go snacking, you already know you’re not really hungry, you just want to eat for fun.
Lets discuss the different methods for cannabis intake. First, the most common way is smoking. Whether a joint, blunt, pipe, bong, etc. you need to know that this method is fast-acting, but can be harsh on your lungs. The next form is vaping. Vaping is gentler on your throat and lungs but it’s still smoking so be careful. Next lets talk about edibles, which is a popular way to get the most out of your high! They are long lasting highs that you can discreetly consume. Unfortunately with edibles the dosage can be hard to accurately measure. Lets say you eat half a gummy now and another half another day you will experience two different highs bc one half may have more THC content than the other. It’s easy to accurately fuse food with THC but it is difficult to control how much THC is evenly distributed. Some people prefer tinctures with THC because you can turn any food into an edible that way and know exactly how much you intake.
This does not go for everyone but sometimes it’s nice to have a plan for your high. Some people smoke and go with the flow, if that is your character then stick to it. If you’re someone who is afraid that something will happen when you smoke, create a plan you can follow so that you can relax. Plan to watch a movie, play video games, go for a walk, listen to music, or eat food. Being bored can cause you to become anxious which can amplify your high in a not so fun way.
It goes without saying try not to mix your cannabis experience with alcohol. It can make your experience overwhelming, especially for beginners. Get to know your tolerance first.
Knowing the laws in your area regarding cannabis use is important for your safety. Cannabis laws vary depending on where you live, so make sure you’re familiar with the regulations. Always know where you are allowed to consume it, where you can legally purchase cannabis, and how much you’re allowed to have at any time.
Keep in mind that it’s okay if you don’t enjoy cannabis the first time. Everyone’s body reacts differently, and it might take a few tries to find the right product and dosage for you. Don’t be discouraged if your first experience isn’t amazing or one of a kind. You can always try again another time with a different method, dose, or scenery. Trying cannabis for the first time can be a fun and a positive experience if you go into it with the right knowledge and mindset. Start small! Smoke with people you trust because good friends bring good vibes and energy. Choose a comfortable setting, stay hydrated, remember the tips I gave you, and know the laws and you’ll be one step closer to your first successful and unique cannabis experience. Most importantly, listen to your body.