We all have experienced some form of negative stigma about cannabis which unfortunately has led to misleading information about the humble plant. But with increased legalization and acceptance of cannabis increasing, curiosity of cannabis has also doubled! For many, this is their first time using cannabis.
If this is your first time using cannabis, don’t let the negative stigma or comments you have heard ruin your experience. That’s why we wanted to share a guide, if you will, to help alleviate any worries or questions you have and you can proceed enjoying cannabis as you should.
It’s my first time using cannabis. Where do I start?
If you are new to cannabis, then you’ve probably pondered a few things: What does the being high feel like? What will happen after exhaling? How high am I going to get? How long will it last? How long does it stay in my system? Let’s start by giving you a little background history of the cannabis plant.
Believed to have originated out of the wild of Central Asia, cannabis is a plant prized for its therapeutic applications with different landraces spread around the world. Current research has revealed that cannabis contains hundreds of medicinal compounds called cannabinoids.
One cannabinoid in particular, THC, produces psychoactive effects within the body because they stimulate cannabinoid receptors found mainly in the brain and nervous systems, however, other cannabinoids like CBD or CBN do not create the “high feeling”. The effects of THC are felt in alterations in mood and perception, which heightens the senses — this is the experience of getting high. It can either stimulate the mind and elevate your mood or, depending on the potency, it can make you feel a bit sleepy.
Cannabis can strengthen emotions that are already present and can offer you a fleeting glimpse of yourself in a slightly different views. Simply put, weed invites self-observation and for the doobie newbie, your first time smoking the plant is an experience that will be entirely unique to you.
Where is the best location for using cannabis for the first time?
Public settings such as concerts, clubs, or sporting events may not be the best choice for your first time using cannabis. One of our favorite experiences with cannabis are the great outdoors where you can connect with nature and your peaceful surroundings.
Don’t feel like exploring outside? Create your own ambiance in a peaceful place with music, warm blankets, candles or plush cushions. A place where you can relax, worry-free.
If you are with people for your first time, make sure they are people you trust. At some point, we’re all new to cannabis. Keeping people you trust around will help you stay calm, cool, and collected without feeling outside pressures. Friends can often offer the most useful and beneficial tips in case you have questions or start to feel anxious, that way it isn’t a case of the blind leading the blind and you can learn while trying it!
Preparation is Key for your first time using cannabis
Aside from clearing your schedule for a journey to remember, be sure to have some H20 and a couple of snacks on standby, as cannabis can induce munchies and may also cause your throat and mouth to dry up — which can be a real buzzkill. Drinking water is essential and being sufficiently hydrated can help reduce the cottonmouth during your first time using cannabis.
Make sure you are somewhere safe and within legal means. At home or out in nature are two places we recommend!
Know Your Cannabis Type
If you are new to cannabis and find yourself in a dispensary, you’re more than likely considering making your first purchase. And when you do, be sure to ask all of the questions you need to before finally shelling out your hard-earned cash.
Furthermore, it’s important to know that cannabis strains are split into three different categories: indica, sativa, and hybrid. Although, most cannabis strains are hybrids, so it really boils down to two. Indica cannabis strains are typically associated with relaxation, sativas offer more of a head high, and hybrid strains induce a myriad of sativa and indica effects. As for the effects, everyone experiences the psychoactivity of cannabis differently, however, it typically depends on the strain you smoke.
Pick A Consumption Method
Smoking is the most common way to consume weed. Some of the most common ways you can smoke cannabis include:
- Hand pipes: These can include different designs and types of material, and provide a way for consumers to express themselves.
- One-hitters (or “onenies”): These are smaller pipes made to look like cigarettes, which offers more discretion.
- Water pipes: While less convenient in terms of portability, these are more advanced than a hand pipe and include bongs or bubblers, and even hookahs.
If you’re completely new to cannabis, you might find the smoke a bit irritating to your throat and lungs — especially if you suffer from asthma or any other respiratory conditions. Additionally, you might experience what we call ‘coughing fits,’ but don’t let these cause you to tap out of your cannabis experience. Vaporizers, edibles, and topical applications such as creams or salves are a few other ways to enjoy cannabis.
Vaporizing is a great way to keep your smoke discreet and is also easier on the lungs compared to smoking. Portable, as well as disposable, vape devices are ideal for those who are always on-the-go.
Edibles admittedly shouldn’t be a newbie’s first choice. This is mainly because edibles have a slower onset, and when they do they hit hard, which may be a lot for the first-time cannabis consumer. However, if you want to skip out on the smoke, perhaps edibles might be the next best option — just be sure they contain a low THC content.
Creams and salves are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They are an innocuous way to introduce people to cannabis providing relief from pain and inflammation directly to the source thanks to cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties. These are great for looking to use on topical pain by applying cream to the desired area.
Start Small and Gradually Increase
The first time is going to include a lot of trial and error, but like with all things, you should take notes from the learning curves to better your next experience. This is especially true when it comes to figuring out your limits. Some people will get completely lifted, while others may get the munchies, or just fall asleep. Human biology is a complex thing, so it can be difficult to know exactly what a person’s tolerance is. Ultimately, we say that it all comes down to a few things: the dose you intake, the type of cannabis, and your mood. Toke and smoke responsibly!
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