Are you interested in experiencing the effects of weed but aren’t sure where or how to get started? Your first time doesn’t have to be scary with us! Here we will break down some of the best tips for smoking weed for the first time and how to make the most of your cannabis experience.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Smoking Weed
Approaching a foreign substance such as marijuana can be intimidating when you don’t know what to expect, so let’s go over some of the basics together. The psychoactive compound in marijuana is THC.
When you smoke cannabis, the THC molecules pass through your bloodstream and into the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors. This process enhances the body’s natural endocannabinoid process, activating dopamine release and providing the sought-after “high” many people enjoy.
The Benefits & Risks
Marijuana is a drug that has been used for centuries. The first recorded use of marijuana as a medication was in 2737 BC by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Marijuana was also used as an anesthetic during surgery in Europe and the United States during the 1800s and early 1900s.
Today marijuana is sold as a pain reliever and an alternative to dangerous prescription medications like opioids. Marijuana has been used in various medical conditions, including depression, neuropathy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and muscle spasms. Marijuana is also effective in treating symptoms caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Cannabis is most commonly used for recreational purposes. People enjoy smoking cannabis for its psychoactive effects, including euphoria and relaxation.
Smoking marijuana carries some risk, though not fatal. The potential dangers of too much cannabis include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Dry or Red eyes
- Slowed cognitive function
- Extreme fatigue
Getting Prepared
It’s best to set up in a comfortable and clear-headed environment, so arriving sober is recommended when using weed for the first time. That way, you’ll be completely aware of your feelings and thoughts. Your safest bet for consumption is to go with a small glass bowl, a joint, or a pre-roll. This will allow you the most control, as you can light up and pull away as needed, and better manage your dosage.
Choosing a Strain
What are you looking for out of the experience? Is it social anxiety relief? Help managing chronic pain? Getting better sleep? Being more productive? These questions are important when deciding on the best strain. A strain’s effects are more than just Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid.
The cannabinoids and terpenes produce desired effects and flavors. We suggest brushing up on those topics before making a decision. Hybrids are typically a good option for new users because they offer balanced effects. Below, we offer five strains that are ideal for first time use.
Harlequin
Due to the high levels of CBD and low THC content, Harlequin is considered non-psychoactive compared to similar Sativa-dominant strains. For most people, the worst that may happen is a case of cottonmouth.
Harlequin is a gentle introduction to medical marijuana and offers an excellent balance of THC and CBD, although the exact ratio depends on the cultivator and the seeds. It is the ideal strain for those looking to feel relaxed, happy, energized, and productive throughout the day.
Cannatonic
This balanced 50/50 Hybrid has a sweet citrus flavor while the aroma is earthy. It has an average of eleven weeks of flowering time indoors and is used to treat muscle spasms, migraines, fatigue, and chronic pain. Cannatonic plants produce a powerful, uplifting, and energetic high, leaving you incredibly relaxed and content.
Cannatonic seeds were created by Resin Seeds in Spain and later cross-bred in US government labs. It is known as the CBD Queen with 9 percent CBD and 4 percent THC and is a cross of MK Ultra and G13 Haze that has won many cannabis cup awards.
Blue Dream
The Blue Dream strain is a slightly Sativa-dominant hybrid that provides cerebral stimulation and total body relaxation. With a high THC content and a low CBD percentage, it’s a favorite strain among both novice and veterans who want to experience smoking cannabis. According to enthusiasts, medical marijuana patients typically use berry-flavored blue dream hits to treat conditions like depression, chronic pain relief, and nausea.
Granddaddy Purp
Granddaddy Purple is an Indica-dominant hybrid cross between Big Bud and Purple Urkle introduced to California by the “medicine man,” Ken Estes. GDP is filled with frosty trichomes and smells of grape candy and juicy blueberries. From the delicious taste of blueberries and grapes to the complex terpene profile, the vibrant purple hints of the Granddaddy Purple strain take center stage among many of its competitors. It is best suited for use in the evening and is the perfect bud for a peaceful sleep.
Jack Herer
The Jack Herer strain is a slightly Sativa-dominant hybrid created by Sensi Seeds from the Northern Lights, Shiva Skunk, and Haze strains. Jack Herer is primarily known for its potent medicinal benefits. It’s pretty easy to grow and use, making it the perfect bud for first time cannabis smokers. This citrus and pine strain also provides energy, so it’s ideal for morning medicine. Jack Herer is a superior blend that tastes amazing and provides euphoric cerebral effects, along with an immediate alleviation of pain and stress built up in the body.
Choosing a Consumption Method
You can consume cannabis in many other forms besides smoking, and it can be vaped, eaten, applied orally, and even used topically. These tiny chemical compounds called THC and CBD have many more benefits than most people know. Purchasing marijuana from a reputable dispensary is always essential, along with deciding on your preferred method for the first time smoking cannabis.
As a recreational user, an experienced budtender may be your go-to for advice on consumption. As an MMJ patient, your doctor should have some critical insight in that area. For your first time smoking weed, pre-rolls are an excellent starting point since all you’ll need is the pre-roll itself and a lighter.
The Smoking Experience: What to Expect
Here, we’ll touch on some first time smoking weed tips like what to expect and how to enjoy the high.
Coughing is OK
If there’s one tidbit of knowledge to take away about smoking weed for the first time, it’s that coughing is normal and will happen sometimes. It can even accelerate the high. Start slow; if the smoke burns your throat a little and you feel smoke going down to your lungs, most likely, you got it right. If it’s feeling super harsh or the taste is off after a few hits, it may be best to seek guidance from a trusted friend or try again with caution.
Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth, aka cottonmouth, is a common side effect of smoking weed. Having a cool glass or bottle of water nearby is a good idea to pre and rehydrate. Especially for your first time smoking weed, it’s wise to drink water before, during, and after consumption.
It’s crucial to remember that cottonmouth caused by cannabis is temporary and nothing to fret about. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors and causes the signal for saliva production to be shut off, which is why cottonmouth occurs. Once the THC effects have worn off, they will return to normal.
Relax and Enjoy The Ride
Choose a comfortable setting where you’ll be relaxed and have everything you need to enjoy the high. Get together with a friend you trust, as you may want someone to communicate with. You could also enjoy any feelings of creativity and try some arts and crafts, writing, yoga, or listening to music. The important thing is to remember to relax. Control your breath and try to embrace the high rather than fight it. However, if your experience goes downhill, you are safe, and it will wear off.
Can First Time Weed Smokers Enjoy Cannabis-Inspired Celebrations?
For first-time weed smokers, planning a weed wedding can be a unique way to enjoy cannabis-inspired celebrations. With careful consideration of the guests’ preferences and legal regulations, a weed wedding can provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees, both new and experienced smokers alike.
What’s Next After You Smoke Weed?
Thankfully, the cannabis comedown isn’t even close to as bad as an alcohol hangover. You might feel fatigued, so it’s best to smoke after work or before bed. It will wear off quickly either way. As mentioned above, drinking plenty of water between puffs will help keep you hydrated and feeling healthy.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the above tips will make your first time smoking marijuana a happy memory. Your goal should be to keep it light, fun, and relaxed for the best cannabis experience.
Remember to drink plenty of water, and have a snack on standby. Choose some easy-listening jams or a funny show to help set the mood. Surrounding yourself with friends who are experienced smokers would be a bonus. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!
