Now that CBD and THC delivery is more widely available across California, it’s easier than ever to try out cannabis for yourself. Smoking weed for the first time can be exhilarating. However, it can also be nerve-wracking. Your initial experience can also affect your perception of it, so it’s best to ensure that you’ll have a good time.
Here are some tips and precautions you can take when you smoke weed for the first time:
One of the best things you can do to have a great experience when smoking weed is to create a conducive environment for it. You want to be somewhere safe, accompanied by people you trust and with enough understanding of what cannabis can do. This way, no matter what happens, you can be confident that they will be able to help.
The most ideal place to try out weed for the first time is at your own home, or the home of a family member or friend. It may be tempting to go to a bar or somewhere with a similar ambiance, but you’ll be much safer if you stay in familiar surroundings so you can completely relax.
It’s perfectly safe to consume cannabis recreationally, but this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have side effects. A good example here is cottonmouth or dry mouth, which is a result of THC signaling the brain to stop saliva production. This can be quite uncomfortable and might even affect your enjoyment of smoking weed.
Fortunately, it’s easy to counteract this: just have plenty of water ready and hydrate whenever you feel the need to. It’s also highly recommended to prehydrate just before you start smoking. Then, take small measured drags from the joint so you don’t overwhelm your mouth and your senses.
Some people think that when you smoke weed, there are only two results to expect: either you’ll get a “body high” or a “cerebral high.” However, the truth is that there will be a range of effects that will vary from person to person. Some people feel happy and energized, while some may feel more relaxed even if they take exactly the same amount of the same strain.
Speaking of cannabis strains, you should also think beyond these classifications. There are other factors you should consider beyond sativa and indica. For example, terpenes are natural chemicals that produce aromas and flavors. If you want to smoke weed that’s a little zesty or citrusy, look for something that contains limonene—which can be present in both sativas and indicas.
For the optimal experience, it’s better to have a goal in mind. Do you want to relax? Do you want to let go of your inhibitions for a bit? Are you also seeking some pain relief? Take note of these and consult your trusted friends or a reliable dispensary so they can help you find the best weed to smoke.
There are many ways to smoke weed. Aside from joints and blunts, you can also try vaporizers, bongs, and pipes, among many others. However, as a first-timer, the best choice will always be the simplest one: the good ol’ joint.
Fortunately, you can purchase pre-rolled joints with a specific amount of weed from dispensaries. If you’re comfortable enough to share the information, let them know that it’s your first time; the staff should be able to recommend a beginner-friendly product. Once you’ve been smoking for a while, you may want to consider rolling your own joints or using other methods to smoke.
You may also want to share a joint instead of finishing one yourself. Don’t feel pressured (good friends won’t force you); if you feel like you’ve had enough, just hand the joint off to someone else.
As previously mentioned, weed affects different people in different ways. Someone may feel the effects kicking in much sooner; perhaps they have a lower tolerance or their body processes the chemical components faster. It’s realistic to take at least 5 to 10 minutes to feel that high, which may also last shorter or longer depending on various factors. The potency may also vary from person to person.
In short, be patient. Take a puff or two and wait for a while; stay still and quiet so you can better gauge how you’re feeling. If you smoke too quickly, the effects may be too intense or last too long. You may also be overwhelmed and experience unpleasant side effects like dizziness, anxiety, or an increased heart rate.
What’s even better about taking things slow is that you can really savor the effects. Taking your time with your first joint can also help you figure out your limits. This way, you can have a better experience the next time.
Stay safe and enjoy your first joint!
