How To Create The Best Cannabis Experience For Newbies

Regardless of the product you choose, it’s essential to start small. So if you’re smoking hemp flower, consume a puff or two and wait for the effects.

As for edibles- whether baked goods or gummies- be careful. Their delectable sweetness can easily fool you, but don’t let it. Only take a small piece of the edible (not the whole thing). If it's a gummy, start with a tiny portion of it, and wait patiently for the cannabinoids to activate.

Obviously, keep in mind the milligram count. Some gummies have 5 milligrams of THC, whereas others have 100 milligrams, so a fourth of one will not be the same as a fourth of the other. Adjust your serving sizes accordingly.

Before you begin your session, make sure you're completely free. That means completing your errands and tasks for the day, because for one, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis, and two, you can't really relax if you have somewhere you need to be after.

Trust us. There’s nothing worse than being expected to do something when you’re chilling on the couch, and the relaxing effects have set in.

When it comes to any cannabinoid, the effects you experience largely depend on your chosen consumption method.

For example, when you smoke or vape cannabis, the compounds enter the body through the lungs, where it’s then passed into the bloodstream, which is why inhalation offers a faster onset of effects. However, these effects tend to be shorter-lived and less intense.

On the flipside, cannabinoids in edibles have to be broken down and undergo a chemical transformation. This means it takes longer for the cannabinoids to activate but typically produces more acute results.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for an exact measurement of THC you’re consuming, stick with edibles. But if you don’t want to wait long for effects, THCA flower or disposable vapes may be ideal.

Although effects vary, dry mouth seems to occur often- especially for newbies. This primarily has to do with how your unique endocannabinoid system processes THC and other cannabinoids after consumption. According to research, THC may result in hypo-salivation "via a CB1/CB2 receptor-mediated THC effect on the salivary glands cholinergic transmission." 

So before your session, during, and after your session, drink plenty of water to avoid your mouth feeling like the Sahara desert. 

Some enthusiasts enjoy cooking during their sessions, but ordering food is recommended if it’s your first time. Skip the dishes, open up your favorite delivery apps, and purchase whatever suits your fancy. That way, if you experience the “munchies,” you’ll be well-prepared.

Whether your friends have experience with cannabis or not, consuming these items with the ones you love will make a memory like no other.

So pick a date that works for everyone, and have some shareable products ready to go. Depending on your method, you’ll be laughing and vibing in no time. But if you go with edibles, spend the waiting time watching movies or playing games.

Do you enjoy working out? If so, adding a microdose of THC to your typical regime may improve your recovery, help you activate your runner's high faster, and enhance the overall experience.

Many consumers enjoy incorporating these products because they feel it helps them recover between exercises and keeps them motivated to complete them. In fact, several professional athletes- from running back Ricky Williams to mixed martial artist Liz Carmouche- swear by the plant's efficacy.

So if staying active is your passion, add cannabis to your routine, and see if it’s worth it.

Cannabis is often helpful in activating your creative side. Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself artistic, hemp has a way of harboring this energy. So pick up a paintbrush or start a journal, and watch a whole new side of yourself come out. But if you’re not feeling this way, turn on some music and vibe with it until you feel drawn to other creative activities.

Raise your hand if you have an all-time favorite comedy. If you do, the first film is that one because watching under the influence of cannabis is like watching it all over again. So gather a list of movies you enjoy, and prepare for one of the most enjoyable couch marathons ever.

As the effects of cannabis kick in, you may feel the urge to be productive, especially if you've consumed a Sativa strain. With a sudden burst of energy, many enthusiasts start to clean up and reorganize their house.

So if you need to focus on a task, pick up a broom and get to work.

Ultimately, there’s no way to completely know how you (or a friend) will react to cannabis if you've never tried it.

Before you consume anything, create a backup plant first. Make a note that if you start feeling overwhelmed and none of these activities are helpful, there’s nothing wrong with curling on the couch and taking a nap.

When you get down to it, there’s no right or wrong way to consume and enjoy cannabis.

Everyone is different and prefers different activities during their sessions. This article is just a blueprint of various tasks you can do to gain the most fulfilling experience.

However, one highlight to take with you is the golden rule: start low and slow. You can always reach for more, but if you start with too much, there’s no way to go back.