Smoking weed for the first time can be both exciting and full of ifs and buts about its consequences. If you are a new user or trying out weed for the first time, you are bound to be confused right now. The US federal government has not fully accepted marijuana even as over 34 states in the US have legalised marijuana for either recreational or medical use.
Word of mouth or media remains the only sources people can rely on. Though approval by over two-third of states should not be taken as an endorsement for consumption of marijuana because it does come with many side effects too. That’s why one must consume marijuana after weighing in all the pros and cons. It’s addictive too so there’s a chance that if you try it once, you may end up being hooked to it forever and become addicted. In this article, we shall discuss tips and tricks to be kept in mind if you are a first time user and how you can make weed smoking an enjoyable moment.
Let’s get started!
Start with understanding marijuana
Marijuana is slowly but surely becoming a big part of life for many Americans. Not only in the US but its medicinal properties are also being recognised the world over. Marijuana has three main types of species — Indica, Sativa and Hybrid. They differ in properties and thus produce different effects on our body. As the name suggests, Indica strains originated from Hindu Kush mountains in India. They are associated with creating a relaxing effect in the body, while Sativa species of the cannabis plant have more of an energising effect. For example, those looking for sound sleep may go for Indica but people at a party may like Sativa.
The hybrid strain, however, may produce an effect that’s a combination of both Indica and Sativa. All these species produce different strains after producers add different compositions of cannabinoids in them. Mostly, it all boils down to two main cannabinoids — THC and CBD. While THC causes a high, CBD soothes your mind. Some hardcore marijuana consumers may, however, differ with this categorisation and believe that these terms may have no value at all. Companies also think that there may not be any identifiable properties in cannabis plants and they are figments of the imagination of those who want to glorify marijuana.
Tips if you’re smoking weed first time
Prepare yourself mentally
This is the most important aspect before starting with marijuana. Clear your mind of any negative thoughts or expectations because being open to a range of possible outcomes will always help you. Marijuana effect varies from person to person and sometimes, what we get is totally opposite to what we expect.
Strains aren’t too important
Yes, strains are not as important as you may be considering them. Indica, Sativa and Hybrid strains produce different reactions but these descriptions are purely subjective. You should think about how you want to experience — energetic or creative or relaxed or introspective. That’s how you can seek guidance on what product you should be buying to get a desirable experience.
Understand the power of smell
Our senses can also help us guide towards the kind of strain or experience we are seeking. Fruit, floral, fuel and earth are common flavour profiles in cannabis flowers that you should be looking at. While fruity strains will uplift your mood, floral ones will make you introspective. Fuel cultivars are kind of powerful strains and earthy ones will relax your mood.
Start with edibles
It’s no doubt that marijuana is being accepted everywhere but people have quite a lot of apprehensions about smoking. If you are one of those people, start with edibles. For the start, you can go for edibles made with live resin, which produces stronger effects. Since edibles metabolise in life and not the bloodstream, they produce a long-lasting high.
Dose regimen is important
The dose will determine how you’ll feel after consuming marijuana. Dose on the higher side will always provoke discomfort or anxiety. Ask your health expert and fix a dosing regimen. You can always start small and increase your dose as your body adjusts to the marijuana intake. Smaller doses always benefit your body.
Forget about the past
People often associate the current situation with past, often bad, experiences and go into panic mode. Don’t do that. Set a goal. What kind of experience are you looking? Also, explore how you like to consume marijuana. Not all people would want to smoke marijuana. You can look for oils, edibles, tinctures, or whatever you feel will give a better experience.
Place is important
Your environment plays an important role in deciding what kind of experience you’ll have after consuming marijuana. So make sure you are in a comfortable space or in the company of people you feel safe with. Don’t go with someone new in your friend circle. It’s time to get as comfortable as you can.
Keep plan B
If things go haywire, you should have a backup plan at your disposal. Even if it’s relaxing with your loved ones or watching some lighthearted TV series. If they don’t work, you should have people around who can help you hit the bed. Relaxing is super important if you are consuming marijuana for the first time.
Reflect on your outcome
This is the most important aspect of consuming marijuana for the first time. Even if they are unexpected feelings or you got very uncomfortable or you felt sick, you should learn from it and decide on your future course of action.
The bottom line
Marijuana is a complex plant. But it has both benefits and drawbacks. With regards to its impact on the mind, it alters human emotions and does affect them differently. Unfortunately, there’s a dearth of authentic research studies on cannabis’ capabilities to affect cognitive functions like mood, depression and anxiety. The need of the hour is to conduct more in-depth studies on this amazing drug.
