I remember when I first started partaking. I was just graduated from high school, my best friend Jesse had invited me over to his apartment and, earlier that day, we had met up with the first sketchy dealer that I could find (do not recommend) in a Shop and Save parking lot and bought a 1/4 of some (looking back, not great) cannabis.
With that 1/4, we packed a brand new grinder from our favorite shop, grinded the goods, and packed the spoon he had just gifted to me. We proceeded to smoke several bowls, only for me to get kinda high, and him to be even less high.
5. High Tolerances Are Lame
Apparently, it's pretty common for people to not get high their first time smoking ganja! We had no idea, we thought we had really high tolerances right off the bat. So, as you could imagine, the next time we got high, we went really, really hard. We made these bomb edibles, smoked about 4 bowls, and then realized that we were in outer space.
If this just happened to you, don't worry! This won't increase your tolerance (unless you keep using at this level.)
My recommendation to keep your tolerance down is to smoke socially, and to only smoke at night.
While it's not wrong to smoke every day, the habit can quickly get expensive, and having a high tolerance could be indictive of a larger problem. Remember, cannabis can be a tool, or be for fun. Using recreationally can be (and usually is) really fun, but too much of a good thing will ruin it!
4. Different Strains Do Different Things
You have probably heard people mention all sorts of different strains when it comes to the herb that they're smoking. Names like Pineapple Express, to Girl Scout Cookies, even to Gorilla Glue, there are all sorts of flavors out there. However, flavor isn't necessarily the thing to consider. What matters is that sweet, sweet science behind it all.
Several factors play a key role on how the cannabis plant will effect you. Keep in mind, the effect that your body has on weed will vary from person to person, so try a few and see what you like.
The 3 categories you will see focused on the most are Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids. While knowing these factors will help you get a pretty good idea on how the plant will interact with your body, it also helps to check the terpene profile, the percentage of THC, and the age of the plant. However, lets focus on the basics.
Indica- This is that body high feeling. You may have heard people talk about being "couch locked." Yeah... that's usually from this! It's easy to remember Indica by remembering "Indica means I'll be in-da-couch." If just got off a long shift from your 9-5 and want to relax, this is the one for you!
Sativa- Looking for a head high? This is probably the one! This is the strain that many creatives credit their best work too. It can help you be creative, give you some energy, and for me, it makes food taste better and helps music touch my soul.
Hybrids- Hybrids are just that, a hybrid between Indica and Sativa! These are my favorites. There are many strains that let you feel a full spectrum high (body high and head high at the same time!)
3. Blunts are a TRAP!
Alright, that might be a little dramatic. But seriously, this is the most overrated way to smoke. Do you already smoke or vape nicotine? If not, and you don't want to, I would stay away from these. No matter how hard you try, you can't smoke true blunt wrap without smoking some tobacco/nicotine as well.
Not only are you exposing yourself to tobacco and nicotine, the general consensus is that this is the most wasteful way to smoke weed. A bunch of your herb tends to burn up quicker between sessions, and if you're smoking out of a classic cigarillo wrap, there is going to be some unsmoked weed left located in a section called the roach. However, there are some really cool tobacco free blunt alternatives!
2. It's Okay if You Can't Roll
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Joints are a fan favorite for the OG's. People who have been smoking for a really long time are probably fans of rolling joints. Joints are nice, because they offer the perfect dose of weed too keep you going. Plus, you can customize your experience by switching up the rolling papers that you use. Brands like RAW specialize in wide range of papers that allow you to control your experience.
Nowadays, you don't NEED to roll to appreciate a joint. All you have to do is pack a cone and you're good to go! Most cones come with filters in them already so once its packed its time to spark up.
No more shame in the rolling game!
1. Not all pipes are created equally.
Listen, when it comes to pipes, we know a thing or two (its literally in the name!) So many people smoke out of a pipe for the first time and don't gave the experience that is best for them. That's why it's important to know where to begin.
Looking for a fresh, cool, filtered hit? A bong or a bubbler is probably going to be for you. However, those can be difficult to use for beginners. If it is your first time ever smoking, getting the basic concept down is vital. That's why many people, myself included, start with a spoons.
Personally, I prefer pipe smoking over anything else. It just takes trying a few different options to find out what you really like. But keep in mind, if you're smoking out of a hand pipe or a dry pipe, you are going to have a little bit of the burnt plant fly into your mouth!