Cannabis has come a long way from the days when its use was widely stigmatized. Today, more people are exploring cannabis, and beginners may have questions about how to use it safely and effectively.
If you’re new to cannabis, this guide is here to help you feel comfortable and informed. Whether you want to relax, have fun, or explore cannabis for medical reasons, understanding how to use it safely can make your experience enjoyable. With so many products available at a cannabis dispensary, it can feel overwhelming at first, but this guide will help simplify everything and point you toward the best place to start.
1. Which Cannabis Consumption Method Do You Prefer?
Before choosing a product, it helps to think about how you want to consume cannabis. From smoking and vaping to edibles, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it.
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking is the most classic method and is great for beginners because effects appear almost immediately. Popular options include:
- Bongs & Pipes: Devices like the Special K bongs or Grav Glass pipes work for beginners and more experienced users.
- Vaporizers: Cartridges and battery-powered vaporizers deliver instant effects without smoke. We have a vast cartridge/battery selection to choose from that are a great option in weed for beginners. From The Refinery blended cartridges to the Highland Provisions rosin cartridges and our Nectar brand battery to the Vessel batteries, there is an option for everyone.
Dabbing is also an option, though generally not recommended for first-time users due to its potency and cost. For those curious, a mini rig like the Ursa from MJ Arsenal works well, along with a butane torch and concentrates.
Edibles For Beginners
For anyone looking to skip smoking or vaping, edibles are a great option. The key for beginners is starting with the right dose.
Start low and slow. Try 5mg THC for your first edible. You can go as low as 2.5mg if you’re nervous or up to 10mg if you’ve used cannabis before.
Think of edibles like haircuts. You can always cut off more hair just like you can always eat more edibles, but if you cut off too much you’ll just have to wait for it to grow back, and if you eat too many you’ll have to wait out an uncomfortable and intense high.
Beginner-friendly options include:
- Drops 20-pack gummies – 5mg each
- Grön Chocolate Pips – 5mg each
- Gateway Gummies – made with real fruit, great taste
2. Choosing the Right Strain: Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid
Once you’ve determined what method you want to go with, the question of “What am I trying to achieve with cannabis use?” becomes important. There isn’t a right answer, as using cannabis to relax and have a good time is just as valid as using it for pain management or medical issues, but what products you use may be different. In most avenues of consumption you are going to have to pick a strain to use, which is separated by the categories of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid each offering different effects:
- Indica: Provides relaxing, body-focused effects, often used for unwinding or sleep.
- Sativa: Produces uplifting, energizing, head-focused effects, often used for creativity or socializing.
- Hybrid: Combines Indica and Sativa effects for a balanced experience.
A simple way to remember the difference is the saying “Indica in the couch”, “Sativa Saturday night”.
Here are a few popular strains you might encounter:
| Golden Goat | Sativa | An intense tropical and lemon aroma, with a sweet and mildly earthy flavor, these strain effects are described as a stronger more heady feeling |
| Lemon Kush | Hybrid | A strong citrus aroma and flavor, the effects of this strain are described as creative and mellow; a perfect blend |
| GMO Cookies | Indica | A consumer favorite, this strain is known for its garlic-like scent and is reported as having strong sedating and relaxing effects. |
3. Tips for a Positive Beginner Experience
No matter how you consume cannabis as a beginner, keep these tips in mind:
- Be in a comfortable environment. Choose a familiar place where you feel relaxed and safe. Being around trusted friends can help make the experience more enjoyable.
- Follow etiquette if sharing. In social settings, follow the classic “puff-puff-pass” rule when passing joints or devices. Being mindful of others helps everyone have a good time.
- Start low and slow. Begin with a small dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis. Effects can vary depending on method and strain, so give it time before consuming more.
- Pay attention to your body and mind. If you feel anxious, overly stimulated, or uncomfortably high, pause and take a break. Breathing exercises, stretching, or listening to calm music can help.
- Manage overconsumption safely. If you overdo it, don’t panic. CBD, chewing black peppercorns, or taking a cold shower can help reduce feelings of being too high. Remember, no one has overdosed on cannabis.
- Stay hydrated and have snacks on hand. Cannabis can make you thirsty and hungry, so water and light snacks can improve your experience.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol at first. Combining cannabis with alcohol can intensify effects, which may be overwhelming for beginners.
Your Beginner Cannabis Journey with Nectar
This guide is just the start of your cannabis journey. At Nectar, there are countless products and methods to explore, from flower and cartridges to edibles and concentrates. Our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders at every Ohio dispensary, Oregon dispensary, and California dispensary are always ready to answer questions, offer recommendations, and help you find the right products for your experience level.
Whether you’re smoking, vaping, or enjoying edibles, the key is to make informed choices and enjoy a positive experience. At Nectar, we’re here to guide you every step of the way so you can feel confident trying new strains, discovering your favorites, and learning what works best for you.
Everyone starts somewhere, and with this guide and the support of Nectar’s team, you now have a solid foundation to confidently explore weed for beginners and take the next step in your cannabis journey.
