An Introduction To Using Cannabis: Advice For Newcomers

Whether you are looking to alleviate symptoms associated with a medical condition, trying to enhance your self care methods for mental wellness, or just want to have a good trip, cannabis might seem like an appealing option. Many users are turning to the so-called miracle herb to help them with a range of ailments or just to have some fun. Although research on cannabis is nowhere near as extensive as it can be, we have compiled important information, tips, and advice for newcomers to approach their cannabis journey with confidence.

The World Of Cannabis: General Do’s And Don’ts

Years of stigmatisation and being labelled as illegal in many areas has had its impact on how people view cannabis. That is why it is important to approach cannabis with positivity, research, and responsible use. Here are some general do’s and don’ts when it comes to cannabis:

• Store safely and out of reach: Store your cannabis so that it cannot be accessed by children or pets. It is best to get a case with a lock to store your products and accessories in.

• Consult with dispensaries and distributors: Reputable cannabis dispensaries will be able to answer all the questions you have on the products they sell you. Do not be afraid to ask questions, that is why dispensaries have personnel! They can help you to find products that suit you and recommend options that meet your needs.

• Start slowly with low doses: Cannabis products have varying potencies. You can always take some more if you feel that you are not getting the desired effect, but you cannot go back from taking too much. Give your body some time to process the cannabis, especially if you are using products that take some time to kick in, like edibles.

• Choose a comfortable setting: When you are first starting to use cannabis, it is best to do it in a place where you feel safe and comfortable. This makes it much less stressful if you start to experience negative side effects from a specific strain or take too much cannabis.

Cannabis Varieties: Choosing The Right Cultivar

When exploring the world of cannabis, you will be confronted by the choice between Sativas, Indicas, and Hybrids. Each cultivar caters to its own range of effects and experiences.

Cannabis Sativa

Strains of the Cannabis Sativa variety produce effects that can be described as invigorating, active, cerebral, and creative. These strains are popular for daytime use as they inspire and stimulate.

Cannabis Indica

Strains from the Cannabis Indica plant are reported to have physically sedating effects, promoting relaxation and a general sense of well-being. These strains are preferred for night time use as they are calming, de-stressing, and promote a restful sleep.

Hybrid Cannabis Varieties

Hybrid cannabis strains are the result of the genetic manipulation and breeding of Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica varieties. Most commonly, pollen from a male Indica plant is used to pollinate a female Sativa plant, or vice versa. These new hybrid strains can be backcrossed as well, producing even more variety.

Hybrid cannabis strains can combine the uplifting and euphoric effects of Sativa strains with the calming and relaxing effects of Indica strains. Therefore, they are the perfect way to enjoy the effects of both cannabis varieties and find a good middle ground between them. 

Which Type Of Cannabis Product Should I Use?

Since it has grown in popularity, cannabis is now available in a variety of different products. Each consumption method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it may take some trial and error before you find what works best for you. The main categories of cannabis products include:

• Cannabis flower
• Vaporising cannabis
• Edibles
• Tinctures and oils
• Topicals

Cannabis Flower

Cannabis flowers, or buds, are harvested from the fully grown cannabis plant. They are then trimmed and packaged, keeping the flower fresh until it is used. Smoking cannabis provides a fast onset of effects, often within minutes. Accordingly, beginners have to be careful with this method. Wait a few minutes between puffs before you decide to take another. Bong hits are also known to be stronger than smoking a pipe or joint, so think about waiting for these until you know your tolerance.

Vaporising Cannabis

Vaporising cannabis has become a popular method due to the fact that it is a much healthier method than smoking the flower. You can vaporise flowers and concentrates with vaporisers that are designed to release potent, cannabinoid-filled, and flavourful hits without the extra worry of ingesting harmful combustion byproducts. Vaporising concentrates will produce much more intense effects, with an average THC level of 60%-80%. Vaporising dry herbs is recommended for beginners as the average THC level is around 10%-25%.

Edibles

You can get a variety of different foods and drinks that are infused with cannabis. Edibles provide an easy, discreet, and smoke-free way to consume cannabis. It can be easy to misjudge their strength as serving sizes differ and have delayed onset times. Start with a small dose as the package or your dispensary specifies, and wait at least one to two hours before you decide to take another dose.

Tinctures And Oils

Tinctures and oils are cannabis extracts designed for oral ingestion. You can usually use a dropper to drip some underneath your tongue, as this will allow it to absorb quickly. However, there is a potency limit to this method since there are only so many cannabinoids that can be contained in a single drop of liquid.

Topicals

Topical cannabis products can be applied directly onto your skin. They can all be used to target specific pains and ailments. These products work great for soothing aches, alleviating pain, reducing acne, preventing signs of ageing, reducing inflammation, hydrating dry skin, soothing itchy skin, and promoting the healing process. However, these products do not have any real effect on your mind and will not give you an euphoric “high” like other products might.

How To Use Cannabis: Step-By-Step

It takes your body time to experience the full effect of cannabis, and it takes time for you to get to know your limits. Start slow with low doses until you find your perfect dose. Here is how you can use every form of cannabis to find your perfect dose.

Smoking Cannabis Flowers

When smoking cannabis flowers, you can roll a joint/blunt, or you can use a bubbler, pipe, or bong.

• Joints/blunts: Use a grinder to get your flower into a finer consistency. Evenly spread a small amount of the ground flower onto your rolling paper, folding the edges up into a U-shape as you shake the flower to the centre. Lick the sticky side and roll your joint/blunt. Be sure to insert a filter or a joint tip at the base.

• Bubblers, pipes, and bongs: Grind your flower roughly and pack it into your bowl. Gently light it with a match, lighter, or wick.

It takes time to learn how to roll joints and blunts properly. You will need a lot of practice, so in the meantime, you can look into pre-rolled blunts or joints for convenience.

Vaporising Cannabis

Vaping cannabis can be done through a hand-held device or a desktop device. In each case, make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in and switch it on the recommended settings. Insert your concentrates or grinded dry herbs into your device and make sure they are secure. 

With some devices, you will need to press a button, and with others you can simply inhale through the mouthpiece. Be sure to look at the user manual concerning this. Once you are done vaping, clean your device so it is ready to use in the next session.

Ingesting Edibles

When taking edibles, make sure that you follow the suggested servings. Wait an hour or two before you decide to consume more. For some people, a single serving will be more than enough, while others will need more to feel the effects. 

Cannabis likes to bond with food, so it is a good idea to eat something along with your edible to achieve maximum effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) bond with lipids because they are fat-soluble. Therefore, fattier edibles are known to increase the effects of all the cannabinoids in your system.

Ingesting Tinctures

To ingest a tincture, you can simply fill the dropper and drop the recommended amount under your tongue, waiting for the liquid to absorb. Although tinctures do not produce such intense effects as edibles, it is always a better idea to start with a smaller dose.

Applying Topicals

Topicals can be applied directly to the skin as it will be absorbed into the skin’s endocannabinoid receptors. Make sure that you test a small amount of the topical product on your forearm or leg. Apply it twice over the span of 24 hours. Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation or colour changes. If it passes the test, you can try it out on other areas of your body.

Being a newcomer in the world of cannabis can be exciting and overwhelming. Remember to start low and go slow, and try out different methods until you find the one that is right for you. Welcome to the world of cannabis, may it be enjoyable and fulfilling!