So, you’ve decided to try weed for the first time? Welcome! You are officially a Herbalist in the Making. Before you get started on your journey into all things cannabis-related there are a few things to keep in mind when trying weed for the first time. This is the New User Guide to Cannabis!
Choices, Choices, Choices
In the cannabis world, especially with its legalization, there are hundreds of products to choose from. Most people are familiar with smoking weed and “special” brownies but now cannabis comes in so many other forms such as vapes, oils, capsules, beverages both hot and cold, gummies, chocolates, and even oral strips! So how do you know what product is right for your and where to start? Well first things first, narrow down what forms of consumption you are comfortable with. Smoking is the most common way to consume however for obvious reasons it is also not the healthiest option or the most discreet due to the lingering aroma or “dank” smell it leaves behind. If you have concerns about smoke inhalation or others potentially finding out you’ve used because of the aroma, then smoking may not be the right choice for you. If these are not a major concern for you then we recommend starting with pre-rolls. Pre-rolls are weed that comes already rolled and with a filter for your convenience! They are perfect for regular users that want quick access to prepared products but they are also great for new users who don’t know how to roll yet.
Edibles are another common form of consumption and surprisingly also among new users. However, as experienced Herbalists ourselves, and per Health Canada, edibles are not recommended as an optimal choice for first-time users. The reason for this is:
- Edibles can take 30min or even longer to take effect. Because of this, some individuals believe they possibly didn’t take enough so it’s not working, leading them to eat more and often times too much. Ever heard of someone having a bad trip? Well, this is how that usually happens.
- Because of the way edibles are broken down in the body they elicit a very different type of effect than smoking and the effects last much longer. This could be an uncomfortable feeling for a new user.
Vaping is a discreet option for those looking for a method of use that is not easily detectable. It is a highly potent form of cannabis and therefore should be used with caution.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, just make sure you choose wisely.
Desired Effect
Cannabis has three main types- Indica, Sativa and hybrid. Each type elicits a different effect, so once you’ve decided how you would like to use cannabis for the first time, you need to decide how you want to feel when you use it. It’s important to consider what activities you will be engaged in while using, what setting you’ll be in an what your over-all mood is prior to using. Generally, Sativas are known to be energy inducing and stimulating. If you are using in social settings, looking for a creative boost or something uplifting then a Sativa would be a good choice for you. If you’re looking for more of a relaxed vibe, then an Indica is your best bed for a post-work wind-down session. Finally, hybrids offer the best of both worlds from each strain and can be good for any situation. Potency also has an impact on the affects you will experience. Aim for products with a slightly lower THC potency or even a mixture of THC and CBD. The rule of thumb is to start low and go slow.
Picking a Brand
Now that you’ve narrowed down what strain you want, you’ve made it to the best part of your buying experience…picking a product and buying it! There are so many different brands and even more options when picking by strain. At Hidden Leaf Cannabis Co., we’ve broken our products down into 3 main categories to make the buying process a little easier. We also have our Hidden Gems menu which highlights some of the brands and products that we love, the community loves, and that don’t get the recognition they deserve. You can also rely on our awesome budtenders to help you narrow down your selection based on their knowledge and expertise. Rest assured that our priority is to make your first experience a positive one.
Now that you’ve got the basics down swing by and check us out so we can show you why we call ourselves “Your Neighbourhood’s Best Kept Secret”
