How to Smoke Cannabis the First Time
Watch the video below to learn how to smoke cannabis the first time.
Many people have a great time the first time they try smoking cannabis, but every so often someone has more than they need unintentionally, which can be an uncomfortable experience. Don’t do that to yourself! Will from 7 Stars will walk you though how to safely and enjoyably smoke cannabis your first time.
For your first time smoking cannabis we don’t recommend having the same amount that the people around you are having. Everyone has a different tolerance, and can comfortably enjoy different amounts.
We recommend using your first few times smoking cannabis as a way to find your tolerance. Once you get a good sense of what your tolerance is, you’ll be able to have control over your experience so you can consume enough to enjoy yourself, but not so much that you’ll have anxiety or other uncomfortable side effects.
Your First Time Smoking
Here's a basic rundown of how we recommend you approach your first experience smoking cannabis:
Go to a dispensary like 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center if you’re near Richmond, California, or another highly rated legal dispensary if you’re in a region outside of the East Bay.
Purchase some flower that is low THC Indica. There is debate about whether Indica and Sativa distinctions are relevant, but generally if you ask for Indica at a dispensary they’ll know what you mean. A mellow strain. If the consultant recommends something else, that’s fine, but be sure to ask for something with lower THC.
Purchase a bowl, which is a pipe you use for cannabis. The product in this video is made by a company called Session. Also, get a lighter.
Schedule a time for yourself where you can be at home and you don't have to do anything but relax for 24 hours. You want to give yourself time for sleep, and recovery in case you have any lingering effects the next day.
Have one or two close friends with you, if they are available.
Have snacks, a couple of your favorite movies, non-alcoholic drinks, and some of your favorite music ready to go.
If you’re 21 or over and in Northern California, browse our cannabis menu to find the perfect low THC flower for your first time smoking cannabis.
Now You’re Ready to Take a Hit
Light the bowl, and inhale slowly.
Fill the bowl with a small amount, about the size of a dime. Press the weed down to pack it in snugly.
Light the bowl and take one small hit. Inhale lightly and not too deep. Exhale and make note of the size of the cloud. It should be small and you shouldn't cough too much.
Have a sip of water, and let the bowl go out.
Set a timer for 15 minutes, and listen to music, talk, and have a snack. Relax and enjoy yourself. Don't worry about if you are high or not high, just enjoy hanging out.
After 15 minutes, see how you feel.
Are you smiling? Are you relaxed? Are you energetic? Any anxiety or uncomfortable feelings? You should be feeling good, or feeling nothing at all.
If you are high, you should feel relaxed, or mildly excited. Your mind might wander and you might find normal things funny. Have fun with it!
If you are not high, try taking another "sip" from the bowl. Not too much! It's better to underdo it than to overdo it.
Set the timer again for 15 minutes.
Repeat as desired, until you feel a mild and comfortable high.
Start Low, Go Slow
Take a small hit, and exhale. Note the size of the cloud.
We recommend not being competitive about seeing how high you can get, or comparing experiences with other people too much. You want to focus on your own experience, and making sure you’re enjoying the amount of cannabis you’re having. We recommend against trying to have an extreme experience by consuming a large quantity of cannabis for your first time. It can be psychologically unsafe, and we want you to be well. Cannabis is a powerful medicine, and we urge respect for the plant, and using it with caution and reverence for its power.
Don't worry about finishing the bowl, just consume as much as is comfortable for you personally. We don’t recommend you trying to get really high, you just want to get to know your tolerance and how much cannabis is a good balance for you. If you didn't get high this time, try again when you have some more time to dedicate to the experience.
If You Have Too Much
If you start to feel anxiety, put your favorite movie on, listen to some chill music, enjoy a snack, or do something else that will productively occupy your mind. Don't drive. Go for a walk if you can, a little exercise can help with anxiety too. The good news is, smoking too much cannabis is pretty safe, physically. It can produce anxiety and other uncomfortable feelings, but you won’t get hurt from it. Try taking some 100% CBD products, or eat some black pepper.
Ready to Try Something?
If you’re near Richmond, California, search our menu for a low THC Indica preroll or flower. Be careful, take it slow, and have fun with it!