As more people venture into the world of cannabis, it’s essential for first-time users to understand the importance of choosing low-THC strains and exploring various consumption methods. With growers increasingly focusing on developing strains with higher THC levels, newcomers must be cautious and informed about their choices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This guide aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for beginners, helping them navigate the ever-evolving cannabis landscape while prioritizing their well-being and comfort.
Low-THC Strains – The Benefits
Starting with low-THC strains is essential for new cannabis users as they provide a milder high and significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing overwhelming psychoactive effects or whitey-ing (In the context of recreational drug use, a “whitey” or “white-out” is a term used to describe the feeling of faintness and nausea that a person may experience after using cannabis. It can happen due to factors such as exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, or smoking too much cannabis. Symptoms of a whitey may include feeling cold, sweating, shaking, vomiting, and sometimes passing out). Low-THC strains allow beginners to ease into the cannabis experience, helping them understand their personal tolerance levels and preferences. This gradual introduction helps prevent negative experiences, such as anxiety or paranoia, which may be associated with high-THC strains. By opting for strains with lower THC content, new users can enjoy the therapeutic and calming benefits of cannabis without excessive intoxication, making it an ideal choice for those venturing into the world of cannabis for the first time.
Popular low-THC strains
As a cannabis connoisseur, I’d love to introduce you to some popular low-THC strains that offer a gentle, enjoyable experience without an overpowering high:
- Sour Tsunami: Featuring THC levels ranging from 0.1% to under 10%, Sour Tsunami is a fantastic choice for those seeking the uplifting properties of a sativa strain without an intense cerebral high. This strain provides a gentle, mood-enhancing effect that’s perfect for new users.
- Easy Bud: With a THC level of around 12% and low quantities of CBD, Easy Bud offers a pleasant high without the excessive hunger or red eyes often associated with cannabis use. This strain hits the sweet spot between sobriety and full-on intoxication, casting a euphoric veil over the user and making everything feel just a bit brighter.
- Blue Dynamite: Although its THC content can reach up to 19% at its most potent, Blue Dynamite typically delivers a milder experience with around 10% THC in flower form, and can even be found with levels as low as 6%. With a 2:1 CBD-to-THC ratio, this strain provides a therapeutic and soothing experience that’s perfect for new users.
- Remedy: This Indica-dominant strain boasts a sweet, woody aroma and an impressive 28:1 CBD-to-THC ratio. With CBD levels hovering around 15% and THC under 1%, Remedy is perfect for those seeking maximum medicinal benefits with minimal psychoactive effects. It’s ideal for combating anxiety, depression, stress, and aches without an overpowering high.
- Harlequin CBD: Bred by Kera Seeds, this feminized strain features 15-17% CBD and less than 0.5% THC, making it a perfect choice for addressing recurrent medical conditions without inducing a high. Harlequin CBD offers a calming, relaxing experience that’s perfect for combating anxiety, depression, stress, and pain.
Weed Consumption Methods
There are numerous ways for you to feel the effects of our sweet Mary Jane. Here’s a brief overview of some popular methods:
- Edibles: Edibles are cannabis-infused food products, such as gummies or brownies, offering a discreet and smoke-free way to consume cannabis. The onset of effects is slower (30 minutes to 2 hours), which can make dosing tricky. It’s essential to start with a low dose and be patient to avoid overconsumption. If making your own Edibles then remember Decarboxolisation and learn how to decarb cannabis here.
- Glass pipes: Pipes are simple, portable smoking devices that are easy to use. However, they can cause harsher smoke inhalation due to the lack of water filtration, which may be less comfortable for some users.
- Bongs: Bongs use water to filter and cool the smoke, providing a smoother inhalation experience. There are also percolators that filter the smoke further. They can be more complicated to use and require regular cleaning, but they offer a more pleasant smoking experience overall. With that said for a beginner they hit hard, so be careful and inhale only a little smoke.
- Joints or blunts: Rolling a joint or blunt is a classic method of smoking cannabis. This method can be harsher on the throat and lungs but offers a more social experience and control over the amount of cannabis used. People are also known to mix in tobacco, which reduces the strength but makes the smoke even harsher.
Proper Inhalation
The importance of proper inhalation cannot be overstated when it comes to ensuring a more effective and enjoyable cannabis experience. Taking slow, steady breaths and holding the smoke in the lungs for a few seconds before exhaling allows the cannabinoids to absorb efficiently into your bloodstream. This technique can help maximize the desired effects of cannabis and contribute to a smoother experience overall.
However, it’s crucial to remember that new users might find it challenging to follow this inhalation technique initially. First-time cannabis consumers often experience coughing, which can be uncomfortable and detract from the experience. To prevent this, it’s a good idea for new users to start by inhaling smaller amounts of smoke, allowing their lungs and throat to become accustomed to the sensation.
As beginners gradually become more comfortable with the process, they can begin to practice the slow, steady inhalation technique and hold the smoke in their lungs for a few seconds. This gradual approach will help ensure a more pleasant experience and help new users develop proper inhalation habits that can enhance their future cannabis experiences.
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere
Creating a relaxing atmosphere is essential for first-time cannabis users to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. By carefully designing the environment, new users can create a calm and peaceful setting, which will help them feel at ease with their introduction to cannabis.
A safe setting is the foundation of a relaxed environment. Ideally, choose a home or private space where you feel comfortable, secure, and undisturbed, allowing you to focus on your experience without unnecessary distractions or concerns. For many, this may be their own home or the home of a trusted friend. Ensuring a safe environment can mitigate feelings of anxiety or paranoia, allowing for a smoother transition into the cannabis experience.
Calming music can significantly enhance the atmosphere by providing a soothing auditory backdrop that will help relax your mind and body. Choose music that promotes relaxation, such as chill or ambient genres. Music can affect your mood and experience, so consider your preferences and select tracks that will support a positive state of mind.
Soft lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your cannabis experience. Bright, harsh lighting can create uncomfortable or tense sensations, while soft, warm lighting will encourage relaxation and tranquillity. Consider using table lamps or stringing the room with fairy lights. You can also use candles to create a serene atmosphere but always remember to practice fire safety.
Comfortable seating is invaluable when exploring cannabis. You may spend a considerable amount of time sitting or reclining, so having comfortable seating options, such as plush couches, bean bags, or even floor cushions, is essential. Ensuring physical comfort will help you enjoy your experience and encourage the relaxation many cannabis users seek.
Emphasizing the importance of setting up a comfortable, relaxed environment is key to having a positive cannabis experience, especially for first-timers. With a safe and cosy atmosphere that incorporates calming music, soft lighting, and comfortable seating, new users are more likely to enjoy their journey into the world of cannabis.
Medicinal Cannabis Research
TLDR: The Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial on medicinal cannabis, as per this research published in the Frontiers in Oncology (2021) by J. Schloss et al., found that a nightly dose of THC-containing medicinal cannabis (in a 1:1 ratio) was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious side effects for patients with high-grade gliomas. The study showed improvements in their sleep and quality of life.
The Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial on medicinal cannabis for patients with high-grade gliomas demonstrated the safety, tolerability, and positive impact on sleep and quality of life. The study involved 88 adult patients, who were assessed for brain morphology, blood pathology, functional status, and cognition. A retrospective control group was used for secondary outcome comparisons. The trial compared two different ratios of medicinal cannabis and found that a 1:1 ratio favoured both physical and functional capacity, as well as improved sleep. No serious adverse events were reported, and side effects were limited to dry mouth, tiredness at night, dizziness, and drowsiness. Results indicated that 11% of participants experienced a reduction in disease, 34% remained stable, 16% saw slight enhancement, and 10% had progressive disease. Overall, the study showed that a single nightly dose of THC-containing medicinal cannabis was safe, had no serious adverse effects, and was well-tolerated by patients. The trial underlines the importance of ongoing research on medicinal cannabis in order to inform clinicians and promote patient safety (source; J. Schloss et al. “A Phase 2 Randomised Clinical Trial Assessing the Tolerability of Two Different Ratios of Medicinal Cannabis in Patients With High Grade Gliomas.” Frontiers in Oncology (2021)).
As the Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial revealed, there is great potential in the safe use of medicinal cannabis, particularly for patients with high-grade gliomas. These findings emphasize the importance of responsible use and understanding of cannabis for first-timers, as well as the ongoing need for research to provide guidance for safe and effective consumption.
In conclusion, it is paramount for first-time cannabis users to start with low-THC strains and explore the various consumption methods in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience. By choosing strains with a gentler psychoactive effect and experimenting with different ways to consume cannabis, newcomers can gradually acclimate to the experience while minimizing potential discomfort. Remember to practice proper inhalation techniques, such as taking slow, steady breaths and holding the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling. Equally important is creating a comfortable environment for your cannabis journey, which includes selecting a safe setting, using calming music, soft lighting, and comfortable seating. By following these recommendations, new users can embark on a positive and gratifying adventure into the world of cannabis.