The first experience with cannabis can seem overwhelming at first. There are so many options that knowing where to start can be difficult, plus the first experiences are decisive to know if we like something or if it is a door that closes forever.

Pleasant and manageable first encounters with weed can be the key to starting a long journey with cannabis as a buddy, which is why it is so important to have good first experiences.

We’ve all been beginners at one time or another, and having a guide on where to start is a great help in knowing which strains are ideal for those first few times when we are building our relationship with weed.

It’s normal to be confused by all the talk about strains, varieties, terpenes, THC, and CBD ratios, but don’t stress. Here’s a hand to help you better understand what it’s all about.

The first thing is to be in a calm environment, where you feel confident and can have a pleasant experience. The most important thing is also to get what you are going to consume from trusted and reputable brands, the cannabis experience starts from the moment you buy it.

There are several tips that may be useful for you to keep in mind. The first few times you may not get high or you may have a mild experience, and it is better that way. Always start small and build up your tolerance.

If you are going to smoke, be sure to inhale. This is a common beginner’s mistake and that is not inhaling the smoke, with practice you will surely master it.

Hydrate, dehydration is one of the easiest ways to cause your body to tense up and become anxious.

Again, start small and give cannabis time to work its magic on you. Some strains have more delayed effects and it’s best to wait a bit before consuming more.

Finally, if you are just starting out it may be a good idea to look for strains that are higher in CBD or have a fairly balanced ratio of THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the high we all associate with weed, but a strong high the first time around can be difficult to handle and you will end up overwhelmed.

That’s why it’s best to opt for strains with CBD, which can help counteract the anxiety associated with THC, making it a perfect starting point for new users.

Now, what are those strains recommended for cannabis beginners?

Blue Dream is a Sativa-leaning hybrid. This strain is appreciated by rookies and connoisseurs alike because it provides balanced effects and has a delicious taste of wild berries and hints of sweetness.

The experience when consuming Blue Dream is balanced, probably because it contains many terpenes such as linalool, beta-caryophyllene, pinene, and myrcene, which makes the effects remain balanced even though it is a strain with a high THC content, which can be between 15 and 25%.

Blue Dream is known for its smooth experience and balanced, full-body effects. Blue Dream lovers enjoy the calm yet creatively invigorating state of mind it can generate, this strain will leave you smiling happily as the peaceful effects flood the mind and body.

Harlequin is a CBD-rich cannabis strain. This combination of low THC and high CBD can make Harlequin one of the best alternatives for new users.

Harlequin is a unique sativa. Unlike most existing strains, Harlequin has a high non-psychoactive CBD content. In fact, this strain has a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio. The result is a smooth weed, perfect for those who are just starting out in the world of cannabis.

Most of the time, this strain has THC levels of no more than 6%, while the CBD ranges between 6 and 16%. A mild strain with moderate effects that will be the ideal partner for any beginner.

The Harlequin experience will make you feel pleasantly relaxed with plenty amounts of mental clarity and a positive but euphoric mood that calms the mind.

Jack Herer is a strain that generates sensations of warm and invigorating euphoria, without being excessively stimulating.

Jack Herer can be quite potent but also a good entry point for beginners, the important thing is to be careful with the dosage.

When consuming Jack Herer it is possible to feel euphoria and energy, because it is an energizing sativa. You will also be able to fight depression, fatigue, stress, and ADHD in a natural way, with small doses.

This strain provides light but captivating effects, which makes it perfect for new users who want to dabble in the world of cannabis but without feeling overwhelmed by a too-intense high.

Cannatonic is an incredible strain for beginners. This is because it is a CBD-rich strain, which can usually reach up to double its THC content.

This strain contains a high proportion of CBD and is considered one of the best weed strains. Versatile, calm, and relaxed, Cannatonic has a lot to offer.

Cannatonic is a hybrid strain that promotes mental clarity, provides pain relief, and improves mood without a psychoactive high.

The effects of Cannatonic will depend largely on the THC and CBD levels of your particular sample. The higher the THC, the more likely you are to experience a mild sense of euphoria, although in general, it generates a mild and pleasantly energizing mental high accompanied by feelings of clear-headedness, calmness, and focus.

Cannatonic has a herbal, pine, and pepper flavor profile, and its main terpenes are pinene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene.

This is a CBD-dominant strain that contains only trace amounts of THC, which means you won’t feel stoned as if you were smoking traditional strains with high THC content.

The Sour Tsunami strain is a balanced but sativa-leaning hybrid. It is an effective strain in treating pain and inflammation without producing the significant high that is associated with a high THC content.

Friendly and easygoing, it is an appropriate strain for first-time cannabis users. This strain is unlikely to cause intoxication, making it a calm and relaxed introduction to cannabis.

Sour Tsunami is known for its effectiveness in combating pain and inflammation while enjoying an herbal, fruity, and piney flavor profile, suggesting that its dominant terpenes are terpinolene, pine, and myrcene.

Cinex is a hybrid but sativa-dominant strain. You can expect to feel energized but relaxed, helping consumers to stay sharp and focused.

The THC concentration of this strain depends on how it is grown, there are samples with only 15% THC, while the most potent ones can reach 25%.

This strain can be a bit strong to start with, but with a couple of puffs it will be enough for a beginner to feel its uplifting and euphoric effects, but be careful with the dosage.

A little Cinex and new users will be able to feel focused, happy and creative within minutes after consuming this herb. The powerful energy this strain provides makes it perfect for daytime use.

The relaxed yet uplifting nature of this herb is complemented by a pleasant citrus aroma.

Granddaddy Purple is a fun and interesting choice for beginners as it provides a sleepy, dreamy high that relieves pain and anxiety.

This is an indica strain perfect for relieving stress and anxiety or getting to sleep more easily, ideal for winding down in the evening and relaxing without worry.

Granddaddy Purple provides a very relaxing, tired, and craving high. In small doses, it is ideal for beginners who want to forget about the world and relax.

Its main terpenes are linalool, humulene, and myrcene. New users should go slow with this strain, as THC levels can reach 23%, so just a little goes a long way.

God’s Gift is a strain that will put beginners in a state of absolute relaxation if consumed in moderation. If you overdo it with this strain you will end up fast asleep.

Just a few puffs can give you a very fun, soothing, and uplifting high that anyone will enjoy. Just be careful with the amount you consume, as this strain contains a good amount of THC.

Its effects are dreamy and meditative allowing you to sink deep into relaxation as stress and tension melt away. God’s Gift has a delicious grape taste and a tingling, drowsy effect.

Not only is God’s Gift a potent psychoactive, but the presence of terpenes such as myrcene and linalool enhances the heavy, drowsy effects of this strain.

Lifter is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that provides wakefulness, energy, and concentration.

This strain has a sweet smell with citrus undertones. Lifter is a truly iconic high CBD strain.

The aromas and flavors of this amazing strain lean towards earthy, woody, and slightly citrus tones with creamy berries. Lifter has a CBD percentage between 14-18%, while the THC percentage is usually under 0.3%, making it a perfect strain for any beginner.

Even being a high CBD strain it will give you energizing effects, perfect to start the day and have energy and attitude for daily tasks. It is the perfect “wake and bake“.

Among its main terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene, and geraniol.

Living up to its name, Lifter will give you exactly that, a rush of energy and enthusiasm that could relieve stress and improve mood while slightly relaxing the body without leaving you lethargic.

Pineapple Express is a great sativa dominant hybrid strain, it is a happy flower with a smooth, tropical taste.

The high tends to start in the head, with a happy high and a positive feeling of well-being. Although sativa dominant, the strain strikes a balance between body and mind.

Pineapple Express is a recreational strain that can be very potent, so it is recommended that beginners only consume a little and wait for the effects to work their magic.

A lovely cerebral high along with easy body relaxation and a delicious aroma make this strain one of the most popular hybrids, but it should be consumed in moderation especially if you are a first timer as its THC levels often exceed 20%.

What works for one person may not work for another, we are all different and so are the effects of cannabis on everyone.

A good starting point is to start small and see what sensations and effects are generated in your body and mind, and from there start experimenting little by little.

Another important point is that normally strains with more than 20% THC content are potent, so check very well the content of what you intend to consume and the instructions of each product, they are there for a reason.

Also remember that the way you consume cannabis has different effects depending on how your body breaks down the THC and CBD, so the method of ingestion is important. It is not the same to consume cannabis smoked, as with a vape or an edible or tincture.

Even if you use a beginner-friendly cannabis strain or consume small doses, there is a chance that you may experience unwanted side effects. But don’t panic, they are usually only short-lived and non-lethal, these may include

• Drowsiness

• Anxiety or paranoia

• Redness of the eyes

• Dizziness and nausea

• Dry mouth