Smoking weed for the first time can be intimidating. After all, what does being high really feel like? For some, it’s one of the most relaxing pastimes around. For others, being high feels weird and can bring about a bad case of anxiety.  So, how do you make sure that you have a great experience? With the right environment and a few instructions, your inaugural smoke sesh is bound to be a good one. To help you have a truly memorable cannabis experience, here’s everything you need to know about how to get high for the first time.

How to Get High for the First Time

There’s good news: getting high for the first time is easy. However, there are some important things to know before you smoke up. While many people thoroughly enjoy their first time with cannabis, the experience can also be a little uncomfortable. If you’re hoping to get the most from the herb, there are a few golden rules to follow:

Get Comfortable

One of the key contributors to bad first-time experiences with cannabis is a lousy environment. If you are uncomfortable, or around a bunch of strangers, you may find that you become more anxious than normal after a little weed. Further, if you are physically cold or worried about getting caught, you may find yourself a little agitated or paranoid after smoking. For best results, spark up with close friends and people that you trust. Find a comfortable space where you can really relax and unwind.

Take a Deep Belly Breath

The inhale is where most first-timers go wrong. At first, inhaling hot smoke into your lungs can seem a little counterintuitive. To be honest, it is a little uncomfortable. Yet, if you don’t inhale properly, chances are you won’t actually feel the famous psychoactive effects of the herb. A proper inhale while smoking or vaporizing cannabis is a deep, diaphragmatic inhale. That means that you inhale slowly while also inhaling enough to cause your belly to expand. Once you have reached your maximum inhalation capacity, you pause for just a second before letting the smoke or vapor out with a slow and controlled exhale.

Expect Coughing  

If you’re smoking the herb, chances are your first time will be a little uncomfortable. Cannabis smoke is hot and it can be quite harsh. This is irritating to the tissues of the lungs, throat, and mouth. It’s this irritation that causes consumers to cough. Often, newbies cough an awful lot. Expect some coughing along with your first time. To make yourself more comfortable, consider opting for a vaporizer over a smoking device. Having some water or a frozen popsicle handy can be a real life-saver.

Questions First-Time Weed Smokers Want Answered

Are you new to the wonderful world of weed? If so, then you have a lot to learn. But don’t stress, every pot-smoker has been in your shoes. No one is born with weed knowledge. Even experienced connoisseurs like Snoop Dogg had to start somewhere. If you’re ready to smoke weed for the first time, but prefer to be prepared, then Herb is here to help. From what it’s like to be high to how much bud you should buy, here are questions first-time pot smoker questions answered.

Should you Smoke Alone?

If you want to get high, then you should probably smoke with a friend that knows their stuff. That way, they can help you if you start to feel uncomfortable or have questions along the way. Plus, nothing beats sharing a little herb with your best friends.

Do You Need Snacks?

Not everyone experiences the munchies with cannabis. In fact, men may be more likely than women to develop a growling stomach after enjoying a little cannabis. But, your inaugural smoke sesh is an excellent excuse to stock up on your favorite snacks. Should a bad case of the munchies happens to strike, you’re in for real treat. If rodent experiments are any indication, cannabis may heighten your sense of taste and smell, helping you reap more enjoyment from tasty delights.

How Much Should You Smoke?

The general rule of thumb with cannabis is “start low and go slow.” While many dedicated herbivores have stories about eating a pan of edibles the first time they tried cannabis, overdoing it with the herb can often leave a bad first impression. For some, consuming a little too much cannabis might make them feel uncomfortably anxious or a little more drowsy than expected. For others, going sky-high is one of the most pleasurable experiences they’ve had recently. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how you’ll react to cannabis until you try the plant. So, it’s best to stick to low doses and work up as desired after your first go-round.

What Does it Feel like When You’re High?

Everyone is along for a different ride while under the influence of cannabis. The herb affects each individual differently, so there is no way to say for sure For many newbies, getting lifted for the first time feels downright silly. After all, the plant has a reputation for inspiring laughter, relaxation, and light-heartedness. Some types of cannabis, however, can also make you feel drowsy. Depending on the strain you pick up and how much of it you consume, you might feel like you’ve sunken into the couch or that your body feels comfortably heavy. All-the-while, some consumers find that colors may look a little brighter, and it becomes a tad easier to forget about the day’s stresses and worries and simply enjoy the moment. Unlike other substances, however, cannabis will not make you feel out of control of your actions or environment. While you may find yourself feeling a little different than normal, the effects of the herb are often more subtle than its reputation lets on.

Where Should You Smoke?

If you’re wondering where you should smoke, you should probably choose a spot where you can relax and not have to worry about getting caught. Otherwise, you might be paranoid the entire time, and it’ll ruin the experience. When trying cannabis for the first time, finding a comfortable place to post up for a while is always the best bet. 

Low-Grade, Mid-Grade, or Top-Shelf?

Low-grade bud is always a no, as it can be harsh to smoke and may lead to an uncomfortable experience. Mid-grade is ideal for smokers on a budget. But since it’s your first time, you should go with top-shelf. This way, you’ll know that the weed you’re smoking is clean and has been properly cultivated.

When Should You Light Up?

For more reasons than one, you should smoke at night, or a time of day when you can just chill. You never know how you’ll react after your first hit of ganja. It could make you tired, super relaxed, or a little anxious. Either way, it’s best to get high when you have nothing planned just to be on the safe side.

What’s the Best Way to Consume?

Smoking cannabis is by far the easiest way to consume the herb. Prerolled cannabis joints are available at dispensaries and you can often pick up a low-cost pipe at a local smokeshop. If smoking isn’t ideal for you, edibles are also easy to consume. The downside to edibles, however, is that they are harder to dose. It’s easy to overdo it with edibles and become uncomfortably high, so it is not recommended to eat an edible your first time-consuming cannabis. 

Will You Need Something To Drink?

In short, yes. To avoid dry mouth, make sure you have drinks nearby. Water, ice cubes, and herbal teas are great options. Both cold beverages and soothing throat lozenges will come in handy for first-time consumers. If you are smoking the plant, you might be surprised at how much weed makes you cough or how much the smoke irritates your throat. For this reason, it is best to kick off your herbal journey with some liquids nearby.

What’s The Worst That Can Happen?

Arguably, one of the worst side effects of cannabis is paranoia and anxiety. These side effects are most common with cannabis that is high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound in cannabis that causes the herb’s famous psychoactive “high.” Paranoia caused by THC can be quite uncomfortable for many first-time consumers. Rest assured, however, that these sensations are only temporary and can be greatly reduced by moving to a more comfortable environment. Apart from unwanted anxiety, some of the other common short-term side effects of THC include:

• Red eyes;
• Dry mouth;
• Elevated heart rate;
• Drowsiness;
• Forgetfulness;
• And a skewed sense of time.

What Should You Do Once You’re High?

For most people, makes everything fun. Play some video games, watch a series on Netflix., head to dinner with some friends, take a long walk, or maybe even read a book! Cannabis can be used both as a social lubricant and as a way to wind down at the end of the night. Regardless of what you do, however, it is recommended that you toke up for the first time in an environment that makes you feel very safe and comfortable. If you feel relaxed prior to consuming, chances are you’ll have a relaxed experience overall. 

What Shouldn’t You Do When You’re High?

Many dedicated herbivores can tell you—do not watch a scary movie while high. This is especially if it’s your first time. You will regret it. Comedies, documentaries, and other non-violent genres, on the other hand, are golden. All jokes aside, don’t plan on driving or operating heavy machinery for several hours after you’ve tried cannabis for the first time. Cannabis may slow down your reaction time or make it difficult for you to pay attention, and these side effects may be especially strong among inexperienced consumers. It’s always best to play it safe and laidback after enjoying a little weed. 

How Can You Get Rid of a High That is Too Intense?

A strong cup of coffee should do the trick. But if that doesn’t work, you can also try supplementing with cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a cannabis compound that does not cause intoxication. Instead, the molecule may even counteract the mind-altering effects of THC. If CBD is not available than finding a way to distract yourself may make the experience more manageable. Hop into a hot shower or grab a blanket and snuggle up for a movie. If you’re away from home, call a ride and head to a comfortable place. Always remember, the effects of cannabis are only temporary. 

How Long Does a Weed High Last?

How long a high lasts depends on your consumption method. For inhaled products like joints, bongs, pipes, dab rigs, and vaporizers, you can expect up to three hours of active effects. The closer you are to the three-hour mark, however, the more drowsy and laid back you are likely to be. For edible cannabis products, the active effects of the herb can last between four to six hours. In some cases, those who overdo it with their infused-foods may still feel notable residual effects the next day.

Should You Try Again If The First Time Doesn’t Go Well?

Absolutely. In fact, most pot-smokers don’t have a terrific first-time experience. Some don’t even get high. If you had a bad first-time experience, it could be because the environment was off or you may have had a bad reaction to THC. If this is the case, opting for a strain with low levels of THC and high levels of CBD may be more worthwhile. Yet, cannabis also isn’t for everyone. If you really didn’t enjoy your first experience, then there is no reason to try the herb again if it doesn’t interest you. 

Getting High for the First Time On Edibles

Edibles are not like smoking. In fact, the two consumption methods each provide profoundly different experiences. It can take between 30 minutes and two full hours for an edible to produce a noticeable effect. But, the overall experience is well worth the wait. Edibles produce a much stronger and more sedative high than inhaled cannabis. The experience lasts a lot longer, too. Typically, you can expect up to six hours of active effect from an edible. This is ideal for consumers who are interested in the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, as edibles can provide long-lasting relief. By comparison, the effects of inhaled cannabis typically fade within three hours.

Unfortunately, edibles can also be problematic. It’s easy to overdo it with edibles and make yourself uncomfortably high. As a result, many first-timers may be wary of cannabis after a bad experience with infused foods. These problems can be avoided, however, by following a couple of golden rules. These rules are:

Keep it Low and Slow 

If you’ve never had an edible before, it’s a good idea to start with the lowest recommended dose. A typical serving of an edible contains about 10 milligrams of THC. This should be enough to cause a notable high for the average adult. Do not increase your dose until you are confident that you feel comfortable on the lower dosage. Otherwise, you’re headed for a potentially miserable experience.

Don’t Re-Dose

If you get impatient with edibles, you might soon regret re-dosing. It is wise to wait at least two full hours after taking your first dose of an edible before consuming more. Edibles produce a much stronger experience than inhaled cannabis, so redosing can quickly cause you to become uncomfortably high. Paranoia, anxiety, slow movements, general malaise, and lethargy are all common signs that you’ve overdone it with an edible. If you still haven’t experienced any effects after two full hours, it is then likely safe to increase your dose.

Things That Definitely Happened The First Time You Smoked Weed

No one can forget the first time they laid hands on the herb. It’s an experience that will remain in your memory for life. While some people knew what they were doing from the start, others had no idea what to do when they first held that joint in their mouth. Whether you were practically born to consume weed or had to learn along the way, you’ve probably dealt with your fair share of mishaps. From wasting weed to eating one edible too many, here are some hilarious things you probably went through when you smoked pot for the first time.

You Didn’t Get High

If you didn’t get high the first time you tried weed, then you aren’t alone. In fact, most people don’t. After all, you had no idea what you were doing. One of the primary reasons why a consumer doesn’t get high after smoking cannabis is because they did not properly inhale the herb. Smoking cannabis is not like smoking a cigarette. When smoking a cigarette, it is not recommended to inhale smoke deeply into the lungs. Cannabis, however, works best when consumers take a slow and deep inhale into the lungs, sort of like taking one big, diaphragmatic breath. 

You Got Way Too High

Your first experience with ganja was probably shared with people who have been smoking weed for years. Of course, this encouraged you to act like you knew your stuff. You got high alright, a little too high. It’s alright, though. The experience won’t last forever, so just sit back and enjoy the ride. 

Weed Bits Made their Way onto your Tongue

Not only did you smoke herb for the first time, but you also tasted it. This is a rookie mistake. While taking a deep inhalation is recommended, try not to inhale so hard that you pull bits of plant material into your mouth. 

The Munchies

To this day, you might still get the munchies. But after your first session, they were intense. Gather your favorite snacks and eat up! 

You Acted Weird, to Say the Least

You probably weren’t that high. But that didn’t stop you from acting like you were. Jokes aside, getting lifted can make you feel a little strange. If you’re the paranoid type, you may find yourself wondering if you’re acting normal or if people can tell that you’re under the influence. It’s a fifty-fifty toss-up as to whether or not you’re actually acting differently than normal, so you might as well just enjoy the experience you’re having. 

You Held In Your Hits A Little Too Long

Either someone told you to do it, or you figured it would get you higher. As a result, you coughed a lung up. Maybe even two. There is no need to hold in your hits for an excessive amount of time after inhaling. Instead, simply take a long and deep inhale from your vaporizer or smoking device. Pause just slightly as you reach max capacity, then exhale slowly and deliberately. Properly inhaling cannabis is just like taking a deep belly breath. 

You Tried to Smoke the Wrong End of the Blunt

You’ll never forget the first time you put the lit end of the blunt inside your mouth. From time to time, you might still do that now. Ouch. 

Venturing Out into the Public

Going out in public can be scary enough sober. It’s nowhere near as intense as the time you first got high and decided to go to the store, though. While the grocery store is arguably one of the most fun places to go after a little cannabis, it can also be overwhelming. If you find yourself feeling a little social anxiety, try to re-direct your attention to the task at hand. It’ll make things a lot easier. 

Being Stoned Around your Parents

Trying to hide from your parents after getting high for the first time was a mission in itself, especially when it came time to sit down for dinner. Keep those eyes alert and spray yourself with a little perfume or cologne before spending quality time with family. 

Somehow, Someway you Wasted your Weed

Maybe you didn’t grind your bud before smoking it. Or, perhaps you didn’t inhale properly. Whatever the case may be, you probably wasted a ton of pot when you first came into contact with it. Don’t worry—it gets easier with experience.