With all the misinformation circling the web about cannabis, it can make the first timer user skeptical about trying it out. But, the truth is, cannabis offers many medicinal and stress-related benefits.
With its legalization, medical marijuana in Las Vegas, Nevada or in Oakland, California and other major states is being consumed more than it was used to be, more awareness is spread on its benefits and all the misconceptions that were talked about the medical marijuana are being reduced.
Still, we understand your apprehension. So, in an effort to reduce your fears, we provide our list of 10 common mistakes made by beginner cannabis users. Paying attention to the list should minimize any ill effects and make your cannabis usage that much more beneficial:
Mistake #1: Using a High-THC Cannabis Strain
If it’s your first time using cannabis, we recommend that you use a strain that’s high in CBD. Unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive. That’s to say, it doesn’t give you a high that alters your mental state. Instead, CBD helps to ease much of the anxiety that’s associated with THC.
If you do try out a strain high in THC and find yourself feeling paranoid or anxious, remember to keep calm. Doing so as well as refraining from overthinking can significantly improve your experience.
Mistake #2: Using the Carb Wrong
For those who don’t know, the carb is the hole found beside the bowl. It acts as a ventilator for the extra smoke to leave the bong.
To use it properly, keep it plugged while you are inhaling and let go when you are done. This will remove the remaining smoke from the chamber.
Mistake #3: Improper Storage
How you store your cannabis can have a significant impact on both the longevity and quality of the bud. If you smoke regularly (every day or so), storing your cannabis in a Ziploc bag is fine because you don’t need it to remain fresh for an extended period of time. Still, it is not an ideal solution for cannabis storage.
To keep your cannabis fresh for as long as possible, it should be stored in an airtight glass container, preferably a mason jar. Also, keep the jar in someplace arid, dark, and cool – like a kitchen cupboard or closet.
Mistake #4: Lighter settings
Cannabis has a very low burning point, so less is more when it comes to your lighter flame. To smoke from your pipe, you only need a small part of the flame to hit the top of the bud. Once the top has been ignited, the herb will burn by itself. Using too high a flame may cause you to inhale lighter fluid by mistake, messing up the taste of your cannabis in the process. If you are using a dry herb vaporizer make sure the temperature settings are properly set so you won’t have a burnt taste in your vapor.
Mistake #5: Inhaling too Deeply
It’s a common myth that inhaling deeply can help you achieve a better high. But, the truth is, this is complete bunk. A large percentage (we’re talking over 90% here) of the THC in cannabis smoke is absorbed within the first couple of seconds of taking a puff. In other words, taking a puff and holding it for a long time is pointless.
Mistake #6: Cornering the Bowl
When using glassware to consume your cannabis, it’s imperative that you learn how to corner a bowl. When done improperly, it burns the top layer up, meaning that your second hit will have the nasty flavor of cannabis that’s already been burned.
Mistake #7: Trying Awful Weed
Although it’s always nice to get free cannabis, you don’t want to get your herb from someone with no growing experience. Buying from a dispensary ensures that you will always be the recipient of quality cannabis. Furthermore, if you have any questions, the friendly cannabists are always happy to provide you with needed answers.
Mistake # 8: Staying Properly Hydrated
When you consume high-quality cannabis, the receptors on your mouth floor halt saliva production for a little while, leading to the infamous cottonmouth. To prevent this from happening, it’s important that you drink lots of water before and after consuming cannabis.
Mistake #9: Forgetting to Buy a Grinder
Grinders break up the cannabis so that it’s the perfect consistency for rolling, packing, and burning. It’s not something that can be easily achieved manually. And, as an added bonus, when you use the grinder over a period of time, you’ll end up with a bonus bowl of kief in the bottom chamber of your grinder.
Mistake #10: Forgoing the Screen
If you are using a tiny glass bowl, this probably doesn’t apply to you. However, if you use a large glass bowl or metal pipe, screens are a must. Using a screen (perhaps better known as a filter) will protect you from inhaling ash. Plus, they’re quite affordable and easy to use. So, don’t make the additional mistake of thinking they’re not worth your time.
Consuming cannabis has a lot of benefits. But, when done improperly, it can make a first time user’s experience unpleasant. But, they say that forewarned is forearmed. So, if you take heed of the common mistakes listed above, it will ensure that your first time goes off without a hitch. Good Luck!
Have you experienced any of the above mishaps on your early encounter with cannabis?
Share your story with our community in the comments below.
- Global View: How Legalizing Drugs Could Strengthen Democracy Worldwide - June 7, 2018
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- How Medical Marijuana Helped Me - March 15, 2017
