How to Smoke Weed for the First Time: Myths & Tips

Your first time smoking weed can be a daunting task. Like drinking your first beer or driving for the first time, it's intimidating and a totally new experience. Luckily, you're not alone. Your first time getting high is an exciting moment and we want to make it the best experience possible. Everyone has to start somewhere, so this article is here to help you step by step and answer any questions you might have!

Determine Your Marijuana Consumption Method

There are seemingly endless methods to use when you're smoking pot for the first time, so it's hard to know which one to choose. We suggest purchasing a pre-rolled joint or blunt from a dispensary. These two options are great because they're so simple to light up and easy to control how much you consume. If you don't have access to pre-rolled items, you can quickly learn how to roll the perfect joint or ask a friend.

Alternatively, edibles or vape pens can be great methods for your first time getting high. Edibles come in many different forms and doses, so it's important to do your research before purchasing. We recommend taking it easy and consuming a small dose to start. Vape pens are also an easy way to control your intake to avoid smoking too much.

Buying Marijuana

Now that you've determined how you want to consume, you're ready to purchase some cannabis! To begin, find a dispensary near you. If you're able to visit a dispensary, order ahead or get it delivered, let a budtender (similar to a bartender) know that you're new to smoking and they will help get you set up with the right products. We recommend buying a sativa strain for a more upbeat high to start.

Grab Your Friends (& Some Water)

We don't suggest you smoke weed alone for the first time. This might seem obvious, but who you surround yourself with can really affect your first time getting high. We recommend being with close friends you trust and have preferably smoked before. They'll help calm any nerves and make you more comfortable. Also, be sure to grab some water to help with dehydration and to avoid getting a dry mouth (commonly referred to as cottonmouth).

Get High

Now that you're all set to go, light up and take a deep breath before slowly exhaling. After a few minutes, you may feel the THC set in, while also feeling lighter, euphoric and possibly a bit tired. These are totally normal and part of the fun! Remember, depending on how you consume (joint vs. edibles), effects will differ based on how cannabis is absorbed into the body. In general, clear your schedule and prepare to feel high for feel high for 1-3 hours (or longer if you consume edibles). If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, don't be afraid to pass on the blunt or joint the next time it comes around to you. The best thing you can do is be open-minded to the experience and put all worries aside.

First Time Smoking Weed Tips, Questions & Myths

So you've read all of the information out there, but are still nervous about getting high for the first time. Don't worry, that's totally normal and completely okay! Over the years, there have been plenty of exaggerations when it comes to marijuana and its effects. We're here to shed some light on the myths about your first time smoking weed and any questions you might have!

Do You Get High the First Time You Smoke Weed?

This question has probably been asked a million times - and the answer isn't an easy "yes" or "no." Many people would say their first time smoking weed is not the same as their first time getting high. But why is this? While there's no exact scientific answer, we think it boils down to the improper inhalation of the drug. Often first-time consumers do not breathe in deeply enough for the psychotropic (mind-altering) effects to set in. To help prevent this, try to inhale as deeply as you can before exhaling. You can always take a few more hits if you need to.

Will I Get the Munchies the First Time Smoking Weed?

Most likely. Getting the munchies depends on whether or not you get high, but a common side-effect of smoking weed is an increase in hunger. This is caused by the THC which is a component of marijuana that gets you high. THC causes your brain to release the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates stimulates hunger, so be sure to have your favorite foods on hand to satisfy those munchies!

How to Smoke a Joint for the First Time

Though it may be intimidating, smoking a joint is quite easy. After you've lit the end, inhale slowly and deeply to hold on to the smoke before exhaling. Don't worry if you start coughing - it's natural and usually means you got a good hit! Keep in mind that the effects won't be instantaneous. Take a puff or two and pass it to your friend. This will give you some time to see how you're feeling.

Myth: Smoking Marijuana is Addictive

This one's complicated. While significant marijuana consumers may develop dependencein severe cases, the drug is not known to be immediately addictive. Our advice is to be mindful of how often you smoke and how it's affecting your life.

Myth: I Can Overdose on Weed

The good news is you cannot lethally overdose from smoking weed alone. In fact, it would take 15,000 pounds of marijuana consumed in 15 minutes to die from marijuana consumption (which is physically impossible). This being said, it is possible to feel too high from the overconsumption of weed. If this happens, you can check out our guide to sobering up quickly to coming down easily.

Have you tried weed for the first time? What was your experience like? If you have more tips to share for future first-timers, leave them in the comments below!