The Top 5 Questions All Weed Beginners Have But Are Too Afraid To Ask
Calling All Beginners – Answering All The Cannabis Questions You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask
Do you remember your first time smoking weed? The excitement, the confusion, the texture and smell of the weed – even long-time cannabis users remember losing their ‘weed virginity.’
Everyone is introduced to cannabis differently. Some try it in their adolescence, after school, or at a party. Others may wait until college or later in adulthood. Maybe you’ve never been high before!
As a newbie, it’s exciting to explore the world of weed, but it can also be intimidating. With so many ways to get high, so many fancy bits of terminology, and so many new innovative developments, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. Plus, not everyone has that chill confidante or friend who’ll answer all of their questions.
So, if you have questions that you’re too afraid to ask, have no fear. We’ve got you covered below with answers to some of the most common questions a beginner might have.
I’ve never been high before – what does it feel like?
The truth is, there’s no singular experience you’ll get from cannabis. Everyone’s brain makeup is different, and weed itself can differ too. Most commonly, a high might have you feeling hazy, giggly, introspective, or paranoid.
If you’re anxious going into your first time getting high, that paranoia might carry over into your experience. There’s nothing to be afraid of, but you can still take steps to ease your anxiety. We recommend getting high with someone you trust – you’ll have more fun, and forget about your fears.
What are indica and sativa?
The cannabis plant can be divided into two strains: Indica and Sativa. Scientists have long debated the differences between the strains, or if the perceived effects of them are real.
The most basic difference is that sativa is stimulating (an “upper”), and indica is relaxing (a “downer”).
Specifically, sativa is believed to increase focus and creativity, ease anxiety and depression, and increase serotonin. Meanwhile, indica is believed to increase mental and muscle relaxation, increase appetite and increase dopamine.
Another way to distinguish them is that sativa usually has high CBD levels, whereas indica usually has high THC levels.
Wait, CBD, and THC? What are those?
Cannabis is made up of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. There are more than 100 tiny cannabinoids in the plant, but the two you should know are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. In other words, you can thank THC for making you feel high. CBD, meanwhile, is believed to have plenty of relaxing and pain-relieving properties. Many strains or products will offer a significant difference in the ratio of the two compounds, depending on what you’re looking for.
How should I get high?
Joints, bongs, vaping pens, and edibles: there are plenty of ways to consume cannabis. There’s no “correct” way to get high, but you may want to consider the pros and cons of each method. For example, some methods are more discreet or affect your lungs differently.
Is cannabis bad for your health?
Decades of stigma against cannabis have led many to believe that cannabis is harmful to your health. Though the plant technically can have an effect on your body, the minor risks do not match the fairy tales that you were told in school. For the truth, read this tip sheet from the Government of Canada.
