If you’re new to cannabis and aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. Some cannabis products are much more beginner-friendly than others. These products are easy to dose and use, and don’t require getting a bunch of equipment. Below, we’re sharing the 6 best types of products for beginners, as well as specific product recommendations within each category.
Before we get into our recommendations, we have an overall tip for beginners: go low and slow. Whichever product you try, take a lower dose than you think you need at first. Then, if you didn’t experience your desired effects, you can slowly increase your dose. Going low and slow is the best way to avoid accidentally overdoing it.
Low-dose edibles are an excellent option for beginner cannabis users. They’re discreet, incredibly easy to use, and even easier to dose. Low-dose edibles generally come in bite size pieces, each of which delivers an exact dose of THC.
If you’re new to edibles, it’s important to understand how they work. Edibles last for longer than other consumption methods, but they also take a while to kick in. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start experiencing the effects of an edible.
Because edibles take a while to start working, it’s very important not to take more too soon after your first dose. It’s common for beginners to accidentally take far too high of a dose because they thought their first edible did nothing.
So, just remember to take it low and slow, even with low-dose products. Take just one low-dose gummy, then wait at least two hours before you even consider taking another.
Like edibles, tinctures are discreet, easy to use, and quite easy to dose. Use the bottle dropper to measure out your dose, hold it under your tongue for around 20 seconds, then swallow.
Technically, tinctures are cannabis edibles, but know that they can work more quickly than other edibles depending on how you take them. If you just swallow a tincture, it will take longer to kick in, much like other edible products. However, you can also take it sublingually by holding it under your tongue before swallowing it. When taken sublingually, tinctures can take effect in as little as 15 minutes.
If you’re a beginner who likes the idea of smoking marijuana, go for a pre-roll. Pre-rolls are pre-rolled joints that are ready to be smoked right away. You don’t need to do any grinding, sifting, or rolling. Just light and inhale.
If you’re not sure how much to inhale, try taking 2 or 3 puffs to start. After taking each puff, pull the pre-roll away to breathe in a bit of air as well. Hold in your lungs for a few seconds, then release. After taking your first 2 to 3 puffs, put out your joint. Wait around 10 to 15 minutes, which is around how long it takes to feel the effects of smoking or vaping marijuana. At that point, you can take another couple of puffs if desired.
It’s important for beginners to start with a more moderate strain, like the one we recommended above. When you’re new to cannabis, try to avoid ultra high THC strains that are described with words like “potent” or “heavy hitter.” Instead, look for strains that are described as “high CBD,” “moderate,” or “mellow.”
If you’d prefer to vape rather than smoke, go for a disposable vape. Disposable vapes essentially work just like pre-rolls, but without the need to have a lighter. And unlike other vapes, they don’t require any complex set up. Just take a few puffs on your vape and enjoy.
Like with pre-rolls, you want to make sure you choose a more moderate potency for your vape. The Kurvana vape we recommend above is great for beginners, as it has a high CBD to THC ratio. It still has plenty of THC, but the CBD in the blend will help ensure a less intense experience.
If you’re using cannabis for pain relief, consider a topical product. Topical products work directly on the area they’re applied to, providing localized relief. And because they don’t directly enter the bloodstream, they do this without causing psychoactive effects.
CBD products are the perfect starting point for many beginners. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, so it won’t get you high. It’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can allow you to experience some of the other potential benefits of cannabis (like reduced inflammation or better sleep).
Research suggests that CBD can also help ease the potential side effects of THC. So, if you want to experience psychoactive effects while also reducing the risk of adverse effects, THC products that are also high in CBD are an excellent choice.
If you want the benefits of cannabis with little to no psychoactive effects, look for CBD-dominant products with little to no THC. If you want psychoactive effects and a reduced risk of side effects, look for THC products that are also high in CBD.
More Beginner-Friendly Cannabis Products
Have questions or need a personalized recommendation? Send us a message or stop by your local DC Collective dispensary. Our expert team members are always here to answer questions and help you find the perfect products for your experience level and desired results.
⚠️WARNING: Products sold on this site can expose you to chemicals including marijuana smoke, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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