More cannabis businesses are rolling out across the country as support for legalizing marijuana grows. Even though it’s still illegal on a federal level, it’s been legalized for medicinal and recreational use in more than 23 states.
But as any weed user can tell you, not all weed is made the same. Different strains and consumption methods can lead to vastly different effects on the body.
If marijuana is legal in your state and you want to try it out, it’s important to be informed. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about cannabis for beginners, including the different strains you can choose from and how to use cannabis safely for the first time.
Cannabis for Beginners: Products and Strains to Choose From
The first thing you need to know is that there isn’t just one type of “cannabis.” The plant comes in a range of different strains and products, each with varying characteristics and effects.
Flower, or bud, is the most common form of cannabis. This form can be smoked or vaped. But you may also find other types of weed products, like edibles, tinctures, vape pods, concentrates, and topicals.
As far as strains, most cannabis is divided into three general categories: Indica, sativa, and hybrid. Sativa tends to be more uplifting and euphoric, while indica strains are more relaxing and sedating. A hybrid strain combines the effects of both.
Beginner Cannabis Strains to Try
While most cannabis strains are organized into three categories — indica, sativa, and hybrid — there are hundreds of different complex strains to choose from. The strain you choose should align with your goals, preferences, and intentions.
Here are a few popular beginner weed strains you can try:
Blue Dream
Named for its blueberry aroma, this dreamy hybrid strain is known for its balanced blend of sativa and indica, leading to an uplifted and euphoric high for creativity.
Sour Diesel
This sativa-dominant strain has a pungent diesel-like aroma. Most importantly though, it provides a powerful, cerebral, and uplifting high.
Northern Lights
This indica-dominant strain has a powerful sedative effect, known to help users deeply relax. However, it also has a touch of sativa to bring an added sense of euphoria.
Secret Cookies
This hybrid strain is known for being versatile and balanced. It’s smooth and relaxing, but brings just enough sativa to add a spark of euphoria.
Using Cannabis as a Beginner
No matter what consumption method you choose, using cannabis safely and effectively doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some guiding steps you can use to make sure your first experience is the best it can be:
- Consult with dispensary employees on the different products and strains available
- Finish important tasks before you start so you can focus on enjoying the full experience
- Find a comfortable and familiar setting to start
- Start slow with low dosages and work your way up
- Give your body time to process the effects, especially when consuming edibles (up to two hours)
Starting Your Weed Experience Right with Harbor House Collective
Now that the market has exploded in popularity, it’s never been more overwhelming to be a beginner in the cannabis space. With all the different products and weed strains, knowing where to start isn’t easy.
At Harbor House Collective, we put cannabis education first. Explore our range of products to research what we have available, or stop by in person so our experienced budtenders can guide you to the perfect products.
