How To Smoke Weed

Beginners Guide How To Smoke Weed

If you are new to smoking weed, you might feel overwhelmed by the information and options available. You might wonder about the best strains, devices, methods, and tips for beginners on how to smoke weed. You might also have questions or concerns about smoking weed's effects, risks, and benefits. This article will explore everything you need to know about smoking weed for beginners. We'll cover the basics of cannabis: how to choose your cannabis, how to prepare your cannabis, how to smoke your cannabis, how to enjoy your high, how to manage your high, how to share your cannabis, and how to learn more about cannabis. Read this article to the end to enjoy a safe and satisfying cannabis experience. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear and comprehensive understanding of how to smoke weed for beginners.

How To Smoke Weed

Beginning of Journey

Smoking weed is one of the most popular and convenient ways of consuming cannabis. Cannabis is a plant that contains various compounds that can affect your body and mind differently. There are many types of cannabis strains, devices, and methods that you can choose from depending on your preference and purpose. Smoking weed can have many benefits, such as relaxation, pain relief, creativity, etc. Still, it can also have some risks or side effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, dry mouth, red eyes, etc.

  • Smoking weed is not for everyone and may not be legal in your area. You should always do your research and be responsible before smoking weed.
  • Smoking weed can be fun and social if you follow some etiquette and rules when sharing your cannabis with others.
  • Smoking weed can be a learning experience if you are curious and open-minded about cannabis and its history, culture, science, and benefits.

Fundamental

Consuming cannabis through smoking, or how to smoke weed, is widely embraced as one of the most prevalent and accessible methods. Cannabis, a plant rich in diverse compounds, exerts various effects on the body and mind. Among these compounds are cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which play pivotal roles in the psychoactive and therapeutic aspects of cannabis. Additionally, cannabis harbors terpenes, aromatic molecules that contribute to its unique scent and taste, and can also modulate its effects through interactions with cannabinoids.

How to smoke weed can have many benefits, such as relaxation, pain relief, creativity, etc. Still, it can also have some risks or side effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, dry mouth, red eyes, etc. Smoking weed is not for everyone and may not be legal in your area. You should always do your research and be responsible before smoking weed.

Cannabis Adventure

This comprehensive guide on how to smoke weed will delve into the cannabis world for newcomers, providing a thorough understanding of the entire process. We'll start with the fundamentals of cannabis, helping you select the right strain, prepare it properly, consume it, maximize your enjoyment, navigate the experience, share it responsibly, and expand your knowledge base.

By the time you finish reading, you'll possess a well-rounded, beginner-friendly knowledge of how to embark on your journey with cannabis. You'll be empowered to have a secure and gratifying cannabis adventure.

How To Choose Cannabis

Before embarking on a trip into cannabis consumption or learning how to smoke weed, a crucial initial step revolves around selecting the suitable cannabis variety. Many cannabis strains beckon, each catering to individual preferences and purposes. These strains fall into three primary categories: indica, sativa, and hybrid.

  • Indica strains predominantly deliver a tranquilizing and calming experience. They prove invaluable in unwinding after a taxing day or facilitating restful sleep at night. Indica strains are also renowned for alleviating physical discomforts, such as pain, inflammation, or muscle spasms.
  • Sativa strains, in contrast, are often associated with invigorating and energizing effects. They serve as mood enhancers and catalysts for creativity. Sativa strains shine in their ability to sharpen mental faculties, promoting focus, memory retention, and alertness.
  • Hybrid strains represent a harmonious fusion of indica and sativa genetics. They offer a versatile blend of effects, balancing the characteristics of both parent strains. The specific outcomes of hybrid strains can vary significantly, contingent on the indica-to-sativa dominance ratio within each unique hybrid.

Indica vs Sativa Strains

The table below summarizes some of the main differences between Indica vs Sativa strains:

Indica

Sativa

Relaxing

Uplifting

Sedating

Energizing

Physical

Mental

Pain relief

Focus

Sleep aid

Creativity

To consider the strain type and learn how to smoke weed, it's crucial to delve into the various facets of your cannabis, such as its potency, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Potency pertains explicitly to the levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) within your cannabis. THC stands as the principal psychoactive compound responsible for inducing a high. In contrast, CBD is the primary non-psychoactive compound that mitigates specific adverse effects associated with THC, such as anxiety or paranoia. The potency can fluctuate significantly, contingent upon factors like the strain, quality, and source of your cannabis. A higher THC content generally corresponds to more pronounced effects and an increased likelihood of encountering undesired side effects. CBD plays a pivotal role in balancing the effects of THC and offers additional advantages, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties, among others.

Terpenes

When learning how to smoke weed, understanding the role of terpenes is crucial. Terpenes are the aromatic molecules that give cannabis its distinctive smell and flavor. They can also influence the effects of cannabis by interacting with cannabinoids.

Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis are:

  • Myrcene: has a musky and earthy aroma. It can enhance the relaxing and sedating effects of Indica strains. It can also increase the absorption of THC and other cannabinoids.
  • Limonene: has a citrusy and fresh aroma. It can enhance the uplifting and energizing effects of sativa strains. It can also provide some anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal benefits.
  • Pinene: has a piney and woody aroma. It can enhance the mental and alertness effects of sativa strains. It can also provide some anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and memory-enhancing benefits.
  • Linalool: has a floral and sweet aroma. It can enhance the calming and soothing effects of both indica and sativa strains. It can also provide anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-convulsant, and pain-relieving benefits.
  • Caryophyllene has a spicy and peppery aroma. It can enhance the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of both indica and sativa strains. It can also act as a cannabinoid by binding to CB2 receptors in the body.

Potency By Strains

The table below shows some examples of cannabis strains and their potency, terpenes, and effects:

Strain

Potency

Terpenes

Effects

Blue Dream

High THC, Low CBD

Pinene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene

Uplifting, Creative, Euphoric

OG Kush

High THC, Low CBD

Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene

Relaxing, Happy, Hungry

Sour Diesel

High THC, Low CBD

Limonene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene

Energizing, Focused, Cerebral

Harlequin

Low THC, High CBD

Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

Balanced, Clear-headed, Calm

ACDC

Very Low THC, Very High CBD

Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

Non-psychoactive, Therapeutic, Relaxing

Cannabis Source

It's crucial to pay attention to the quality and the source of your cannabis. You should look for cannabis that is fresh, green, and covered with trichomes (the tiny crystals that contain cannabinoids and terpenes). You should avoid cannabis that is dry, brown, or moldy. You should also look for a reputable source of cannabis that can provide you with lab-tested results and certificates of analysis (COAs) that verify the potency, terpenes, and purity of your cannabis. You should avoid buying cannabis from unknown or unlicensed dealers or vendors that may sell you low-quality or contaminated products.

Finally, you should store your cannabis correctly to preserve its freshness, potency, and flavor. You should keep your cannabis in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from heat, light, and moisture. You should also avoid storing cannabis in plastic bags or containers that may leach chemicals or degrade your cannabis over time.

For more information on keeping cannabis correctly, check out our article Does Weed Expire? How to Prevent It.

Choosing Your Smoking Accessories

Another thing you need to do before smoking weed is choose your smoking accessories. You can select from many types of smoking devices depending on your convenience, efficiency, cost, and health. 

When considering how to smoke weed, it's essential to understand the different devices available and their respective characteristics:

  • Pipes: Pipes are simple and easy-to-use devices that consist of a bowl where you put your ground cannabis and a stem where you inhale the smoke. Pipes are portable and discreet, but they can also be harsh on your throat and lungs because they do not filter or cool down the smoke.
  • Bongs: Bongs are water pipes that consist of a bowl where you put your ground cannabis, a stem where you inhale the smoke, and a chamber where the smoke passes through water before reaching your mouth. Bongs are more efficient and smoother than pipes because they filter and cool down the smoke. However, because they are more prominent and conspicuous, bongs are more expensive and less discreet than pipes.
  • Joints: Joints are rolled cigarettes containing ground cannabis wrapped in rolling paper. Joints are cheap and easy-to-use devices that allow you to smoke your cannabis without any additional equipment. Joints are portable and discreet, but they can also be wasteful and unhealthy because they burn your cannabis and paper, producing tar and toxins that can harm your lungs.
  • Blunts: Blunts are similar to joints but contain ground cannabis wrapped in tobacco leaf or cigar paper. Blunts are more potent and flavorful than joints because they contain nicotine and other additives from tobacco or cigars. Still, they are also more addictive and harmful than joints because they expose you to more tar and toxins that can damage your lungs and heart.
  • Vape pens: Vape pens are electronic devices with a battery, a cartridge, and a mouthpiece. Vape pens heat your cannabis oil or concentrate into a vapor that you inhale through the mouthpiece. Vape pens are more efficient and healthier than smoking devices because they do not combust your cannabis, producing less tar and toxins that can irritate your lungs. Vape pens are also more discreet and convenient than smoking devices because they have less odor and smoke, but they are also more expensive and complex than smoking devices because they require charging and maintenance.
How To Smoke Weed

Advantages and Disadvantages

The table below compares some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each smoking device:

Device

Advantages

Disadvantages

Pipe

Simple, Easy, Portable

Harsh, Unfiltered, Hot

Bong

Efficient, Smooth, Cool

Expensive, Conspicuous, Fragile

Joint

Cheap, Easy, Portable

Wasteful, Unhealthy, Smelly

Blunt

Potent, Flavorful, Portable

Addictive, Harmful, Smelly

Vape pen

Efficient, Healthy, Discreet

Expensive, Complex, Risky

When considering how to smoke weed, you should first choose your smoking device based on your personal preference, budget, and purpose. You should also view the quality and the source of your smoking device. You should look for a smoking device made of safe and durable materials, such as glass, metal, or ceramic. You should avoid smoking devices made of plastic, wood, or acrylic that may leach chemicals or burn when heated. You should also look for a reputable source of smoking devices that can provide you with warranty, customer service, and quality assurance. You should avoid buying smoking devices from unknown or unlicensed dealers or vendors that may sell you defective or counterfeit products.

For an alternative way of consuming cannabis without combustion, you can check out our article, Dry Herb Vaporizers.