Hit It Like A Pro: How To Smoke Weed Even If It's Your First Time

Understanding the different types of cannabis strains is crucial for both new and experienced users. Here's a breakdown of the primary species and the typical effects you'll feel:

1. Cannabis Sativa: Known for its height and less dense buds, Sativa strains are usually associated with a higher THC content, providing a more energetic and psychoactive experience great for daytime smoking ^[1].

2. Cannabis Indica: These plants are typically shorter and bushier, and they tend to induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness, often being higher in CBD making them great for nighttime.

3. Hybrid Strains: As the name suggests, hybrids are a genetic mix of Sativa and Indica strains, designed to offer a balanced effect of both types.

1. Ask the Experts: Don't hesitate to consult with dispensary employees, often referred to as budtenders, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences and needs ^[13].

2. Use Your Senses: Sometimes, the best way to choose is by using your nose. Different scents can indicate different effects, so opt for aromas that appeal to you personally ^[4]. High-quality weed often has a frosty appearance, indicating a high THC content.

3. Start Gentle: For those new to cannabis, starting with a strain that has low THC and high CBD content can ease you into the experience without overwhelming effects ^[12][14].

1. Gather Your Supplies: Ensure you have all necessary items: dry flower or cannabis oil, a grinder, your chosen smoking device (pipe, bong, joint), and a lighter ^[3][14].

2. Check Moisture Levels: If your weed feels wet, allow it to dry by exposing it to air or using absorbent paper to remove excess moisture. Avoid storing your cannabis in overly damp places to maintain its quality.

3. Removing Seeds: Before grinding, make sure to remove any seeds from the bud. Seeds can affect the taste and smoothness of your smoke ^[1] .

4. Using a Weed Grinder: Start by placing your dry flower into the grinder. Use the sharp pegs effectively to break the bud into small, even pieces ^[1]. To ensure a smoother smoke and an even burn use a metal weed grinder with blades as this slices rather than shreds your weed.

1. Preparation: Begin by grinding your cannabis to achieve a fine consistency using a grinder ^[19].

2. Rolling: Take a rolling paper, typically unbleached for a purer experience, and evenly distribute the ground weed along the length of the paper ^[22]. You can add 50% tobacco to roll what is called 'half and half'.

3. Sealing: Add a filter to one end and roll the paper between your fingers to shape the cannabis into a cylinder, then lick the adhesive strip on the paper and seal the joint ^[21].

4. Tips: For beginners, consider using a rolling machine to ensure a tight and even roll.

1. Wrapper Selection: Choose a tobacco leaf wrap, which is able to hold more cannabis and adds a nicotine buzz to your smoking experience.

2. Filling and Rolling: Similar to rolling a joint, fill the wrap with ground cannabis and roll it tightly to ensure it burns slowly.

3. Considerations: Be aware of the health implications of nicotine and the stronger effects due to its larger size than joints ^[21].

1. Setup: Grab a weed pipe , often made from glass or metal, and ensure it is clean for the best taste and safety ^[18].

2. Packing: Fill the bowl of the pipe with ground cannabis, not too tightly, allowing air to pass through ^[19].

3. Lighting: Light the corners of the bowl while inhaling gently to control the burn.

1. Water Filling: Start by filling the bong's base chamber with enough water to submerge the downstem.

2. Packing the Bowl: Place larger pieces of ground cannabis in the bottom of the bowl and then smaller pieces on top to create better airflow ^[19].

3. Usage: Light the cannabis while simultaneously inhaling to draw the smoke through the water, cooling it before inhalation. Use a percolator bong for smoother cooler smoke.

1. Device Selection: Choose a vaporizer that suits your needs—portable or desktop ^[26].

2. Loading: Fill the chamber with either dry cannabis flower or concentrates ^[18].

3. Temperature Settings: Adjust the temperature to control the intensity of the vapor.

4. Inhalation: Inhale the vapor which is smoother and potentially less harmful than smoke.

1. Setup: Ensure your dab rig is clean and assemble the nail or banger before using a dab rig ^[23].

2. Heating: Heat the nail with a torch until it is visibly hot.

3. Dabbing: Apply a small amount of concentrate to the nail using a dab tool, and inhale the resulting vapor.

4. Safety Tip: Be cautious with the high potency of concentrates and the hot components of the rig.

• Gravity Bongs: Utilize water and gravity to pull smoke into a larger chamber, offering a powerful hit ^[23].

• One-hitters and Dugouts: Ideal for discreet, controlled doses, often resembling cigarettes for stealth.

• Steam Rollers: Clear large tubes that provide intense hits, similar to bongs but without water filtration.

1. Choose a Comfortable Setting: It's best to smoke weed for the first time with friends who have previous experience. Choose a familiar and safe environment, ideally at home. This setting should be private, away from public spaces, ensuring you can relax without interruptions.

2. Clear Your Schedule: Make sure you have no pending tasks or appointments that could cause stress or require attention post-smoking. This helps in maintaining a calm and enjoyable experience without panic setting it.

3. Stay Hydrated: Keep water nearby to help with dry cotton mouth and ensure you stay hydrated throughout your session. This can also help alleviate any headaches or fatigue ^[13].

4. Snack Ready: Have your favorite snacks ready in case you get the munchies. Opt for light and non-greasy foods that can satisfy your hunger.

5. Mind Your Dosage: Start with a low dose to gauge your tolerance and response to cannabis. It’s easier to manage and less likely to lead to distress or anxiety attacks.

6. Start Sober: Begin your smoking experience clear-headed. Avoid consuming alcohol or other substances beforehand to stay in control and aware of the effects of cannabis ^[2].

7. Set and Setting: Ensure you're psychologically prepared and in a positive mindset. Being in a good emotional state can greatly enhance your experience ^[4].

8. Have a Backup Plan: If you feel uncomfortable or too high, have a plan to help you relax and avoid panicking. This could include watching your favorite TV show or taking a shower. Having experienced friends with you can help as they can talk to you calming you down

1. Packing Techniques: When filling your pipe, bong bowl, or rolling a joint, start with a lighter pack at the bottom and gradually increase the density towards the top. This technique helps achieve an even sustained burn and manage airflow ^[16].

2. Lighting the Bowl: Use a traditional lighter, butane lighter, hemp wick, or matches to light the bowl. Aim to light only a small section, known as cornering the bowl, to prolong the number of green hits and ensure a more even burn ^[25][27].

3. Inhaling Technique: Start by breathing out before you bring the joint or mouthpiece to your lips. Spark your flame and inhale for about three seconds or until your mouth is filled with smoke, then remove and inhale again to bring the smoke deeper into your lungs.

Hold the smoke for a few more seconds to maximize absorption in your lungs. Exhaling naturally and slowly to minimize coughing ^[2].

4. Start Slow: For beginners, we advise to start with a small amount of weed. Take one or two short puffs and pass the joint or pipe to the next person. Wait for about 20 minutes after your first toke to assess how the cannabis affects you before considering another drag ^[14][5][2].

5. Monitor Effects: Give yourself two “puff, puff, pass” opportunities and then pause to observe how you feel. This pacing helps prevent overconsumption and allows you to enjoy the session without discomfort.

6. Coughing Etiquette: Understand that coughing is a natural reaction to smoking weed, especially for the first time. To minimize coughing, take softer, shorter hits and ensure you're smoking in a well-ventilated area to prevent hot boxing ^[13][5].

7. Laser Combustion Technology: For a cleaner experience, consider using advanced smoking devices like the Hitoki Trident, which uses laser technology to burn weed precisely, providing a butane-free session that is easier on the lungs.

8. Avoid Holding Smoke: Inhale deeply and hold the smoke in your lungs only for a second or two. Holding it longer does not enhance the effects; it only increases lung irritation ^[10].

1. Child and Pet Safety: Always keep cannabis and related products out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion ^[11] .

2. Storage: Either maintain marijuana products in their original packaging to avoid confusion or store them safely in clearly marked containers such as Stash jars.

3. Have a Plan: In case you or someone else feels too high, have a backup plan ready. This could involve simple calming activities or contacting medical help if necessary ^[4][31].

4. Poison Control and Emergency Services: Keep contact numbers handy for poison (1-800-222-1222) and know when to call 911 if the reaction is severe.

5. Impairment Guidelines: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least six hours after smoking and longer if consuming high doses or edibles. Always err on the side of caution.

6. Discuss with Healthcare Providers: Be open with your doctors about your cannabis use to avoid interactions with other medications and coordinate better care ^[10].

1. Let Go of Past Experiences : Approach each smoking session with a fresh perspective, regardless of past experiences with cannabis.

2. Understand Different Consumption Methods: Try different ways of consuming weed but be aware of the onset times and effects of various consumption methods—smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

3. Be Conscious of Outcomes: Keep in mind both the desirable and undesirable outcomes of marijuana use.

4. Start Slow and Low: Especially when trying a new product or if unsure of your tolerance, start with a smaller amount and increase slowly.

5. Use Trusted Company: Only consume marijuana in the company of people you trust.

6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dry mouth, commonly known as cottonmouth.

7. Pace Your Smoking: Take slow inhales and exhales to reduce the likelihood of coughing.

8. Choose Familiar Settings: Smoke in places where you feel safe and comfortable.

9. Respect the Supplier: Always show appreciation to the person who provided the weed.

10. Keep It Private: Choose a private place for smoking to ensure comfort and discretion.

11. Proper Inhalation: Ensure every hit is properly inhaled into the lungs for maximum effect.

12. Share Responsibly: This goes for the bowl you're smoking but other things like water or snacks. Pass them around during and after your session to help others stay hydrated and avoid the munchies.

1. Avoid Public Spaces: Do not smoke in public places to stay clear of legal and social implications.

2. Steer Clear of High-Risk Activities: Wait several hours after consumption before engaging in activities like driving or operating machinery ^[11].

3. Don't Overconsume: Take your time and enjoy each hit without overdoing it ^[33].

4. Avoid Habitual Use for Coping: Do not use smoking as a regular method to handle stress.

5. Respect Others' Boundaries: Do not pressure anyone into smoking; respect their decisions.

6. Avoid Unfamiliar Settings: Do not smoke in places you are unfamiliar with to avoid discomfort or anxiety.

7. Stay off the Roads: Never drive while under the influence of cannabis ^[35].

8. Avoid Mixing Substances: Do not mix cannabis with alcohol or other drugs as it can lead to adverse effects.

9. Handle Responsibilities Sober: Avoid handling important tasks or making significant decisions while high.

10. Respect the Experience: Focus on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis rather than just the high.

11. Wait Before More: If you're enjoying the experience, give it time before deciding whether you want more.

While smoking remains the most common method for consuming weed, especially for the first time, it's not the only option. Here are some innovative and health-conscious alternatives:

The market is continually evolving with new cannabis-infused products. Here are some unique options:

• Powdered THC: Easily dissolves in water, offering a quick and precise way to consume cannabis ^[3].

• Cannabis-infused Drinking Straws: Add these to any drink to create an instant cannabis-infused beverage.

• Dip Pouches: Similar to dipping tobacco, these THC-infused pouches are placed between the cheek and gum.

When entering the world of cannabis for the first time and deciding smoking it is the way you want to do it, you need to know how to smoke weed in a way that'll give you the best experience possible.

We've given you the right knowledge and tools to ensure not just a pleasurable experience but also a safe one.

Cannabis offers a vast spectrum of experiences, tailored by the method of consumption, with bongs standing out for their efficiency and quality of smoke.

Remember, the journey through cannabis is as rewarding as the choice of gear used to explore it. VITAE Glass offers some of the best bongs on the market, with a modular design that makes them easy to clean, ensuring every exploration into the realms of cannabis is both profound and pristine.

As you venture further, always approach with curiosity and caution, making every step an informed one, for a truly enriching cannabis experience.