In recent years, the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use has become a reality for many states in the US. By 2023, 37 states have legalized medical cannabis and 21 states allow recreational use. It is only fully illegal in 11 states, and many jurisdictions within those states have decriminalized its use. More than half of Americans now live in a state where they can legally smoke cannabis, and that number is only going up, with full federal legalization almost certain to come in the next couple of years.
Maybe you are one of these people. You’re a person who never considered smoking weed while it was illegal, but now you’re curious. You’re thinking about smoking weed for the first time, but cannabis culture has been around for a while and there an intimidating variety of forms and methods for consumption. Where to begin for the first time cannabis smoker?
Here!
Legalization – A Little History
The first state to legalize medical cannabis was California in 1996, followed by Colorado and Washington in 2012 – the first US states to legalize recreational use. Since then, more states have taken up the cause of reforming their marijuana laws and making it available legally. Much of this progress can be attributed to the changing public perceptions of marijuana and the growing scientific evidence showing its potential benefits when used responsibly. States which have legalized cannabis typically regulate it with an intricate system of taxes, licensing procedures, testing requirements, and other regulations to ensure responsible sale and consumption. Many states also impose age restriction for legal users as well as restrictions on where individuals may purchase or consume cannabis products. As more US states move towards legalizing marijuana, first time smokers should be aware of local laws and regulations before consuming any form of cannabis product.
You Never Forget Your First Time
If you’re a first-time cannabis consumer, the first thing to know is that it can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. There are many different ways to consume cannabis, and each one has its own unique set of effects. Whether you prefer smoking cannabis flowers, vaping concentrates, or chowing down on edibles, there is something for everyone. However, first time weed smokers should also be aware that consuming too much cannabis can have some unexpected side effects, such as increased heart rate and anxiety levels. Most people cough.
It’s important to start slowly when first consuming cannabis to get a feel for how your body reacts before consuming larger amounts or trying out more potent products. With proper preparation and self-awareness, first time weed smokers can enjoy all the benefits of marijuana without any unpleasant surprises!
Smoking Weed vs Eating Edibles
Smoking weed and eating edibles are two different ways of consuming cannabis. Smoking weed means burning it and inhaling the smoke to get the effect. Eating edibles means eating food or drinks with cannabis in them. There is quite a difference – both can make you feel good, but smoking will happen faster than eating because your body has to digest first.
Be Careful
Be careful, both can also make you feel bad if you take too much. This is particularly something to be aware of with edibles, as the delay before you feel any psychoactive effects may tempt you to believe it isn’t working and that maybe you should take more. Do not succumb! Trust us on this.
There aren’t a lot of ways to eat edibles – you buy them, you eat them. When it comes to smoking weed for the first time, however, it can be a little nerve wracking. You might need some guidance!
Different Ways of Smoking Cannabis
Smoking cannabis is a popular and effective way to consume marijuana for first time users. There are many different ways to smoke weed, from traditional smoking methods like joints or pipes, to more modern methods such as vaporizers and dab rigs. Each method has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important that first time smokers do their research before deciding which one is right for them. Whether you prefer the convenience of pre-rolls, the smooth draw of a bong, or the taste and potency of concentrates, there is something for everyone when it comes to your first time smoking weed.
In Brief
- Joints are small cigarettes made of cannabis and thin paper designed for the purpose.
- Blunts are cannabis cigars made with cigar wrappers.
- Vaporizers heat up the cannabis without burning it, so you don’t breathe in smoke.
- Pipes look like a tube and you can put cannabis in them and light it up to smoke.
- Bongs look like a water bottle with a tube sticking out of it. You put cannabis in the top, light it and then pull air through the water to make bubbles that turn into smoke.
- Gravity Bongs use gravity rather than lungs to pull the smoke through the water.
Each of these and more are discussed in more detail throughout the site. Take a few minutes look at our Reviews, Lists and HowTos to help you make up your mind, along with our best tips to help you get the most out of your experience smoking cannabis.
Whether it’s your first experience smoking marijuana recreationally, you have just received a medical marijuana card, you enjoyed smoking marijuana in your youth and you’re tired of drinking alcohol and interested in trying again, or you’ve smoked marijuana for a long time and are looking for a new way to take a puff, we want you to have a positive experience smoking weed for a long time to come!
It’s Your Turn
Visit your local dispensary, choose your method, watch your dose, start with a small amount, smoke with friends or on your own, puff, inhale the smoke into your lungs, relax, and enjoy the smoking cannabis experience.
