The legalization of cannabis has led to its increased use in the US and around the world, making it more available for people who choose to cosume it. Asides from this, the health benefits of cannabis are becoming more widely recognized as well, leading many new users to try this drug. For those of you who are new to cannabis and want to learn more about it, this article provides a beginner's guide on how to smoke weed. We will cover the Do's and Don'ts of smoking weed, different smoking techniques, and where to get high-quality weed. So let's dive in!
Getting Started With Weed: Basics
Before trying out cannabis, it is important to understand its history, effects, and the basic methods to consume it. Historically, cannabis has been used for religious and medicinal purposes for centuries. Many people trace the origin of cannabis to central Asia, but the plant can also be found in Africa, Europe, and America.
The first documented use dates back to around 2800 BC when ancient Chinese Emperor Shen Nung used it for medicinal purposes. Since then, its use has spread quickly and was a key ingredient in many medicines until the early 1900s. It spread to Persia, Arabia, India, and parts of Africa when travelers took it with them. The plant was also used for religious purposes by practitioners of Hinduism and Buddhism.
With advancements in global education, cannabis research grew in the late 19th century. Scientists began to study how cannabinoids, chemicals found in the cannabis plant, impacted humans. The discovery of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, further led to scientific studies on how it affects humans medically and recreationally.
Cannabis plants contain more than 100 different cannabinoids, each with its effects. The most notable are THC and CBD (cannabidiol). The former is responsible for the psychoactive effects people experience when consuming cannabis. The latter has many medicinal benefits, such as helping to reduce inflammation, nausea, and pain.
After proper studies on cannabis, its use cases have vastly expanded. Nowadays, people use cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. For instance, people with chronic pain use it as an alternative to traditional medications. Also, athletes and fitness enthusiasts use cannabis for its therapeutic benefits.
Therefore, we can use cannabis in many ways. However, it is essential to know what weed strains suit each individual's needs and how to consume them safely.
Choosing A Weed Strain
There are different weed strains in three main categories:
Sativa
Indica
Hybrids
Sativa strains are known to provide more energizing, uplifting effects when consumed. The effects are most commonly described as creative and cerebral, making it a great option for daytime use.
Indica strains, on the contrary, have a more sedative effect with calming and relaxing qualities. Due to these effects, many people prefer using them at night or when needing relief from pain or stress. Hybrids combine the best of both Sativa and Indica strains. The effects depend on the dominant strain in the hybrid.
Therefore, it is important to know the category of cannabis you are consuming as it will affect the high felt. The three categories also come with different flavors and aromas, so it is important to choose a strain based on your preference. Once you have chosen the right weed, you can move on to its various forms.
Choosing Cannabis Form
The cannabis form is key in determining how you will consume the plant. The most common forms are:
Flower/Dried Buds
Oil
Concentrates
Edibles
Tinctures
Flower/Dried Buds are the form of cannabis that many people are familiar with. The buds are the most natural way to consume cannabis as it contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes. The dried buds can be smoked, vaporized, or used for making other products like edibles. The pros of this form are that it does not contain any additional ingredients, so you get the full effect of the strain. However, it requires more preparation time as you have to grind and pack the buds for smoking.
Oil is extracted from cannabis flowers using a CO2 extraction process. The end product is an oil that contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes of the strain. The oil can be used in vaporizers or added to food and beverages. The pros of oil are that it is easy to consume as there is no need for grinding or packing. The downside of this form is that you have to purchase the vaporizer separately.
Concentrates are cannabis extracts from solvents like butane, propane, and alcohol. The result is a highly concentrated THC-rich product. The most common forms of concentrates are wax, shatter, and hash. The pros of this form are that it is extremely potent and can provide a stronger high compared to other forms. However, beginners must consume cautiously as it has a higher THC content than other forms.
Edibles are cannabis-infused food and drinks. The most common form of edibles is candy, but they can also come in other forms, such as tea, coffee, and baked goods. The pros of this form are that it is convenient to consume and easy to transport. The con is that the effects take longer to kick in compared to other forms of cannabis.
Tinctures are cannabis extracts made using alcohol and other solvents. The extract is then taken orally and sometimes added to food or drinks. The pros of tinctures are that they provide a more consistent effect than other forms of cannabis, as the cannabinoids are absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth. The negative side is that the effects can take longer to kick in.
Preparing To Smoke
Now that you know the various forms of cannabis and the effects it can provide, it is time to learn how to smoke weed. The most important step is to ensure that you have all the necessary supplies, such as papers, a pipe, or a bong.
For instance, if you want to roll a joint, you will need rolling paper, a grinder, and cannabis. The same goes for a pipe or bong - you will need to ensure that the bowl is packed properly to get the full effect of the strain.
If you are using a bong, it is important to fill the base with water to create a cleaner hit and provide better filtration. Maintaining your smoking device is also important, as any buildup can cause discomfort and ruin the flavor.
Also, setting the right atmosphere is key for a good experience. The environment should be comfortable and the company pleasant. The objective of smoking weed is to relax and enjoy the moment, so ensure your surroundings reflect that.
How To Smoke Weed: Smoking Techniques
Now that you have all the necessary supplies, it is time to learn how to smoke weed. Below we discuss ways to smoke weed, including how to smoke weed from a pipe and how to smoke weed without a pipe.
Joints & Blunts
Depending on your preference, you can roll joints in different shapes and sizes. The most important step is to ensure that the joint is tightly packed with cannabis, so it provides an even hit. The cannabis should also be ground up with a herb grinder, so it burns evenly. After rolling, light it up and take a small puff to get it started. You can inhale deeply and hold the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling.
Pipes
Pipes are one of the most popular ways to smoke cannabis. It is essential to tighten the bowl with enough cannabis so it burns evenly. Once you have packed the pipe, light it and take a small puff to get it started.
Bongs
Bongs are also popular among cannabis lovers because they provide a cleaner hit. The important step is to ensure that the smoke bowl is tightly packed with enough cannabis. After packing the bong, light it and take a small puff. The water in the base will filter out some of the impurities, giving you a smoother hit.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers are an increasingly popular way to smoke cannabis. To get the best from your vapes, buy from a reputable manufacturer and look for features like rechargeable function, types of oil to use, etc.
The Do's And Don'ts Of Smoking Weed
There are several universal rules most cannabis lovers follow. These will help you enjoy your experience, stay safe, and keep your smoking sessions pleasant.
How to Inhale and Exhale
When smoking weed, it is important to inhale deeply and then exhale slowly. Inhalation should take around three seconds, and the exhalation about twice as long to get the full effect of the strain.
Choosing A Correct Dosage
The amount of cannabis you consume should depend on the strain and tolerance. The general rule is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find what works best.
How To Avoid Negative Side Effects
You may experience negative side effects after consuming cannabis, such as dry eyes, anxiety, paranoia, or dizziness. The best way to avoid these is to start with a low dose and increase it gradually until you find your sweet spot.
It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and who you are smoking with. If you are in an unfamiliar place or with people you don't know well, keep the session short and stay aware of your environment.
How To Properly Store Marijuana
Storing your cannabis correctly is important to maintain its quality and potency. The best way to store marijuana is in a cool, dark place in a well-sealed container. The airtight container will help prevent the cannabis from drying out or losing its smell and flavor.
Ready to Blaze Up?
Now that you have the necessary supplies and knowledge, it is time to start your cannabis journey. The key is to take it slow and find what works best for you. And the ultimate goal of smoking weed is to relax and enjoy the moment, so find an appropriate spot and get ready to blaze up!
Also, make your cannabis sessions more enjoyable by getting high-quality weed strains from The Garden. We offer the best cannabis products ranging from cannabis flower to edibles and more. If you are looking for high-quality weed in DC, The Garden makes it seamless because we follow all DC weed laws and ensure that you don't break any regulations. The Garden provides a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience, so shop with us today!
* All our marijuana gifts are subject to availability. To see what products and strains we currently have in stock, please check our website *
