Trying weed for the first time can be an intimidating experience – but it doesn’t have to be! Over the years, I have helped plenty of new users dip their toes in the water of cannabis products and have learned a few things that can make your first experience the best it can be.
CBD is Actually Amazing
Like many people, I assumed that because I found relief from high-THC products, taking CBD wouldn’t be of any benefit. I was under the impression that the higher the THC content, the more medicinal value it offered. After working in cannabis for about six months, I finally tried CBD capsules, and it turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done for myself. CBD balances your mood and anxiety, promotes better sleep, and has both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with overall performance.
Just keep in mind that over-the-counter hemp products are not held to the same testing standards as those available at a licensed dispensary. As a result, in most cases, the CBD, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-10 THC items are of far less quality, contain fewer cannabinoids than advertised, and can even use harmful ingredients.
THC Percentage Doesn’t Mean Everything
When I first started shopping at dispensaries, I would always buy the products with the highest THC percentage because I believed that more THC meant I would get better relief. However, it wasn’t until I tried a strain that had only 12% THC and got one of the best highs I had ever experienced that I realized there must be more to it.
With more and more research on full-spectrum cannabis, there is data proving that THC is not the only part of the cannabis flower that decides the type of effects the user will experience. In addition to THC, cannabis contains hundreds of other naturally occurring compounds that aid in the experience it’ll have. Terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids all have unique effects when isolated. Still, when they’re combined, they produce the “entourage effect” and give off strain-specific relief.
In addition, combinations of different cannabinoids are also a great way to make the most out of your relief. Ratio products, such as 1:1’s of CBD:THC, offer incredible relief and effects that are much different (but just as good) as THC-focused ones. Next time you go shopping at a dispensary like Fluent, ask the budtender which products have the best terpene profile and contain decent percentages of the minor cannabinoids. I can almost promise you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience than if you just went in to buy the highest THC testing options.
Smoking Is Not The Only Way
I’ve talked to hundreds of people over the years, curious about the benefits of using cannabis as medicine. The two most common hesitations they seem to have are not wanting to inhale smoke into their lungs and dealing with the smell. Both of those concerns are pretty understandable; however, nowadays, more than just combustion products are available to choose from that get the job done!
One of my favorite routes of administration is edibles. Products like gels, agave nectar, and RSO syringes are great options for those looking for a discreet, long-lasting way to medicate. The number one thing to keep in mind when using edibles, and really any new cannabis products, is to start low and go slow. Edibles affect everyone differently, even to the point where the intensity can differ depending on what you ate that day.
Another great way to discreetly use cannabis is through orally delivered products like sublingual oils and capsules. These products typically produce milder effects than edibles and don’t always last as long in your system. I prefer using oral CBD three to four times a day as a part of my daily regimen since it’s so easy and convenient to throw into my routine. A topical cream will become your new best friend if you’re looking for more targeted relief that doesn’t absorb into the bloodstream. These infused lotions and balms work wonders for chronic pain, inflammation, and skin issues such as dry skin and eczema.
You Can Control Your Experience
The best part about using cannabis to find the relief you deserve is that you can personalize every experience you have with it. You can choose whichever route you feel most comfortable with, the dose you take, and the best time for you to take it.
If you have any questions or hesitations about using certain products, never be afraid to ask your Curator to help point you in the right direction. In addition, most dispensaries offer free consultations for their patients to help make sure they get the most out of their products!