Friday First-Timers: How To Safely Introduce Friends to Cannabis

Let’s say you have a friend or family member who has never tried cannabis but always been willing to. Getting high for the first time is a tricky thing, and the experience is different for everyone. That’s why you need to be here for them.

Everybody knows examples when everything has gone wrong, causing anxiety and paranoia. These unpleasant things can quickly become a reason to skip cannabis for the rest of one’s life. To avoid such dramatical consequences, use these tips to ensure your friends are safe and having fun.

1. Comfort is king

Nobody wants to be high in a crowd of strangers. An ideal environment for first timers should be safe and comfortable. Setting and mood play a huge role in the overall experience.

To find out the perfect setting, ask your friend what they want. Whether it is a movie or pizza, make sure you get it in advance. If your friend struggles with anxiety, ensure that the environment is familiar. The most important thing is that your first timer feels in control of situation and trust people around.

2. Opt out for high-CBD strain

You never know how THC may affect a person for the first time. Sometimes, experienced smokers push newbies to make a huge hit of high-THC strain. It is a bad approach because for many first timers even a wimpy hit can be plenty.

Thus, choosing a minimally psychoactive strain is a safe place to start. It is also a superb way to show that cannabis comes in different shapes and tastes, and it does not necessary make you a couch potato after one moderate hit.

3. Don’t go big

Go big or go home, they say. Regarding first-time cannabis use, it is a wrong tactic. Start with smaller pipes or even vaporizers. Your friend will be able to control dosing, so they do not get a sore throat after hitting too much or too harsh. Bonus points if you keep mild tea with honey to save your coughing buddy.

4. Be careful with edibles

Edibles are tricky. They may not be the best choice for first timers. However, if you find yourself in a situation where it is you, your friend, and edibles, the main rule is simple — go small. Too much of cannabis-infused treats can drive a person into temporary insanity. For newbies, it can be overwhelming (or even devastating). Go for commercially produced edibles with the tested amount of cannabinoids so that you avoid unnecessary surprises.

5. Tune in to know if it is time to help

Sometimes, things go wrong. That’s why you need to check with your friend to find out if they are having a bad time. Some first-timers experience increased heart rate, dizziness, and headaches. If they got anxiety or paranoia, here goes a list of things that my help alleviate the fear:

What should reassure your friend is that nobody died from a cannabis overdose. They will surely make it.

(Sweedsy in no way encourages illegal activity and would like to remind its readers that marijuana usage continues to be an offense under Federal Law, regardless of state marijuana laws. To learn more, click here.)