Consuming THC produces multiple effects that vary by consumer. What works for one person may not work the same for another. With that in mind, if you’re new to the world of cannabis, the best advice is to take it slow. Start by consuming small amounts and allow the necessary amount of time to see how the cannabis affects you before consuming more.
How and What You Consume Effects the Results
Different methods of cannabis consumption will produce different results, in varying amounts of time. For example, there is a delay in the feeling you will get from eating cannabis-infused edible vs. smoking or vaping weed. The main ingredient in weed that produces a high or buzz is called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short.
High CBD Could be the Name of Your Game
There’s another cannabinoid found in cannabis called cannabidiol or CBD that offers consumers many potential benefits without a buzz or any type of intoxication. in fact, anecdotal claims and research suggests that CBD can help reverse the effects of THC. If you find that a couple of hits off a joint or a bowl are too much for you, chances are this means you have an extremely low tolerance to THC.
That doesn’t mean that cannabis isn’t the thing for you or that you should never try it again. If you have the opportunity to start out with a strain rich in CBD such as Harlequin, ACDC, Cannatonic, Z7, CBD shark Shock, or others, this is a great route to try first. Many of these strains contain 8% to 20% CBD while only containing between 2% to 6% THC. Consuming these types of strains will not give you the substantial intoxicating effects that you get with high THC varieties of cannabis.
Vaping for Moderation
A great alternative to smoking a bowl or joint is trying a cannabis oil vape pen. This method will allow you to just take a small Puff and wait a few minutes to see how you feel. Vape pens are growing in popularity like a weed. Not only are they an easy method of consumption, the offer great effects almost instantaneously.
Microdosing With Edibles to Take it Slow and Keep it Low
Another method of consuming cannabis that is growing like a weed is cannabis-infused edibles. Don’t start off like a big shot eating an entire candy bar, cookie, brownie, or bag of gummies. Cannabis infused edibles are measured in milligrams.
Your typical recreational cannabis-infused edible averages 100 mg and is divided into 10, 10 mg portions. Start with half of one of those portions being 5 mg or a whole 10mg piece to see how you feel. Allow 2-4 hours for the edible to have sufficient amount of time to make it through your body to know how it affects you. If you didn’t feel anything at that time, try consuming a little bit more. Repeat this process until you find the desired amount that achieves the effects you’re looking for.
Potential Adverse Effects for Any Cannabis Consumer
Some of the potential unwanted side effects from THC are anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth also known as cotton mouth or cotton face, dry red eyes, and the notorious, legendary increase or spike in your appetite called the munchies. All of these side effects can be dealt with and or avoided with simple preparation.
Reducing and Preventing Anxiety/Paranoia
Anxiety and paranoia tend to be more popular in prohibition states for cannabis consumers. If you find that your anxiety increases, or you become paranoid from consuming cannabis try something different. Perhaps a different method of consumption or perhaps a different variety of cannabis. While it is not always the case, Sativa strains are most common for giving people anxiety whereas Indicas tend not to. Remember though, each strain effects everyone differently so this isn’t set in stone.
Combatting the Munchies
Not all cannabis gives you the munchies. Research is showing that certain strains actually help suppress your appetite rather than increase it. Strains like Harle-Tsu, Remedy, Canna-Tsu, and Durban Poison are some of the strains that can help you avoid the munchies.
Preventing Dry Mouth
Keeping clear of cotton face and dry mouth is also an easy task to accomplish. One must merely stay hydrated. This is valuable advice to take daily whether you consume cannabis or not. Dr. Uma Dhanabalan will be the first to tell you that cannabis doesn’t work as well when you’re dehydrated. If you want to get the most out of your weed, the way to go is H2O.
Have Fun, Watch Your Consumption, and Take it Slow
Remember when you’re new to cannabis, getting back into it, or even a seasoned consumer that it’s always a great idea to keep an eye on your consumption level, take it slow to start. Most importantly, have fun, feel good, and stay lifted buds!
