Smoking cannabis for the first time, what to expect?

The effects of cannabis fall along a spectrum. How you'll feel those effects depends on many things, including your product, your emotions and your surroundings that day. Try and let go of any expectations and be open to various outcomes. 

Strains

 Cannabis strains are often described as indica or sativa. These descriptions aren't necessarily false, but they're entirely subjective. Indica causes a euphoric body high, and Sativa produces a more energetic and cerebral high. 

Categorising cannabis by these terms misses a broad spectrum of effects caused by other compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids.

Rather than choose an indica or a sativa, think about how you want to feel. Do you want to feel creative and energetic or reflective and relaxed? What other therapeutic effects are there? Pain relief? or appetite stimulation? Based on this information, you can make a better choice.

Smell

Terpenes play a significant role in the effects of cannabis, and because of that, our smell can point us towards the high we want. Fruit, floral, fuel, and earth are typical profiles and can help people find what's right for them. Fruity cultivars are typically uplifting, while floral ones are considered introspective. Fuel-backed strains are robust, while those with earthy smells tend to induce relaxing effects. It's a great idea to gravitate towards the scents you already find appealing. 

Dose

The dose is critical. If cannabis provokes discomfort or anxiety, the amount is too high. Be specific about what to take and how much. A slow increase is best for getting used to the feelings and letting your body adjust. People often benefit from doses much smaller than they expect.

Let go of the past.

You know what experience you don't wish to have; now, think about your therapeutic goals. What kind of experience do you want to have? Or what mood do you want to induce with cannabis? Now, examine consumption methods. If you smoked previously and didn't like it, maybe a tincture or edible would work better. 

Setting

Be in a comfortable space with people you feel safe with. Happenings outside their bodies can trigger adverse reactions to psychoactive substances. Stick with familiar people and trust in a safe, comfortable environment.

Back up

Part of experimenting with weed is learning your limits. If you have too much, the best advice is to relax and try to sleep it off. There are plenty of "remedies", from chewing peppercorns to drinking lemon tea. Still, there isn't a ton of evidence behind them. Have a backup plan, whether that's a friend to walk you home or a clear pathway to the couch.

There's no right or wrong with your first cannabis experience. Everyone's different. But if you relax, do a bit of research, and lean into the unknown, you'll probably be just fine.