Marijuana for Beginners: 5 Key Things to Know About Cannabis

More people than ever are trying marijuana for both recreational and medicinal reasons. At least 52% of the population has experimented with cannabis and many continue to use it today.

Marijuana has the ability to alter your perceptions and bring about a few other side effects. So, it’s helpful to know more about this substance before trying it out.

So, looking for a few tips on marijuana for beginners? Here are 5 key things to know about cannabis.

1. Cannabis Can Alter Your Mind

While under the influence of marijuana, your mind is affected. The THC from the plant produces psychoactive effects. This is why marijuana users experience a “high” feeling.

Consuming cannabis also stimulates the production of dopamine. This feel-good hormone is known for producing a euphoric effect on the mind and body.

Some other interesting facts about weed is that it creates a lot of mental and physical effects. This includes the changing of perceptions, emotions, and ways of thinking.

It’s also common to get the munchies when high. You’ll often experience an increased appetite and hunger cravings. Marijuana may cause lowered inhibitions, clouded judgment, and difficulty thinking as well.

You may also find yourself laughing and finding things funnier than usual. Cannabis interacts with the pleasure center of the brain as well. This can result in an increased sex drive and heightened senses.

Many people find that cannabis offers pain relief and relaxation. It can also lessen symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Mixing marijuana with alcohol or other drugs can enhance its effects.

2. Cannabis Comes in Different Strains

There are many different types of weed plants. The style of weed strain that you smoke will produce different effects as well.

Sativa may bring about feelings of heightened anxiety or paranoia in some people. Yet, this only tends to happen when consuming high doses.

Indica strains tend to make people feel more relaxed. It can also bring about tiredness and aid in the ability to fall asleep. Hybrid strains feature a unique combination of both sativa and indica.

It’s always best to start with a small dose to see how your body and mind handle the effects. It’s also helpful to research the type of strain you’re using to see which effects it will produce. There are plenty of online sources for looking up different types of strains based on their name.

You’ll also find that cannabis goes by many different names. A few terms include weed, pot, grass, herb, and Mary Jane.

3. There Are Many Ways to Consume Cannabis

There are many different ways to enjoy the cannabis leaf. This includes smoking, vaping, and dabbing. You’ll also find different tools used to consume cannabis, with varying effects.

Smoking or vaping marijuana provides instant effects that can last an hour or more. One way to smoke cannabis is with rolling papers for joints and blunts. Marijuana flowers are easy to break up using a grinder.

Pieces like bowls, bubblers, and bongs are also used to smoke cannabis. Coughing is common when someone is new to smoking marijuana.

Another marijuana for beginners tip is to keep your weed flowers fresh. Here’s some great advice on the best way to store weed. Fresh marijuana provides a better taste and will burn for longer.

You can find marijuana in the form of oils and tinctures. This way, you can put it in drinks and food or drop it under your tongue.

Vaporizers are another popular method for consuming cannabis. Yet, vaping is becoming less popular with the recent health issues coming to light.

Marijuana edibles are another popular option, including gummy bears and chocolates. The effects of these take longer to kick in but will last around 4 to 5 hours. There are also topicals like lotions and salves for applying cannabis on your skin.

4. Cannabis Isn’t Legal Everywhere

More places are indeed jumping on board to legalize cannabis. Yet, this has not become a worldwide law.

In America, some states are fully legal to consume and carry cannabis for adults over the age of 21. Other states only allow the sale of the weed plant and its products for medical marijuana patients.

A few legal states include California, Nevada, Washington, and Colorado. Illinois is one of the newest states to legalize marijuana.

Canada is legal for both recreational and medical marijuana. It’s always best to look into current local laws if you want to play it safe.

Legalization has even created more jobs and a stronger economy for many places. There are now tons of weed dispensaries open to the public. Here you can go and talk to a budtender to find the perfect strain for your needs.

5. Cannabis Isn’t Only for People

Many pet owners are even using cannabis for their dogs and cats. This is helpful for issues like separation anxiety or a fear of thunderstorms.

It can also benefit pets with pain relief for arthritis or cancer. Marijuana can increase appetite and help with digestive issues and nausea.

It’s also helping pets with seizures and showing promise for treating epilepsy. You can find plenty of pet treats laced with THC on the market.

Other pet owners choose to go with CBD products. This produces similar effects without getting your pet high.

Note that with cannabis products, pets should always have lower doses than people. You should also only use natural marijuana products, without any additives.

Learning to Use Marijuana for Beginners

The best advice for using marijuana for beginners is to ease into it. Start with a low dose and a neutral strain to see how you react to the effects. Smoking from a bowl or joint is also less intense than a bong or edible.

Looking for more fun and interesting facts to live by? Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!