First time smoking weed? Here’s what to expect

Smoking weed for the first time can feel both exciting and intimidating. If you’re curious about what a cannabis high feels like or want to avoid a bad experience, being prepared can help.

From knowing how to smoke a joint or pipe to understanding how cannabis can affect your body, this guide can help set you up for a safe and enjoyable first experience.

How to prepare for your first time smoking weed

Before you take your first puff, take a moment to prepare both mentally and physically.

• Check your mood: If you’re feeling anxious, sad, or uneasy, it might not be the best time to try cannabis. This is especially important if you’re planning to use a strain that’s high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can intensify negative emotions.
• Choose the right setting: Opt for a calm, safe environment with people you trust. Good vibes go a long way.
• Know what you’re consuming: THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel “high.” Strains that have a higher cannabidiol (CBD) content or a balanced THC:CBD ratio are often best for beginners.
• Start low and go slow: Begin with a small dose and wait to feel the effects before smoking more.

Although smoking cannabis is less carcinogenic than smoking cigarettes, there are still health risks involved with smoking of any kind. It’s generally best to smoke cannabis in moderation.

What you’ll need

The exact items you need may vary depending on how you plan to smoke, and may include:

• Herb grinder
• Cannabis flower
• Rolling papers or pre-rolled joints
• Pipe or bong
• Lighter or hemp wick
• Clean water (for bongs)

How to smoke weed 

Smoking cannabis isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick overview of the most common methods:

• Joint: Roll one yourself or buy it pre-rolled. Light the end, inhale a small amount, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly. Wait several minutes and see how you feel before repeating.
• Pipe: Grind the cannabis flower, pack it into the pipe’s bowl, light it, and inhale gently through the mouthpiece.
• Bong: A bong uses water to cool and filter the smoke, making each inhale feel smoother compared to other methods. Once the bong is prepped, light the bowl while you inhale slowly to fill the chamber with smoke. When you’re ready, you can inhale more deeply to clear the chamber, then exhale.

Learn more about how to smoke weed.

Effects of smoking weed for the first time

Smoking cannabis can bring on a range of sensations within minutes. The exact effects can vary depending on the strain, dose, and your body chemistry. Here’s what you might experience:

• Coughing or throat irritation, which you may experience immediately, but should subside quickly
• Euphoria or a sense of well-being, which can last around 1 to 3 hours
• Dry mouth (“cottonmouth”), which may last up to 2 hours
• Red eyes, which can last from 1 to 4 hours
• Increased appetite (“the munchies”), which may last from 1 to 3 hours
• Heightened sensory perception, which can last 1 to 2 hours
• Altered time perception, which may last 1 to 2 hours
• Increased heart rate, which can last up to 3 hours

These effects usually wear off in a few hours. However, some people may feel groggy for several hours after smoking weed for the first time.

What to do if you feel too high

If you take in too much THC the first time you smoke, you may start to feel uncomfortably high.

Here are some tips to combat feeling too high:

• Stay calm: Remind yourself that any panic will pass — the effects of THC are temporary.
• Hydrate: Sip water slowly.
• Have a snack: Eating can help metabolize THC faster and help curb any munchies!
• Try black peppercorns: Smelling or chewing a few may help reduce anxiety.
• Lie down in a quiet room: Dim lighting and calm music can help you self-soothe.
• Take CBD: If available, CBD may help balance out the effects of THC.

If you’re still uncomfortable after an hour or two, reach out to someone you trust or consider consulting a healthcare provider.

Learn more tips to reduce cannabis intoxication.

The bottom line: The right prep can make smoking weed for the first time enjoyable

Smoking cannabis for the first time can be a pleasant experience if approached with care.

Start with a small amount, ensure you’re in a safe environment, and listen to your body.

Remember to go slow, stay hydrated, and know your limits. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to stop if things feel off. Your comfort and safety matter more than anything else.

Resources

• Cannabidiol counteracts the psychotropic side-effects of δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the ventral hippocampus through bidirectional control of erk1–2 phosphorylation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6820200/
• Cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1277837/
• Myrcene—What are the potential health benefits of this flavouring and aroma agent? https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666/full