Even though cannabis use is pretty widespread these days, there are still a lot of people who have never tried smoking pot (we see you Grandma!). For many, the idea seems intimidating and although the jury is out on whether or not cannabis is still considered a gateway drug, spoiler alert: it’s not, some people are just simply afraid to try it.

As a result, when they do finally take the leap of faith and consume cannabis for the first time, they often make some common mistakes that could have been avoided to make the experience much more enjoyable.

Outlined below are five of the most common mistakes first time cannabis users tend to experience. Now if you’re thinking about trying it for the first time, you won’t feel like you are entering a whole new world.

Mistake #1: Assuming you won’t get high

Even if you say that you are only going to take a few puffs, don’t fool yourself into thinking that the cannabis won’t have any effect on you. The truth is that depending on the product you are using, it could start to make you feel different with just a few puffs.

If you are using certain concentrate products like gear rigs and not smoking a joint, you might have more control over how you ingest the marijuana. For the most part, you can expect to feel something after using cannabis, even your first time.

Mistake #2: Thinking all cannabis is the same

If your friend has a medical marijuana prescription and she offers you some, that is a lot different than the cannabis you would buy from a legal weed shop. If you have been around cannabis use before, you might know this, but since this is rookie mistakes 101, we wanted to remind you that there are variations and different strains of cannabis available.

If you use cannabis from a different source than your first experience, don’t expect to feel the same or be impacted the same way. It can take time to find out which strains are right for you.

Mistake #3: Smoking pot like a cigar or cigarette

Have you ever noticed that people physically hold joints differently than they hold a cigar or cigarette? That’s because they are different. Most people “puff” marijuana, while they take long, slow drags of cigarettes.

If you are a cigarette smoker and think that a lifetime of smoking cigarettes has prepared you for your first cannabis experience, think again. You’ll start to feel different in short order after using cannabis for the first time, so brace yourself and enjoy the high.

Mistake #4: Smoking vs. vaping

If you want to ease yourself into the cannabis experience without worrying about strong taste or effect, consider using a vaporizer for your first time. These handy little contraptions can help take the edge off of the product you are using and it allows for better control of inhalation.

People almost always try cannabis with a friend so if they have a vaporizer, ask them if you can try it and how to use it. There’s no shame in asking for a little help. Cannabis is quickly becoming a social thing and socially accepted, so make the most of that interaction with your group of cannabis lovers and let them help you ease into the experience.

Mistake #5: Not grinding properly

It’s so easy to skip the important steps of grinding when you are first starting out with cannabis use, but if you want to make the most of your first time, be sure to invest in a grinder to get the buds prepared for consumption.

There are a number of devices on the market that will help you do this, but whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can grind the cannabis with your fingers. It just ends up making a mess and then you don’t get the full experience of the cannabis as intended.

Again, you’ll likely be doing this with a friend, so be sure to ask them to show you how to use the grinder.

Happy first time smoking!

If you’re on the fence about trying cannabis because you think there’s too much involved, or you are worried about how it might impact you, hopefully the above information on the top 5 common mistakes that first timers make will help reduce some of that anxiety.

One final piece of advice is to insert yourself in circles of people who are using cannabis on a regular basis. That way you get a fulsome view of the types of cannabis people use, the kinds of devices they are using, and how they are interacting with the product and preparing it.

First time experiences are some of the best memories you create in life and your first time getting high shouldn’t be any different. Be sure to visit any of our Crazy Bill’s locations in Brantford, Hamilton, Burlington or Kitchener to make sure that you have all the accessories you need to create some lifetime memories.