Cannabis 101: Tips for Beginners
06/15/2024
![](/static/531b055e86ffedd0e73d823a93c9db33/3e393/20210416-THO_5754.jpg)
Cannabis consumption is quickly increasing in popularity as it becomes legal in more and more states, but effective cannabis consumption involves much more than simply walking into The Cannabis Depot and selecting your favorite product. Our team can help you determine which of our products are most likely to align with your preferences to help you make selections that are most likely to work well for you. Here are some of the most important things to know before getting started with cannabis to make sure that your early experiences are safe and enjoyable and produce the specific outcomes that most interest you!
Why Is Cannabis So Popular?
Cannabis can benefit your mind and body in a wide range of ways, as well as provide general enjoyment. Most of these benefits produce better results when choosing specific strains, which means that understanding what you want to get out of your cannabis consumption can play an important role in selecting the best products for you. Some of the most significant benefits that contribute to the overall popularity of cannabis include:
-
Improving Moods
-
Helping with the pressures of everyday life
-
Improving sleep, focus, or alertness
-
Helping with discomfort, inflammation, or nausea
Understanding the Different Strains and Types of Cannabis
Different cannabis strains can produce very different effects, which means that understanding the specific reasons you are interested in trying cannabis is key when it comes to getting the results you want.
Many casual cannabis consumers prefer the wider range of outcomes that hybrid strains can provide, while those who are looking for something more specific can often obtain better results by choosing a strain that contains more THC or CBD.
Indica
Indica strains contain more CBD and less THC, which makes them the best choice for relaxation. These strains are often used as sleep aids or to help reduce inflammation, stress, feelings of nervousness, nausea, and other unpleasant physical symptoms. Cannabis plants that produce indica strains are short and bushy and can be recognized by their wide leaves and dense buds.
Sativa
Sativa strains contain more THC and less CBD, which means that their effects contrast strongly with those of indica strains. These strains are best for daytime use because they can help to stimulate your mind and boost your focus and energy levels. Sativa plants are typically taller than indica plants, and they are characterized by their long, narrow leaves and branches.
Hybrids
Hybrid cannabis strains contain more balanced levels of CBD and THC, which allows them to provide a broader range of benefits than indica or sativa cannabis plants. For example, consumers may be able to most successfully reduce both unhappy feelings and feelings of nervousness or boost their energy during the day without making it harder to sleep at night by choosing hybrid strains. However, it is important to keep in mind that these strains generally provide lower levels of each benefit than sativa or indica strains because they do not contain high levels of either THC or CBD, which means that choosing a different strain may be a better fit if you are looking for something to help you manage one specific concern.
Best Practices Before You Dive In
Safe and effective cannabis consumption involves understanding the strength of the product you are consuming. Some of the most important things to consider before getting started include:
-
Being aware of how intense you want your results to be and how long to expect them to last
-
Understanding appropriate serving sizes and how to measure it correctly
-
Starting with a lower serving size and gradually increasing it over time as you better understand how a particular product affects you
-
Drinking cold water and sleeping if you are able to allow the results to pass if you consume too much cannabis
Best Ways to Consume Cannabis for Beginners
Cannabis can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and many consumers eventually develop favorite methods. Some common ways to consume cannabis include:
Smoking
Smoking cannabis flower is one of the most traditional methods of consumption. Beginners can start with smaller amounts and gradually increase as needed. Options include joints and pipes just to name a few.
Vaporizing
Vaporizing heats cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion, reducing the inhalation of harmful toxins. The Cannabis Depot offers cartridges and portable pens.
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused food and beverage products. The Cannabis Depot recommends beginners start with low amounts (5-10mg of THC) and wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more, as the effects can be delayed and longer-lasting compared to inhalation methods.