For many people, the legalization of cannabis has cracked open the door to a new (or practically new) product that was not previously on their radar. Its “mainstream” re-emergence into society has piqued a lot of interest in seeing what all the fuss is about.
While this curiosity and intrigue is healthy, it brings to mind a common saying attributable to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “Change is the only constant in life.” This especially holds true for cannabis.
What individuals may remember about cannabis from earlier in their lives is probably a bit different than how it exists today. Between all of the different advancements which have led to the development of countless stains and products, it is easy to see why someone might think having a pleasant experience with cannabis could be a bit daunting.
The decision to consume cannabis for the first time (or the first time in a long time) is one that is often not taken lightly. Before jumping in with both feet, the best way to prepare yourself is to get as much information as possible. Whether it be how terpenes play a role in the effect cannabis may have on you, understanding how cannabis is classified based on its underlying makeup, or the different methods in which cannabis can be consumed, the more you know the better prepared you will be to have a great experience. Furthermore, it is important to lean on a trusted dispensary to help you through the process of selecting products that best fit your needs and align with what you are trying to accomplish with cannabis. This is crucial in order to help guide you in the right direction and make sure your cannabis experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Once you have done your homework and legally obtained your product, you are ready to consume. While everyone may have a different best or preferred way to consume cannabis, a general and sensible approach is to start low and slow. For most people, there is no need to smoke a whole joint or eat a 50 milligram edible. A good strategy to implement is called microdosing, whereby you consume a very small amount of cannabis in order to gage how it interacts with and affects your body. Microdosing, in conjunction with documenting the experience, can provide a solid framework under which you can gradually increase your intake, if appropriate, in order to achieve your desired effect from cannabis. Learn more about microdosing on page 47.
Additionally, consuming cannabis in a safe environment will help you stay relaxed and better allow you to understand how the cannabis is interacting with your body. Having some familiar and comforting items available, whether that be entertainment (music, movies, etc), food (the “munchies” can sometimes be a real thing!), or people, may provide some additional support. However, if something should feel off, do not be afraid to change up your environment to try to improve your experience.
Having a bad experience with cannabis, like many other products, can lead to some never wanting to consume it again. Should you encounter a situation where it feels like you might have consumed too much, remain calm, breathe, and remember that the effects will subside. Always seek medical attention if you deem it necessary.
Cannabis can be a potentially complex product, but it in no way has to be. Through slow, responsible, and safe consumption habits, you will be best positioned to have many enjoyable cannabis experiences for years to come.
This post was first published on Feel State
Feel State is a Missouri based dispensary brand focused on helping better connect individuals to themselves, each other, and their communities through the use of cannabis.
What do you think?