Your first delta 9-THC experience will be an exciting event for you and, at the same time, possibly overwhelming, and education and readiness are crucial here for avoiding hitches. It doesn’t matter if you are using delta-9 THC to achieve its possible medicinal benefits, to have fun, or out of plain wonder: With the right steps taken, you can manage to take in as much of the experience as possible and cut down on the undesirable effects. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for your first time using delta-9 THC edibles.
THC for Beginners: How to Prepare for Your First Time
So, you are about to kick off your journey with delta-9 THC for the first time? Well, don’t worry. Below are the steps you need to ensure that you take care of yourself and make sure that your first use of delta-9 THC isn’t a horrifying experience.
Know Which Delta-9 THC to Use
Your first experience can be great only if you know what over-the-counter THC stands for. delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the principal active ingredient largely present in the cannabis plant and responsible for becoming high. It works alongside your endocannabinoid system to help govern changes in your mood, perception, and appetite, among other factors. Seeing that delta-9 THC is principally an active compound in many cannabis strains and is quite well known for its psychoactive properties, it is worth stressing that some caution should be exercised before you experiment with it.
You can use delta-9 THC in many ways, including smoking, vaping, and edibles, each giving different effects with regard to onset wait time and how long the effects last. Make sure you make a wise decision on the best method for you.
Choose the Right Product
When it comes to your first delta-9 THC experience, it is very important to choose the best cannabis products that are within your level of satisfaction and expectation. Here are some common ways to consume cannabis products:
- Types of Edibles (for example, Gummies, Chocolates, etc.): These come into effect slowly (at a minimum of thirty minutes and a maximum of two hours) but ensure a longer-lasting potency at about four to eight hours.
- Vaping or Smoking: These are known to have a faster onset of up to a few minutes, with effects being felt almost immediately. However, the high does not last as long as that of edibles.
- Oils or Tinctures: These are cannabis solutions that are taken by placing drops under the tongue. Therefore, the effect comes quite rapidly after 15 to 30 minutes.
Edibles could be more practical, especially when starting cannabis consumption, but you should be careful about dosage because they do not work immediately. Smoking or vaping, however, ensures you use as much or as little as you want because the effects come quickly.
Kick off with the smallest dose first
One of the important rules for first-time cannabinoid users is to start low and go slow. Delta-9 THC affects everybody differently depending on body weight, metabolism, and tolerance. Given that most people are beginners, it is prudent to commence use with the least amount possible.
- With oral consumption: 2.5-5 mg of THC for the first time.
- When it comes to vaping or smoking, take 1-2 small puffs and then consider waiting for a few minutes to assess how you feel.
Because the high may take a while to set in, do not give in to the urge to consume more too fast. Control yourself, and do not rush. This is even more critical with edibles, which are usually slow-acting but their effects are prolonged and hence might be more intense.
Make the Ambience Ideal
Your environment and location will greatly affect how cannabis feels. Schedule your first experience with delta-9 THC in a relaxed and secure setting. Being in a place where you feel relaxed would minimize the anxiety or paranoia that may result from THC.
So, how about:
- Having people who you trust and are experienced with cannabis as there is a tendency to ask questions about it.
- Arranging music for entertainment, a movie or a creative activity, which can be done for relaxation once the effects begin.
- Carrying snacks and water is advisable because THC is said to elevate appetite, a scenario most people refer to as the “munchies.”
It is advisable for THC beginners to avoid hot, stressful or unfamiliar situations, as THC is known to elevate your feelings and sensations.
Stay Hydrated and Have Snacks Ready
A common symptom when consuming THC is termed ‘cotton mouth,’ which refers to dry mouth or a feeling of dehydration. Therefore, it is ideal to have water or a hydrating drink in case you feel uncomfortable during the experience.
You may find that your appetite is elevated during the experience. A bit of light, healthy snacking to round out the whole experience without pigging out on heavy, greasy food makes a more pleasant experience.
Be Prepared for the Effects
The effects of delta-9 THC will always be slightly different for every individual. Here is what you might expect:
- Euphoric: Most people report feeling elated, relaxed or giggly sensations with THC.
- Altered Perception: You may also be able to ‘ramp up’ your senses, which may be in the form of colors being more vivid, sounds more pronounced or even time appearing to drag on.
- Increased appetite: THC is known to kick up your appetite, leading to the ‘munchies
- Deep thinking or Self Reflection: Many people also say that they tend to think in more depth about life, themselves or even about philosophy whilst under the effect of THC.
While these effects are perceived as something good, it is also possible for you to experience some of the side effects that, though not frequent, are corrective if the effects are mild:
- Anxiety or Paranoia: Some individuals will suffer anxiety and paranoia if they take very large amounts of THC or even when they are in uneasy situations.
- Dizziness or Nausea: Lightheadedness and nausea are very rare and occur in some individuals.
- Dry Mouth or Red Eyes: Avoid excessive use.
These are mostly side effects that are very mild and manageable.
Know How to Handle a Bad High
It may happen that a first-timer to THC may exceed their intended intake, resulting in a ‘bad trip’ or ‘over the top experience.’ If it feels too much you want to cry, feel frightened or off your head, here are some tips.
- Stay Calm: There is no need to panic, as this effect is only short-term and will last a couple of hours in most cases.
- Hydrate: It is necessary to drink water as much as possible because you will feel somewhat sober, in addition to helping to cure any dryness of the mouth.
- Change Your Environment: Some individuals start feeling anxious, and thus, using weed itself may trigger a lot of agitation; hence, it would be wise to either stay away from it or change locations.
- Eat Something: Sometimes, having a light snack may prevent you from getting too anxious.
- Take CBD (Optional): In a few cases, CBD consumption helps alleviate the effects of THC and makes you feel normal.
The After Effects Recommendation
When the high fades away, you may still experience some effects. These effects can include drowsiness or general tiredness. It is advisable to schedule your first experience at a time convenient for you that comes with no duties or any form of engagement after the experience such as evenings and days off. This will help you to provide yourself with complete rest and recuperation if necessary.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol or Other Drugs
If you combine delta-9 THC with alcohol or other drugs, you may feel the effects more strongly, and that might result in negative experiences, such as vomiting or being very lost. For the initial dosage, it is advisable to take delta-9 THC alone so as to see its effects on your body.
Pay Attention to Your Body
THC’s effect or rather metabolism is different in each one of us, thus, listen to your body. If you feel that the experience has become unpleasant, do not hesitate to pause. You do not have to hurry and if you wish to, you can always adjust the dosage or opt for something different altogether.
Conclusion
Trying delta-9 THC for the first time is likely to be a good and rewarding experience if proper preparatory steps are adhered to. Selecting a suitable product, titling the dose low, and furbishing the atmosphere will enable you to have a pleasant experience. Keep in mind that you have to be patient, relax your body, and have fun as well.