First Time Weed Smoker’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with Cannabis

Smoking weed for the first time can be daunting and overwhelming. Many first-time weed smokers have questions about how to smoke, what the effects will feel like, and how they can have the best possible experience.

If you’re a new cannabis consumer, keep scrolling as we discuss the essentials for smoking weed for the first time, how the plant affects us, and all the various ways it can be enjoyed. 

What is Cannabis Smoking?

The age-old tradition of smoking cannabis shows no signs of letting up, even as consumers are presented with various consumption options to enjoy. While vaping and edibles bring a range of unique perks, smoking is particularly special to so many cannabis consumers.

A world of smoke options awaits you.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about macro preparation. To get started with most smoked options, you’ll need a few essentials:

• Dry flower or extracted cannabis oil 
• Lighter (Bic or butane, depending on what you’re smoking)
• Your preferred smoking device

These essential tools are enough to get you started. And depending on your preferred smoking option, you’ll want to add a few more basic resources.

Joints, Blunts, Spliffs

The triumvirate of tree smoking. The three pillars of pot smoking. Larry, Curly, and Dro. Whatever you want to call them, these three options are cannabis smoking classics. Mimicking cigarette-style smoking, each carries its own twist. Pre-rolls have joined the mix, saving consumers time and cleaning up by doing all the work for them. 

In any case, be ready to have these on hand:

Joint

• Dry flower
• Rolling papers
• Lighter
• Cardboard crutch (Optional)
• Grinder (Optional)

Blunt

• Dry flower
• Cigar or cigar wrap
• Lighter
• Exacto-knife or similar type blade
• Grinder (Optional)

Spliff

• Dry flower
• Tobacco (this is what makes it a spliff)
• Rolling papers
• Lighter
• Grinder (Optional)

Pre-Roll

• Your preferred pre-roll (can be purchased at almost any dispensary)
• Lighter

You may also want to have an ashtray on hand.

Pipe Smoking

Traditionally made from glass, cannabis pipes can now be found in a wide range of materials, from wood to crystal to silicone. While some options, like bongs, require water to be used properly, bowls and chillum pipes do not. To get smoking from a pipe (or bong), you’ll want to have the following:

• Dry flower
• Your preferred pipe 
• Water (If using a water pipe or bong)
• Lighter
• Grinder (Optional)

Dabs

Dabs are an attractive newer option best reserved for more experienced consumers, thanks to the often hard-hitting effects. Other than discreet handheld pieces, most dab rigs look like bongs, except they use a heated “nail” instead of a bowl.

To dab, you’ll need the following: 

• Concentrated cannabis oil (“Extracts“)
• Your preferred rig (Classic glass piece or a handheld device)
• Torch (If using a traditional rig)
• Dabber tool/Dab spoon