Embarking on your cannabis journey? You’re not alone. As the doors to dispensaries and coffeeshops swing open, the array of options can leave newcomers feeling a bit overwhelmed. Fear not! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make you a cannabis connoisseur before you even set foot in a dispensary or coffeeshop.

Choosing Your First Strain

Sativa? Indica? Hybrid? Forget the folklore; these labels offer limited insight into how a strain might affect you. Instead, focus on the strain’s terpenes and cannabinoid percentages. They hold the key to predicting your high more accurately. So, ponder what you seek from your high—relaxation, better sleep, an energy boost, or pure euphoria. This intention will guide you in choosing the right strain. Any online strains database can be your guide, filtering strains based on your desired effect. You can also ask any budtender in Amsterdam’s coffeeshops and they will be more than happy to help you in any way possible!

Selecting Your Flower

Gone are the days of a plastic bag of herb. Now, from pre-rolled joints to premium flower jars, you have diverse product types and price ranges. Don’t fret over flower quality—licensed brands ensure product safety. Instead, consider how you wish to consume the strain. Roll a joint, use a pipe, or try your hand at a bong. A gram of flower, a grinder, rolling papers, and a lighter or match are your essentials.

Enjoying Your First Time

You’ve got your weed, you know how to smoke it, now create the perfect setting. Snacks, hydration options, and a comfy spot are essential. Low-key activities like coloring books or video games can help navigate an unexpectedly intense high. And if things get too intense, a CBD product can provide relief.

Start slow. Take one or two puffs, then wait 15 minutes before more. Notice the subtle shifts in your mind and body. This exploration helps you pinpoint preferences, guiding future choices that align with your chemistry. As you try new strains, you’ll refine your selections over time.

So, to all the budding cannabis enthusiasts out there, take this guide as your passport into the vibrant world of weed, where each strain unveils a new adventure.