Welcome to Cannabis School! If you’re here, you’re probably curious about cannabis but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.

Why This Guide?

Let’s be honest: there’s a lot of misinformation out there. We’re here to cut through the noise and give you straight facts, no fluff.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant. That’s it. But within this plant are hundreds of chemical compounds that interact with your body in fascinating ways.

The Main Players

  1. Cannabinoids - The active compounds (like CBD and THC)
  2. Terpenes - The aromatic oils that give cannabis its smell and flavor
  3. Flavonoids - Compounds that contribute to color and potential health benefits

Different Ways to Consume

Not everyone wants to smoke. Here are your options:

Smoking

  • Joints: Cannabis rolled in paper
  • Pipes: Quick and simple
  • Bongs: Water-filtered smoke

Vaping

  • Heats cannabis without burning it
  • Less harsh on lungs
  • More discreet

Edibles

  • Takes longer to kick in (30min-2 hours)
  • Effects last longer
  • Start with LOW doses!

Tinctures

  • Liquid extracts
  • Fast-acting when taken under tongue
  • Easy to dose

Topicals

  • Creams, balms, lotions
  • Won’t get you high
  • Good for localized pain

How Much Should I Take?

Start low and go slow. Seriously.

  • Smoking/Vaping: 1-2 puffs, wait 15 minutes
  • Edibles: 2.5-5mg THC, wait 2 hours
  • Tinctures: Follow product instructions

Common Myths Busted

Myth: “You can’t overdose on cannabis” Truth: You won’t die, but you can have a really uncomfortable experience. Respect the plant.

Myth: “Cannabis is a gateway drug” Truth: This has been debunked by numerous studies. Most cannabis users don’t go on to use harder drugs.

Myth: “All cannabis gets you high” Truth: CBD products won’t get you high. Many people use cannabis for wellness without any psychoactive effects.

Safety Tips

  1. Don’t drive under the influence
  2. Start small - you can always take more
  3. Know your source - buy from reputable dispensaries
  4. Check local laws - cannabis isn’t legal everywhere
  5. Don’t mix with alcohol (at least not at first)

What to Expect

Your first time might be different from what you expect. Some people feel relaxed, others feel giggly, some feel nothing at all. It’s all normal.

If you do feel uncomfortable, remember:

  • It will pass
  • Drink water
  • Find a comfortable spot
  • Try black pepper (seriously, it helps!)

Ready to Learn More?

This is just the beginning! Check out our podcast for deeper dives into cannabis topics, or browse our other articles for specific subjects.

Got questions? We’re here to help. Cannabis shouldn’t be confusing - let’s learn together.