Strain suggestions and advice for a newbie?

[Godoka]

All right, you probably don't get a lot of this type of question . . . By newbie, I mean, I have smoked once ever. I'm a total shy nerd so I never knew anyone that had it, and was too afraid to try it anyway because it was illegal and I'm a goodie two shoes, LOL. I got to try it like a year ago and I thought it was great and wondered why the heck it was illegal in the first place. Now it's legal where I live, and I don't have a job that drug tests, so I have no excuse to not become a proper stoner anymore I think, haha. I've done some research and concluded that vaping was the best way to go about it, and then I ended up here of course. So I wanted to take advantage of the forums' many many combined years of experience in this arena, LOL.

OK, so my questions:

1) As the title suggests, what are some good newbie strains that are easy to find especially legally? By newbie-friendly I mean that it's not super strong, or unpredictable, or lasts a super long time, or does weird things I guess. This is in southern Washington state if it matters. Also I don't know what you guys would know about this but I'm on an anti-depressant called Wellbutrin. I've tried to look around and I can't find much about it interacting with MJ. I take a pretty low dose and only in the morning so I think that if I use later at night and take it slow that it'll be OK. But anyway, since that med increases my anxiety a bit I am thinking that Indica would be better to start with?

2) How do you decide if something's good without trying it? I'm guessing you can tell by how it looks and smells? What should I look for?

3) So it sounds like the normal base unit for buying it is 1/8 ounce . . . About how long does that last if you are using an average portable vape and just using it, say, a few times a week tops? I'm just wondering how quickly you go through it.

Sorry if these are really dumb questions, I didn't learn when I was a young'un like most people, haha. Thank you!

 

[lwien]

No one can really give you an accurate answer on this being all of our body and brain chemistries are a bit different and how one strain affects one could be quite different in how it affects another. Also, the same strain from different growers can vary in potency. And then, when you add an anti-depressent into the mix, it even gets more complicated.

If I were you, I would not purchase an eighth of anything. Start out with a gram. I also think that a good Indica would be good to start with. If after using it for a bit you find out that it makes you too lethargic and would like something a bit more energetic, you can go to a hybrid and if you still want something even more energetic, than go for a Sativa.

With just a few hits a few times a week, that gram should last you over a month.

In regards to know how good it is, you're right in that you really have to try it to know. I've had bud that looked great, smelled great and was really sticky but the high was just mediocre. I've had bud that didn't smell or look that great but was super potent.

Best thing to do is to go on weed maps and check out the dispensaries in your area and read all the reviews: https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/in/washington/washington-state
Even then, you may not find a really good dispensary, but it's a good place to start.

 

[CarolKing]

I would suggest to buy your cannabis by the gram if that was possible, that way you can go back and buy more, if you like it. Since you have a very low tolerance it won't take you very much but a couple of draws to feel the affects. An 1/8 of an ounce would last you a long time. That's 3.5 grams but you know the math. It will only take you a pinch of product. You don't want to use too much and have a bad experience.

You will need something smell proof to store your product and to keep it fresh.

Some cannabis might smell and look good, but that doesn't mean it's good at medicating.

Look on Leafly, I find a lot of info there.

Don't experiment with edibles for a while, I know you didn't ask about that. I thought I would throw that in.

I'm not sure what vaporizer that you are using? Some have larger ovens than others. A one hitter like the Magic Light Launch Box probably would be your best bet.

Glad you decided to Fuckcombustion.

EDIT
Fixed my math above 3.5 is an 8th not 7 grams = 1/4 - too medicated!

 

[Magic9]

Great advice above. I'll attempt to add to it.

1) With ADs, you should be fine. I say should because there are many factors at play and there are no guarantees. This thread has a little more info if you were looking. Being from where you are from, looking for what you are looking for, check out Blue Dream. It's a decent hybrid that should be available in your part of the world in abundance. The Oregon Pineapple (not PEX), and Northern Lights should also be readily available there if you want a strain closer to the indica side. Leafly is an ok resource for reviews and availability.

2) It's hard telling without trying. If you can inspect the trichs (crystals) with a microscope, you'll have a better indicator. Too many clear, probably "racy". Too many amber, probably "sleepy". Too many milky, no such thing lol. Once you develop a preference for what you like, it will be easier. If you're buying from a well reviewed shop, it should all be at least pretty good though.

3) I'll third the opinion that by the gram is the best bet. That way, you'll be able to use it a few times to see if you like it. I have to have a solid week with a strain to determine how it is. Each time might be a little different. Set and setting play a big part in how a strain may affect you.

4) You didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway since you're new. Take one hit, wait 20 minutes. Do this until your condition improves, or your anxiety gets too high. I can't stress that enough.

1 hit, wait 20 minutes. Too many rookies hit it a few times, don't feel like they got enough, hit a few more times, then they have an unpleasant time when it hits them. Some strains "creep". Avoid the pitfall please.

Oh yeah...Welcome to FC!

Edit* Forgot a link.

 

[lwien]

4) You didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway since you're new. Take one hit, wait 20 minutes. Do this until your condition improves, or your anxiety gets too high. I can't stress that enough.

1 hit, wait 20 minutes. Too many rookies hit it a few times, don't feel like they got enough, hit a few more times, then they have an unpleasant time when it hits them. Some strains "creep". Avoid the pitfall please.

THAT is some great advice. Please read and take heed.

 

[Godoka]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad to see so many great thoughtful answers already.

Ah OK, I didn't know you could get it in grams too. Or at least hopefully I can do that. I mostly hear about "eighths" but that's more experienced users I'm sure, people who know what they like.

20 minutes, got it. Sounds like it's the same as being new to drinking where you aren't getting "drunk" fast enough so you do 3 shots in a row, and then . . . LOL

As for what vape I am using, I'm still figuring that out. I'm asking in FC. I will probably get a portable, just not sure which one yet.

Thanks for the general advice, much appreciated! If anyone has anything else to add please feel free. Things that you wish you could have told your past self when you started vaping.

 

[215z]

I use cannabis in relation to anxiety and depression.
I would suggest starting with high-CBD, low-THC strains.

 

[Magic9]

Thanks for the general advice, much appreciated! If anyone has anything else to add please feel free. Things that you wish you could have told your past self when you started vaping.

Work your way up to being in public after ingesting. Wait until you have a handle on it.

Start slow, and stay there.

If you feel like you maybe had too much, eat something. It will be the best cereal ever. No lie.

Expectations affect the effect. If you expect to have a giggly time, you'll probably have it. If you expect to be anxious, you probably will be.

Relax, respect it, use it responsibly. Took me a little bit to figure that out, lol.

 

[Godoka]

Work your way up to being in public after ingesting. Wait until you have a handle on it.

Start slow, and stay there.

If you feel like you maybe had too much, eat something. It will be the best cereal ever. No lie.

Expectations affect the effect. If you expect to have a giggly time, you'll probably have it. If you expect to be anxious, you probably will be.

Relax, respect it, use it responsibly. Took me a little bit to figure that out, lol.

By "ingesting" do you mean edibles? Either way, yeah I'm not gonna go outside until after I try it a few times at least.

Oh yes I remember how amazing food was the one time I tried it. This will be good actually, the AD I'm on has really murdered my appetite. It's not entirely bad because I'm trying to lose a lil' weight but it DOES ruin my palate and make me only want to eat really specific things, or total junk.

 

[Magic9]

By "ingesting" do you mean edibles?

No. I'd say stay away from those for a little while. They can be a little unpredictable. I was just referring to the ingesting of that sweet, sweet vapor.

 

[CarolKing]

If you end up vaporizing too much cannabis and you feel too stoned, I use the term "medicated" usually. Eat something like a carbohydrate (not an edible infused cannabis product). Eating something helps to lessen the high.

Cannabis infused edibles are for someone that's been using cannabis for a while. If you take too much it's not very fun and takes several hours to wear off. It's happened to me, I took too much.

 

[Godoka]

Yeah edibles sound difficult. Gonna save those for later!

So I had time to go to an actual shop today! After reading this thread and Leafly I got a gram each of Blue Dreams and Presidential OG. Maybe 2 grams total is too much but I really want to be able to try different kinds hehe. Do those sound all right? I was a bit limited in what I could get for 1 gram at a time, the stuff comes in pre-measured sealed baggies from the farm and not every kind had 1 gram baggies.

Of course I can't do anything but stare at them until my vape comes, LOL. I ordered my Air from PuffItUp, not sure how quick they are to ship, but I bet it will be here this week at least.

 

[CarolKing]

Yeah edibles sound difficult. Gonna save those for later!

So I had time to go to an actual shop today! After reading this thread and Leafly I got a gram each of Blue Dreams and Presidential OG. Maybe 2 grams total is too much but I really want to be able to try different kinds hehe. Do those sound all right? I was a bit limited in what I could get for 1 gram at a time, the stuff comes in pre-measured sealed baggies from the farm and not every kind had 1 gram baggies.

Of course I can't do anything but stare at them until my vape comes, LOL. I ordered my Air from PuffItUp, not sure how quick they are to ship, but I bet it will be here this week at least.

Both those strains are excellent.

 

[Godoka]

My Air should be here on Wednesday! I'll probably have more questions then when I get to actually trying it, haha.

 

[Godoka]

Ah yep I got to try it! I used one of the eBay dome screens so I could just put a pinch in there. I got a couple draws out of it. I tried Blue Dream first. I wouldn't say I am super stoned right now but definitely like a comfy buzz. I'll have to try the same thing again, I didn't do a good job on the first draw and probably wasted all of it, haha.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Yeah edibles sound difficult. Gonna save those for later!

So I had time to go to an actual shop today! After reading this thread and Leafly I got a gram each of Blue Dreams and Presidential OG. Maybe 2 grams total is too much but I really want to be able to try different kinds hehe. Do those sound all right? I was a bit limited in what I could get for 1 gram at a time, the stuff comes in pre-measured sealed baggies from the farm and not every kind had 1 gram baggies.

Of course I can't do anything but stare at them until my vape comes, LOL. I ordered my Air from PuffItUp, not sure how quick they are to ship, but I bet it will be here this week at least.

Even being acquainted with inhaled cannabis, strong edibles overdone can be really uncomfortable. I'm talking about baked goods mostly. The candies I've seen here in my parts are mostly lower doses, 10-25mg a piece or so, more manageable. Blue Dream is a favorite hybrid of mine, and OG's in general are also personal favorites. You're only going to need like two inhales... I'm so jealous I know what you mean about medications and eating habits, that's part of the reason I have medical (aside from chronic pain and other stuff). Keep a tall glass of cool water or some hot tea around... and if for any reason you feel uncomfortable or too high, don't forget that in recorded history nobody has ever died from cannabis. Shit, I've tried to vape myself to death a bunch of times... usually ends with me waking up a few hours later

 

[CarolKing]

Even your ABV can be potent. I used too much ABV in a chocolate, peanut butter milkshake once and was overly medicated for 24 hours. Initially it was really uncomfortable, then the next day I was just too tired and had to be at work. I have used cannabis for over 25 yrs and it hit me like a brick.

 

[little maggie]

Air is a good choice for a beginner. Not too expensive. I started with ones under $100 but the best of them, the MFLB, is too harsh. I have the Solo and I think the Air allows for a smaller amount. As for the Wellbutrin, I doubt there is any research on it yet. That particular medication is used for both depression, ADHD and smoking cessation under a different name. I've had no problem with using it with "herbs". Plus it was on the market a long time ago and removed because it caused seizures. Then they discovered that it works in much smaller doses. The main risk with it is taking anything that lowers the seizure threshold or being prescribed a high dose. Since you're on a small dose and since there's data that marijuana can protect against seizures I think you're probably ok.
Also a friend gave me some banana bread she made with a LOT of herb. I didn't like how it felt at all. I'd stick with smoking.

 

[Godoka]

Hey again everyone! So I've gotten to try it a couple times . . . Yes the Air makes it really easy! It was a good choice I think. Anyway I've got another maybe dumb question. How potent should it be? I have been using pretty small amounts, like 1/3-1/2 the bowl on the small stem with the dome screen. That gets me like 7-8 draws I think. I feel a decent buzz after all of those, but nothing as strong as the first time I used and there was a bong involved. Does it take a whole bowl with the small stem to get really high? Or is maybe something else happening? Maybe this weed isn't very good, it's hard for me to tell haha. Or maybe the AD makes my tolerance higher than normal? Or I'm just being paranoid, ha.

 

[CarolKing]

I think with some experience you will figure how your fav strains. You could buy a bubbler or water tube style water tool. That will give you some higher temperatures so a bit more sedating.

Eventually you may want a desk style vaporizer, you can get some stronger, bigger hits. A portable isn't as hard hitting.

 

[Godoka]

Ah OK. Yeah I should probably try the other strain I got as well so I have something to compare it to. I've also been using the lower temp settings like white and green because I am getting over a cold and my throat is irritated . . . Would raising them a bit help?

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Sure, give it a shot. Experiment! Have fun!

 

[CarolKing]

@Quetzalcoatl us old folks are a bad influence on the young people.