This summer comes with sunny skies, refreshing breezes, and singing birds — what better time to begin a journey to the enjoyment of cannabis culture? Whether you’re smoking solo, with your partner, or with a friend or two (group seshes are definitely suggested), these ten tips for beginner stoners should get you started on your path to becoming a cannabis connoisseur. 

10 Tips for Beginner Stoners 

1. Invest in decent glass 

Look for bongs with decent-sized chambers and medium-sized bowls, made from thick glass that won’t break easily. Regularly clean out your bongs (or pipes and dab rigs) with rubbing alcohol and coarse salt. Learn more about choosing and using a bong here. Can’t decide on a bong, pipe, or rig? Read this. 

2. Get all of the smoking essentials 

You need a little more than just a lighter and a bong, although you don’t necessarily need a whole lot. We recommend starting with a grinder, rolling tray, extra bowl pieces, and a hempwick. 

If you’re dabbing, you need bangers, a dab tool, a torch, and your rig. You may also want to get a dab mat to set your tools and rig on. 

If you’re using a pipe, get some screens to avoid drawing plant matter into your mouth. 

3. Enjoy the journey with an open mind 

Learning about weed is supposed to be fun. This is why it’s important to remember that nobody’s cannabis journey is more “right” than another’s. Cannabis users battle enough stigma and misplaced perceptions as it is, so let’s not lord our knowledge over others, okay? 

You don’t like a certain strain that everyone is hyped about? It’s bound to happen, so don’t worry about it. Just make a note that you dislike that strain and move on to the next. There are literally hundreds of strains to try, and in different forms. 

4. Start with what you know you’ll like 

As is the case with most types of learning, a subject that holds your interest will always be easier to understand and digest than other subjects. In finding a starting point towards learning about weed, start with a strain you know you would like.

For example, do you like fruity or more earthy flavors? Do you like to feel relaxed and sedated or euphoric and uplifted? Do you want to smoke flower or try dabbing? 

No matter what you already like, there’s going to be something for you. This is your starting point as beginner stoners. 

5. Learn the basics 

Spend time reading through our World of Weed blog, or get a good beginner stoners book, and take notes as you read. There are tons of resources for beginners out there. Learn everything from what trichomes and terpenes are to the difference between CBD, THC, and Delta-8. Discover the differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. 

As you go along, it can be difficult to remember which strains you liked and which strains you’d rather never smoke again. So, take photos and notes with your phone as you sesh, or keep a weed journal. 

There is plenty of helpful cannabis information out there for beginner stoners, you just have to know where to look. This post is a great place to start! 

6. Select budget strains to keep on hand

Select some more affordable strains to keep on hand as your daily stash. Jack Herer and euphoric Dutch Treat are versatile strains; while Dutchberry and Grape Ape are super fruity and dessert-like strains. These strains to keep as your daily smoke should not be expensive — you should feel as comfortable opening a jar for Wednesday afternoons at home as you would for special company on a Friday night. 

7. Don’t snub the bag or the can 

Another economical choice, weed in bag or can is now available from the top cannabis producers all over Washington and beyond. These are the perfect options for when you just want to pick up a small amount or already have a storage jar waiting to be used. Some of the best cannabis flower comes in a bag or a sealed can.

8. Start a weed tasting club 

Start a cannabis club for fun and self-education. Take turns hosting and have each guest bring an eighth of a strain new to them. Offer snacks for when the munchies hit, as well as plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Share your opinions about the strains as you smoke. Just keep in mind that weed tasting is pretty subjective — more like a survey than an exam. 

Learn how to hold a weed tasting here. 

9. Ask questions 

One of the best tips for beginner stoners learning about weed is to not be afraid to ask questions. We all started out not knowing a Haze from a Kush, so don’t worry if you don’t know something. Start by talking to the budtenders at your local Tacoma dispensary and go from there. Here are some questions to ask your budtender. 

10. Where to buy weed in Washington

This is one of the most common questions beginner stoners ask. And there is not just one answer. Value is something that is vital in cannabis consumption and tasting. You can spend a fortune on the most topshelf strains and they will likely be incredible. But, for everyday blazing, finding good deals is key. 

Locally, we here at World of Weed offer many good rotating deals. We have daily discounts and regular specials that pop up. Cannabis directory sites are also worth paying attention to as well. 

Learning About Weed for Beginner Stoners 

The key to learning more about weed is to keep experimenting. Smoking is the foundation of learning about cannabis. So continue to try new strains and products, in addition to sticking with the tried-and-true favorites. 

Enjoy your cannabis journey!