Ultimate Cannabis Gifts Guide

Feeling lost in the world of cannabis? You’re not alone. 

Every day, we meet curious customers with a million questions: What if I do it wrong? How much is too much? Will I even enjoy this? We get it. 

While Canada legalized cannabis for adult recreational use in 2018, it’s still new territory for many. The conflicting information online, overwhelming product choices, and lingering stigma don’t help either. 

That’s why we’re here! True North Cannabis Co. has been in the game since 2020, and we didn’t become the biggest independent cannabis retailer in Ontario by keeping consumers in the dark. Our mission is simple: demystify cannabis and make it accessible to everyone. 

We’re going to break down everything you need to know about consuming cannabis for beginners: consumption methods, product types, safety tips, and so much more. Bookmark this page, because we’re about to give you the cheat sheet you need to safely enter the world of cannabis! 

Guide to Cannabis Consumption for Beginners

Cannabis 101: Safety Tips for Beginners Types of Cannabis Products 5 Common Cannabis Consumption Methods How to Find the Best Way to Consume Cannabis Choosing Cannabis for Beginners: THC and CBD Percentages Find Your Way to Cannabis With True North Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis 101: Safety Tips for Beginners

Safety first! Before we dive into the different ways to use weed, let’s talk about how to consume like a responsible cannaisseur. 

• Start low, go slow. This is the golden rule of cannabis consumption. Cannabis effects can vary—per product and per person—so begin with a low dose, especially if it’s your first time.
• Create a relaxing environment. Consuming cannabis for beginners is best done in a safe space. Whether you’re solo or with friends, be in an environment that allows you to unwind and enjoy the experience.
• Avoid mixing with other meds or substances. Combining cannabis with alcohol or certain medications can intensify or alter effects, which may not be enjoyable for beginners. Always check with a medical professional if you’re taking prescription meds.
• Know your source. Purchase only from licensed producers and reputable dispensaries like True North to ensure you’re getting quality, safe products.
• Don’t drive. Here’s another rule for beginners to consume weed: never operate machinery after use. Stay inside, relax, and give yourself plenty of time to sober up before doing anything that requires coordination or concentration.
• Have a friend on hand. If possible, consume with a trusted friend or have someone who can check in on you.
• Hydrate and stay fed. Cannabis can cause dry mouth (aka “cottonmouth”), so have a bottle of water handy. Have snacks nearby—not just for the munchies, but to maintain energy.

Types of Cannabis Products

There are plenty of ways to use cannabis thanks to the wide variety of cannabis products available on the market. Part of the fun is figuring out which ones work best for you. Let’s take a look at the most common products you’ll find in Canada’s dispensaries.

Cannabis Flower (Bud)

Cannabis flower, also known as bud, is the most traditional and least processed form of cannabis. It’s the dried flower of the cannabis plant that you can smoke using a joint, pipe, or bong. It’s often called the best way to consume weed for newbies, because it’s relatively easy to dose—take one puff and see how you feel before taking more.

Pros	Cons
Easy to dose gradually (take a puff, wait, and assess) Wide variety of strains Instant effects when smoked	Smoking may not appeal to everyone Requires a grinder to break up the flower, which adds an extra step Needs accessories like rolling papers, pipes, or bongs </li

Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolls are ready-made joints filled with ground cannabis flower. They’re great cannabis for beginners who may not know how to roll on their own (we know it takes a bit of practice). They’re one of the easiest and most accessible ways to smoke weed—all you need is a lighter. 

Pros	Cons
Convenient, no rolling skills needed Pre-measured and ready to use	Limited to pre-selected strains Still involves smoking

Edibles

Introducing the yummiest way to consume weed for beginners! Edibles are food and drink products infused with cannabis extracts. They come in so many forms and flavours, from gummies and chocolates to teas and sodas. 

If you don’t fancy smoking or grinding, this could be the best way to consume cannabis for you. Edibles do take longer to kick in (anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours), but their effects also last much longer. Exercise the golden rule, and don’t overdo it. 

Pros	Cons
No accessories or prep needed—eat or drink Easy, discreet, and beginner-friendly	Slow onset makes dosing tricky Easy to over-consume if not patient

 

 

Concentrates

Concentrates, as the name suggests, are highly potent cannabis extracts that contain much higher levels of THC compared to regular flower. You can find them in wax, shatter, hash, oils, and more. Because they’re so concentrated, only a small amount to feel the effects is needed. Talk about cost-effective! People consume concentrates via dabbing or vaping.

Pros	Cons
Small amounts pack a powerful punch Can be used with vaporizers for smoother consumption	Requires specialized tools like dab rigs or vape pens High potency can be overwhelming for beginners

Topicals

Topicals are some of the most underrated cannabis products available. They come in cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions you can apply directly to the skin. They’re great for people who want localized relief, such as after a workout, during self-care routines, or as part of your skincare regimen. 

Many people consider this a safer option than pre-rolls or pipes. If you’re looking for cannabis consumption methods that don’t involve smoking, this might be it!

Pros	Cons
No accessories or prep required—just apply to the skin Discreet and easy to use	Only for localized effects (no mental or full-body high) Might cause rash, itching, or allergic reactions for people with sensitive skin or allergies

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that usually come in bottles, with droppers for precise dosing. Infuse them into food, consume them orally, or take them sublingually (placed under the tongue and holding them for a few seconds). They’re an easy way to consume cannabis for beginners.

Pros	Cons
Smoke-free and fast-acting when taken under the tongue Easy to dose with a dropper	Some people may not like the taste Delayed onset if mixed into food or drinks

Capsules & Pills

If you’re looking for simple and consistent cannabis consumption methods, capsules and pills are the best type of product. They come in precise doses, so you know exactly how much you’re taking. Plus, they’re easy to use. Swallow with water, and you’re good to go!

Pros	Cons
Standardized dosing Extremely easy to use—swallow like any other pill No accessories or prep needed	Similar to edibles, effects can take a while to hit Fewer options compared to other cannabis products like edibles or tinctures

Vaporizers

Vaporizers or vapes are devices that heat cannabis flower or concentrate to a temperature that releases active compounds without combustion. In simple terms, they turn your cannabis into a vapour that’s smoother than regular cannabis smoke. They’re easier on the lungs and more discreet, which makes them super popular among beginners.

Pros	Cons
Potentially smoother inhalation experience Precise temperature controls Portable and convenient	Requires a vaporizer, which can be costly and needs charging Ground flower or pre-filled cartridges needed—grinding may still be required for some devices Learning curve for proper use and temperature settings

5 Common Cannabis Consumption Methods

The way you consume cannabis shapes your experience—from the effects and flavours to the onset times and duration of the high. Here’s a closer look at the most popular methods of cannabis consumption and what you need to get started.

Smoking

Best for: Cannabis flower, pre-rolls, hash, resin, and other concentrates

First, the classic. Smoking is the most traditional way to enjoy cannabis. It’s as simple as taking a puff. Boom, instant effects as the cannabinoids hit your bloodstream. 

There are plenty of ways to smoke weed, but the principle is the same for all: burn the cannabis (either dried flower or concentrates) and inhale the smoke. The difference lies in the products and accessories you use. 

• Pre-rolls are ready to go out of the package. Light up and start smoking.
• For pipes and bowls, you can buy pre-ground cannabis or grind your own. Then pack the flower into the bowl, light it, and inhale. 
• If you want to try smoking from a bong, you’ll need ground cannabis. You’ll also need to add water before packing the bowl.

🌿Pro tip: Take slow, steady inhales to avoid harsh hits. You don’t want to overwhelm your lungs—pace yourself for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

Vaping

Best for: Cannabis oil, flower, and dab wax

Vaping is quickly becoming the sleek, modern alternative to smoking. With a vaporizer, cannabis is heated, not burned, which produces a smoother experience for your lungs and a more discreet aroma. You can vape cannabis flower or concentrate, depending on the device. Here’s how to vape cannabis for beginners:

1. For flower, load your vaporizer chamber and power it on.
2. For concentrates, use a vape with a cartridge or wax pen.
3. Take a gentle puff, enjoy the vapour, and wait for the effects to kick in within minutes.

🌿Pro tips: 

• Don’t overheat your vaporizer! A lower temperature preserves the flavour and potency without burning your cannabis.
• If using a vape pen, ensure the cartridge is filled with high-quality oil for the best experience.
• Start with a small puff and wait. Vaping has a relatively quick onset, so give yourself time to observe the effects before taking more.

Oral Ingesting

Best for: Cannabis edibles, beverages, capsules, pills, tinctures

For people concerned about lung health, who don’t want to smoke cannabis, oral ingestion is one of the best cannabis consumption methods. It has longer-lasting effects but hits much slower than smoking or vaping. Here are some consumption tips to keep in mind:

• Start with a low dose (2.5 mg). 
• If your cannabis product comes at higher concentrations, cut it in halves or quarters.
• Always consume on a full stomach.
• Store away from children and pets.
• Choose reputable, lab-tested brands.

Dabbing

Best for: Shatter, wax, live resin, budder, hash oil

Dabbing is for the experienced cannabis connoisseur. It works by vapourizing dabs or concentrates through a dab rig, e-rig, or dab pen. Dab rigs are similar to bongs, except instead of a bowl to hold flower, it has a heated nail (or banger) for concentrates. Because it’s usually used for highly potent cannabis plant material, it’s a bit more intense than your regular smoke or vape session. Here’s how to use weed by dabbing:

1. Gather the materials: a dab rig, torch, dab tool (to scoop the concentrate), and concentrates.
2. Use the torch to heat the nail or banger until it’s red hot, then let it cool for at least 30 to 45 seconds.
3. Scoop a small amount of concentrate with your dab tool and place it on the heated nail.
4. Inhale the vapour through the opening of the rig.
5. Use a cotton swab to clean the nail while it’s warm.

🌿Pro Tip: If you’re a complete beginner, wait to try this one! It’s easy to inhale too much cannabis if you’re unpracticed. Stick to milder cannabis consumption methods like smoking and vaping first. 

Topical Application

Best for: Lotions, balms, salves, transdermal patches, massage oils, skincare products

For fans of smoke-free cannabis consumption, topical methods are a game-changer. These products are applied directly to the skin, so they don’t enter the bloodstream and cause any psychoactive effects. Topical cannabis use often has cosmetic purposes, although budding cannabis research shows promise for relieving pain, especially for CBD products. 

Here are some tips for using cannabis topically:

• Not sure how your body will react? Start with a small amount and see how it feels. You can always add more if needed!
• For best results, apply your topical to clean, dry skin.
• Always follow application instructions carefully.

How to Find the Best Way to Consume Cannabis

The cannabis plant is a gift that keeps giving. But as much as we love the ever-increasing number of products on the market, it can get overwhelming. For beginners, choosing how to use weed can feel like going into a forest without a map. 

Lucky for you, True North is here to guide you! 

• Choose based on your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, vape pens or pre-rolls are great options. Bongs and edibles might work better if you prefer a more relaxed, home-based experience.
• Think about the social setting. Are you going solo, or consuming with friends? Pre-rolls and vapes are great for group events, because they’re easy to share and offer quick effects. If you’re at home alone, edibles might be more your style, especially if you’re down for long-term effects. 
• Consider desired effects. Every cannabis product offers a different experience. Think about what you want to achieve and choose your consumption method based on that.

Choosing Cannabis for Beginners: THC and CBD Percentages

Cannabis products often have labels for THC and CBD content. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the most well-known and widely studied chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. 

THC is the “fun” cannabinoid responsible for the high. CBD, on the other hand, is the chill, non-intoxicating counterpart. This cannabinoid won’t get you high, but it can make you feel relaxed, calm, and focused. Many beginners find CBD-focused products to be a great starting point. 

The balance between these cannabinoids can change your experience, so it’s helpful to know what you can expect from various THC/CBD blends. How do you know what percentage of THC is good for beginners like you? 

THC Percentage for Beginners

• Choose low-THC products—around 10% THC (100 mg/g)
• For pre-rolls and dried flower, start with one to two puffs
• For edibles, look for products with 10 mg or less per package. Start with 2.5 mg on your first try

CBD Percentage for Beginners (H3)

• Aim for pure CBD products or products with a high CBD-to-THC ratio
• For edibles and oils, start with 20-40 mg of CBD to see how your body responds.

The magic happens when THC and CBD come together in different ratios. Here’s how they work:

CBD-THC Percentage Chart
THC:CBD Ratio	THC Percentage	CBD Percentage	Possible Effects
High THC, Low CBD(10:1, 20:1)	15-30%	0-3%	Intense psychoactive effects (euphoria, creativity, altered senses), strong “high.”
Balanced THC:CBD(1:1, 2:1)	8-15%	8-15%	Mild high with calming effects. Chill, uplifting experience.
Low THC, High CBD(1:2, 1:5)	1-5%	10-20%	Soothing, stress-reducing effect with minimal to no psychoactive effects

🌿Pro tip: Cannabis labels use either THC/CBD or Total THC/Total CBD. They’re different! THC or CBD speaks to the amount of cannabinoids in the product before it’s heated, while Total THC/CBD tells you the amount you’ll get once you use the product. If you plan to smoke or vape, look for Total THC/CBD labels. 

⚠️Disclaimer: Experiences vary depending on your body chemistry, age, gender, tolerance, and method of consumption. The effects listed here are general guidelines, not definitive predictions. 

Find Your Way to Cannabis With True North

Learning your way around cannabis for beginners is so much easier with the right guide. We hope this article has sparked your confidence to explore and discover what works best for you. 

Still unsure? Come over to True North! Our friendly budtenders are here for any questions—big, small, or out there, it doesn’t matter. We’re here to help you make informed choices about cannabis products, consumption methods, and even those “Wait, can I really do this with cannabis?” ideas.

Whether you’re dipping your toes in or diving in head first, we’ve got you. Contact us online or stop by the store nearest you, and let’s find your perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions