Best Marijuana Strains for Beginners: Cannabis Flowers to Try for the First Time

Entering the world of medical marijuana can be both exciting and overwhelming for beginners. With 100s of strains available, each offering unique effects and flavours, newcomers should start their journey with strains that are gentle, easy on the mind, and suited to their preferences.

In this article, we will explore a selection of the best marijuana strains specifically curated for beginners.

Whether you need a flower to help you sleep better, ease your pain, or boost your creativity, these buds will introduce you to the effects and give you a peek into its diverse effects on your body and mind.

Best cannabis strains for newcomers

Below is Weed Review’s list of the 7 best weed flowers to try if you have never smoked cannabis.

The good news is these cultivars are not too overwhelming. More importantly, they allow you to experience the medicinal benefits of weed, like pain relief, easing your stress & anxiety, and promoting better sleep.

1. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a world-famous, multiple-award-winning strain that needs no introduction. Experienced users and beginners alike consider this timeless classic a favourite in their books for its relaxing and gentle high.

It is an Indica-dominant variety, which means it delivers more of a body high. This is also due to the relaxing terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene, which promote the famous couchlock sensation where pain and spasms fade away.

The THC levels vary from 15-20%, so just to be safe, take a few puffs and ease into it instead of finishing the whole joint. You will want to smoke this strain in the evening as it can make you drowsy.

2. Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a good way for first-timers to feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis. While strains like Northern Lights give a body high, Jack Herer will allow you to explore weed’s creative, energising, and happy side.

The THC concentration of this Sativa variety averages 18%, which is good as it does not get you too high.

Jack Herer introduces you to the stress-relieving and anxiety-easing properties of marijuana. You are happy, euphoric, full of ideas and positive thoughts. Laughter is guaranteed, so you can share it with your friends or enjoy it while watching a comedy.

3. Charlotte’s Angel CBD

A pure cannabidiol strain, Charlotte’s Angel CBD is non-intoxicating and will not get you high like other marijuana flowers. The THC levels do not exceed 1%, while the CBD is at an impressive 12-15%.

Like most CBD buds, this cultivar helps you become creative and focused while reducing pain and stress. You can also expect a little bit of energy.

Charlotte’s Angel will help you do your job better by helping you move into a better mindset. You can go about your day-to-day tasks without any psychedelic experiences.

4. Cannatonic

Cannatonic strain is an excellent example of the entourage effect – where cannabinoids like THC & CBD and terpenes work together to produce a holistic, wholesome effect.

With up to 15% CBD and 4-7% THC, Cannatonic delivers a gentle cerebral high that is not too much and not too little. You will feel a slight buzz, but it is not overwhelming to the extent that you cannot do anything.

You do not get ‘stoned’ with Cannatonic. Instead, you are in a pleasant mood with a clear head – ready to take on whatever tasks await you. Expect your brain to race with many thoughts and ideas.

This strain is also famous in the medical cannabis community for its ability to ease pain and stress.

5. Gelato

Marijuana strains are well-known for their unique tastes and smell – some are sweet and fruity, and others are skunky and pungent. Gelato is a famous example of this.

If you have smoked only brick weed all your life, then you will be surprised by what Gelato offers. It is a sensory delight for your nose and taste buds; expect hints of vanilla, mint, and fruits with every inhale and exhale. In a way, it is the weed version of the gelato dessert.

This delicious strain is a hybrid with up to 21% THC levels. The effects are more towards the mind – you may find yourself happy, concentrated, and thinking. If something in your work or personal life has got you stuck, Gelato may help you get a different perspective.

6. OG Kush

It is hard to talk about marijuana strains for beginners without talking about the legendary Kush. OG Kush is an iconic strain that has given rise to many Kush varieties and cultivars globally.

An Indica-hybrid, OG Kush was first bred in the 1990s by crossing the iconic landraces from the Hindu Kush mountains and Thailand with Chemdawg.

Any newcomer to cannabis must try Kush at some point. Besides its famous origins, OG Kush is renowned for its sedative and mental high. Expect to get hungry and talkative; once that has faded away, you will be in store for a night of deep sleep.

The THC levels vary from 17-22%, and smoking too much of it can lead to a powerful body high.

7. Gummy Bear

Gummy Bear is a gentle hybrid whose THC levels range from 15-20%. It is a good choice for newcomers as it does not overpower your mind while allowing you to dive into the creative and euphoric aspects of marijuana.

Gummy Bear is your starting point if you want to see how weed can help you finish creative projects or make you more artistic,

This relaxing, mellow strain tastes like its namesake candy – sweet and delicious.

Smoking weed for the first time: 5 tips for a good experience

Marijuana can be a rewarding experience if you know what to do and expect.

Many first-timers have a bad time with weed and decide not to try it again. It does not have to be the case with you. Here is what you should consider for a good time with cannabis.

1. Know your cannabinoids

Cannabis is classified into three types:

• Indica strains, which give a body high. They are relaxing and sedating; people take them for sleep.
• Sativa strains, which give a mental high. They are uplifting and energising; people take them to get creative, boost their focus, or party.
• Hybrid strains are a mix of the two; they give a body and mental high.

While this categorisation is easy to understand, it may not be accurate. You may smoke an Indica and end up staying alert, while a Sativa can do the opposite.

The better way to look at weed is by understanding its chemical makeup.

Marijuana is often called a plant of 1000 molecules. They are mainly grouped into cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Of these, only the first two are of interest.

Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with the body to produce their effects. Two main types are:

• THC, tetrahydrocannabinol: The main psychoactive compound that causes the high and cerebral effects.
• CBD, cannabidiol: The non-psychoactive cannabis molecule known for its medicinal effects.

You also have terpenes, which give the cannabis strains their taste & smell. More importantly, terpenes determine how your weed experience will be.

Terpenes also explain why two strains with the same THC levels can have different sensations. For example, a strain rich in myrcene may be more sedative, while those rich in limonene may be more uplifting.

2. Opt for high-quality buds

A well-cured strain will give you a better experience than a poorly grown flower. Trichomes, terpenes, and cannabinoids are properly retained, leading to a good high.

When shopping for cannabis flowers, be on the lookout for visual cues and scents that indicate their quality.

As a rule, avoid anything that is too dark, smells bad/has no smell, or has no shine to it.

3. Time your usage

Marijuana temporarily affects the chemistry of your mind, leading to various effects & sensations like laughter, happiness, hunger, paranoia, change in perception of time, slowed reaction, and rushing thoughts.

If you are in a good mood, your experience will be good. Likewise, if you take weed in a bad frame of mind – then you may not have that pleasant of a time.

Similarly, your surroundings can also determine your cannabis trip. Familiar settings with friendly people can contribute to a positive experience, while new places with strangers can overwhelm you and make you more anxious.

When you take weed for the first time, be sure to do it in a space with people you are comfortable with.

4. Start low, go slow

Dosage is very important with cannabis. Instead of smoking a full joint your first time, take a few puffs, see how you feel, and then decide if you want to take more.

As your tolerance to THC builds up over time, you are able to take more or try strains with high THC levels. Until then, use cannabis slowly and steadily.

5. Do not worry if you get too high

Weed can cause side effects – which fade within 2-3 hours of smoking. Common side effects include:

• Sleepiness
• Red eyes
• Cottonmouth
• Hunger
• Anxiety/paranoia
• Dizziness/nausea

It is not necessary that you will experience all of these, but being aware of them can prepare you for all conditions. Remember: cannabis affects everyone differently.

If you end up smoking a lot the first time, do not worry. Give it time, and the high will go away soon. Meanwhile, there are things you can do to get sober and come down from the weed high. Common tips include drinking water, taking a short walk, or taking a cold-water bath.

Conclusion

If you are trying weed for the first time, opt for a low-THC strain. A good starting range is 15-20% THC together with some CBD.

Be mindful of the dosage and ensure you don’t overdo it. If you do, do not panic – give it time, and you will get better.

Feel free to try different strains. Each cultivar is unique and features a distinct chemical signature with varying THC, CBD, and terpenes levels. You just need to find the right combination that clicks perfectly in your body.