Welcome to the brave, bold, and slightly buzzed world of cannabis. If you are reading this, you are likely standing at the precipice of your very first experience, oscillating somewhere between eager anticipation and the mild terror that comes with the unknown. Perhaps you have heard stories from friends about fits of giggles that lasted three hours, or maybe you have heard the cautionary tales of that one cousin who ate a brownie and spent the night convinced he was a piece of furniture. It is a mixed bag out there, and here in South Africa, as we embrace the green revolution with open arms and open minds, it is more important than ever to approach this plant with a bit of respect, a dash of knowledge, and a solid game plan.
Gone are the days when cannabis was relegated to shadowy corners and whispered conversations. Today, we talk about wellness, anxiety relief, creativity, and just having a generally lekker time. But for the uninitiated, the terminology alone can be overwhelming. Indica? Sativa? Terpenes? Cannabinoids? It sounds more like a chemistry exam than a Friday night unwind. Fear not. The goal of your first high should not be to orbit Mars; it should be to dip your toes into a state of relaxation and euphoria that enhances your reality rather than obliterating it.
Think of this guide as the stabiliser wheels for your first bicycle ride. We are going to cover the essential rules of engagement, focusing on pacing, your environment, and how to keep your body happy while your mind goes on a little excursion. So, get comfortable, grab a glass of water, and let’s navigate the dos and don’ts of your first high.
The Golden Rule: Do Start Low and Go Slow
If there is only one thing you take away from this entire article, let it be this mantra: Start low and go slow. This is not a race, and there is no prize for consuming the most THC in record time. In fact, the only prize for that is a very confused nap or a sudden, intense interest in the texture of your carpet. Your tolerance is a unique biological fingerprint; what works for your best friend might send you spiralling. For a beginner, the threshold is significantly lower than you might expect.
This rule applies to smoking, but it is doubly important when it comes to edibles. Edibles are a fantastic entry point for beginners because they spare your lungs and offer a longer-lasting, body-centric high. However, they are also the primary culprit behind the classic rookie mistake of overconsumption. Because they taste like treats, it is easy to forget that they are potent vehicles for cannabinoids. You eat one, you feel nothing. You wait thirty minutes, you still feel nothing. You eat another. And then, suddenly, two hours later, both doses hit you at once like a minibus taxi jumping a red robot.
To avoid this, you need a reliable, dosable product. We highly recommend our Blueberry Buzz Gummies, 10mg THC as the ideal entry-level option. These gummies are crafted with precision, ensuring that the 10mg dosage is consistent throughout. For a complete novice, 10mg might even be a little robust for a first try, which is the beauty of a gummy—you can easily slice it in half to start with a gentle 5mg dose. This manageability allows you to control your experience with fine-tuned precision, unlike inhaling, where dosage can be harder to quantify. The blueberry flavour is delightful, masking the earthy cannabis taste that puts some people off, making your introduction to edibles a tasty affair.
Don’t Be Impatient
Patience is not just a virtue; in the world of cannabis, it is a safety requirement. When you inhale cannabis, the THC enters your bloodstream almost instantly through the lungs, crossing the blood-brain barrier within minutes. You know pretty quickly where you stand. Edibles, however, play the long game. They must travel through your digestive system and be processed by your liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is more potent and has a longer half-life, which explains why edible highs feel different—heavier, deeper, and longer.
This process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours depending on your metabolism and what you have eaten that day. The most dangerous phrase in the cannabis lexicon is, “These aren’t working.” Do not utter it. Do not respect it. Ignore it. If you have taken your half of a Blueberry Buzz Gummies, 10mg THC and an hour has passed with no effect, wait another hour. It is far better to feel slightly less than you wanted than to feel significantly more than you can handle. You can always take more next time, but you cannot untake what is already digesting.
Do Curate Your Environment (Set and Setting)
In the 1960s, psychedelic researchers coined the term “Set and Setting” to describe the parameters for a good trip. “Set” refers to your mindset, and “Setting” refers to your physical environment. This concept applies perfectly to cannabis. Your environment plays a massive role in how you perceive your high. If you are in a chaotic, loud, or stressful environment—say, a crowded shopping centre in December or a tense family gathering—your brain might interpret the sensory enhancement of cannabis as anxiety.
For your first time, you want a controlled, comfortable environment. Your living room is usually the best bet. Think about the lighting; harsh, fluorescent lights can feel clinical and abrasive when you are high. Opt for soft lamps, fairy lights, or candles to create a warm, inviting glow. Have a playlist ready. Music sounds incredible under the influence of cannabis; you might hear layers in your favourite songs you never noticed before. Choose tracks that are soothing and familiar. This is not the time for aggressive death metal or chaotic experimental jazz—unless that really is your happy place.
Clothing matters too. This is the era of sweatpants diplomacy. Wear fabrics that feel good against your skin. Constricting jeans or tight collars can feel strangely claustrophobic when your body becomes hyper-aware of tactile sensations. Prepare your space as if you are expecting a very relaxed, slightly hungry guest: plenty of cushions, a blanket, and everything you need within arm’s reach so you don’t have to go on a mission to the kitchen every ten minutes.
Don’t Mix Substances (The Cross-Fade)
There is a South African tendency to pair everything with a dop. A braai needs a beer; a sunset needs a glass of wine. However, for your first cannabis experience, you should absolutely abstain from alcohol. Mixing alcohol and cannabis creates a phenomenon known as the “cross-fade,” and for a beginner, it is often a one-way ticket to the spinning room. Alcohol increases the absorption of THC, meaning you get higher, faster, and often with less control. It can lead to nausea, dizziness, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.
Let cannabis introduce itself to you on its own terms. You want to understand how it affects you specifically without the muddying influence of booze. Once you are a seasoned veteran, you might find a balance that works for you, but for the maiden voyage, stick to tea, juice, or water. Speaking of water, that brings us to our next crucial point.
Do Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
One of the few universal side effects of cannabis consumption is xerostomia, colloquially known as “cottonmouth.” It feels exactly as it sounds: your mouth suddenly feels like the inside of a vacuum cleaner bag. This happens because cannabinoid receptors are present in your submandibular glands (where spit comes from), and when THC binds to them, it temporarily signals them to stop producing saliva.
It is not dangerous, but it is annoying. The solution is simple: water. Keep a large bottle of water right next to you before you start. Sipping cold water is also a great grounding technique if you start to feel a little too lofty. Avoid sugary cooldrinks if you can, as they can sometimes lead to a sugar crash that affects your energy levels, but fruit juice is a decent alternative if you need a flavour kick. Just keep drinking fluid. Your future self will thank you.
Do Prepare for the Munchies
The stereotype is true: food tastes better when you are high. Colours are brighter, smells are stronger, and textures are more interesting. This leads to “the munchies,” a primal urge to consume calories. If you don’t prepare beforehand, you might find yourself eating weird combinations like peanut butter on pickles or an entire loaf of bread because it was the easiest thing to find.
Curate your snacks before you partake. A mix of savoury and sweet is usually the way to go. Fresh fruit is surprisingly incredible—the juiciness of a mango or the crisp snap of an apple can be a sensory delight. On the savoury side, biltong or chips provide that necessary salt crunch. By having your snacks plated and ready, you avoid the hazard of trying to operate a stove or chopping vegetables while your depth perception is slightly altered.
Don’t Panic (The Safety Net)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: “Greening Out.” This is the term used when someone gets too high and feels anxious, paranoid, or nauseous. It is unpleasant, but it is important to remember that it is physically harmless. No one has ever died from a cannabis overdose. It is physiologically impossible to shut down your respiratory system with weed alone.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to acknowledge it: “I am just high, and this will pass.” Change your setting if you can—move to a different room, step outside for fresh air (if it’s private and safe), or wash your face with cold water. Deep, slow breathing is your best friend. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four.
There are also some biochemical hacks you can try. CBD is known to modulate the effects of THC, so having some pure CBD oil on hand can help bring you back down to earth. Another old folk remedy that actually has scientific backing is black pepper. Chewing on a few whole black peppercorns (or sniffing ground black pepper, carefully) can help reduce cannabis-induced anxiety due to the terpenes (specifically beta-caryophyllene) present in the pepper which interact with the same receptors as THC.
Do Use the Buddy System
Solo flights are for experienced pilots. For your first time, try to have a “trip sitter” or just a trusted friend with you. Ideally, this person is someone who has experience with cannabis and can reassure you if you get jitters. They can be in charge of the music, the water refills, and ensuring you don’t text your ex about the epiphany you just had regarding the universe and toasted cheese sandwiches.
Having someone you trust nearby creates a safety container. You know that if you feel weird, they are there to tell you it’s okay. It transforms the experience from a solitary experiment into a shared memory. Plus, laughing alone is fine, but laughing with a friend until your stomach muscles ache is one of the distinct joys of the cannabis experience.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Your first high is a rite of passage. It is an exploration of your own consciousness and a chance to unwind in a way that is distinctly different from the socially accepted glass of wine. By following these simple dos and don’ts—staying hydrated, creating a cosy environment, respecting the power of the edible, and starting with a manageable dose like our Blueberry Buzz Gummies—you are setting the stage for a positive relationship with this incredible plant.
Remember, cannabis is personal. What works for the masses might not work for you, and that is okay. Listen to your body, respect your boundaries, and most importantly, try to have fun. Welcome to the Dixie Jane family; we are thrilled to be part of your wellness journey. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the buzz.
Keywords: Beginner Guide, Cannabis 101, Edibles, Wellness, South Africa