Getting into cannabis can be extremely overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time trying it. But that worry ends here. At Brotherly Bud, it’s super important to us that all of our customers feel comfortable and confident in their cannabis experience.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics you need to know about consuming cannabis to get you started on the right foot.
Methods of Consumption
The first thing you’ll learn about cannabis is that there are a ton of ways to consume it. These are the most popular ways to consume cannabis, along with some pros and cons for each:
Smoking
Smoking is the most classic way to consume cannabis. Whether it’s a joint, pipe, or bong, you light ground flower on fire on one end and inhale the smoke on the other. The effects are immediate and it doesn’t require much setup, but the lingering smell can be a concern for those who are trying to keep their consumption on the DL.
Vaping
Vaping is smoking’s cooler, more impactful cousin. It is another method of consuming cannabis that involves inhalation, but instead of inhaling smoke, flower or concentrates are heated until their compounds are released as a vapor. Then, you inhale the vapor. Simple as that! The effects are just as immediate as smoking, and there is relatively less smell involved, but vaporizers can be expensive and a bit more involved to set up.
Edibles
You’ve probably heard of a ‘special brownie’ or ‘taking a gummy’ by now. Those are both referring to edibles, which are cannabis products that you can eat. They are much more discreet and last longer than smoking or vaping, but they also take a bit longer to kick in.
Tinctures & Oils
Tinctures sound like they’re made by some mythical person, but they’re just a liquid version of cannabis, as are oils. They are absorbed under the tongue, which means they enter the bloodstream more quickly than edibles. Tinctures and oils are a top pick for those who want quick relief without the smoke, but some might have to be mindful of the solvents in the mixture.
Topicals
Topicals are creams, balms, salves, and other skincare products that are applied directly to the skin. The cannabinoids are absorbed through the skin without entering the bloodstream, providing localized relief without any psychoactive effects. Topicals are great for anyone looking for localized relief from pain or inflammation, but they don’t offer the same “high” as other cannabis products.
Potency & Dosage
The key to cannabis is not just knowing which product to choose – it’s knowing how much to use. There are two crucial factors that you need to keep in mind when consuming cannabis: potency and dosage.
1. Understanding Potency
Potency refers to the amount of THC or CBD that is in the product. These are the two main compounds, called cannabinoids, that create the effects associated with cannabis. In general, the average potency of cannabis flower is 16-25%. Anything higher than 25% is considered very potent. This is especially true of concentrates, which can reach up to 90% THC.
2. Dosing: Start Low & Go Slow
Once you’ve got the potency, then you can move on to dosing. Dosing refers to how much of the product you consume. If your product has a low potency, you can have a little more than you usually do. But if it’s a high-potency product, be very careful when you’re starting out.
Regardless of the potency, the golden rule is “Start Low and Go Slow.” This means you should always start with a low dose of a new product, see how your body reacts, and then take more if you want. This slow and steady approach makes sure you’re not overdoing it and causing yourself any gnarly adverse effects.

Effects & Experience
Ok, so you’ve got the right product, and you’re paying attention to the potency and dosage. The last thing you’ll need to think about is the effects and overall experience. This is what will tell you whether or not you got your dosing right.
Immediate vs. Delayed Effects
As we’ve talked about before, not all cannabis products hit the same. Some methods, like smoking or vaping, come on quickly, while others, like edibles, can take 30 minutes or even up to 2 hours to feel any effects.
Let’s say an inexperienced consumer takes an edible, doesn’t feel anything, and takes another one 15 minutes later. Because they didn’t wait for the effects to kick in, they might have a much more intense experience than they were hoping for. It’s crucial to consider the onset time of your products so you can plan your cannabis consumption to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Understanding Your Body’s Reaction
When you first start consuming cannabis flower or a new cannabis product, paying close attention to how your body reacts will help you curate the perfect experience. Keep a note in your phone or a journal that keeps track of important factors, such as the product you used and how, the amount you consumed, how long it took to kick in, and how it made you feel.
Having a log of your cannabis experiences can help guide you in exploring new products and consumption methods, as well as weeding out what works best for you.

Brotherly Bud Dispensary: A Cannabis Beginner’s Best Friend
We know this is a lot to take in – and this is just the beginning of your cannabis journey – but, not to worry!
You can rest assured: we’ve got your back every step of the way. Come into Brotherly Bud, and let us be your green guide.
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*