A First-Timer’s Guide to Getting High

**You must be 21+ to consume edibles. Never partake and drive, and do not consume edibles while pregnant or nursing.**

So, you’re curious about trying cannabis, but want to know what you’re getting into before you take your first bite of an edible or hit of a vape. Totally get it. 

Getting high for the first time can be intimidating. But if you know what to expect, it doesn’t have to be. Here, we share everything you need to know, so you can feel prepared when you’re ready to partake. 

What Does Being High Feel Like?

Like almost everything in life, everyone experiences being high a little bit differently. But for the most part, at the right dose (more on that in a minute), a weed-induced high comes with a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and well-being. 

Here’s a list of some of the physical and mental sensations that sometimes accompany a weed high.

• Warmth and relaxation. Think of this as a loose, I-just-had-a-massage kind of feeling. You may feel a comforting sense of warmth, pleasantly heavy limbs, and a deep feeling of physical relaxation. You may even feel sleepy!
• Increased appetite. Hello, munchies! Not all cannabis products make you hungry, but you may notice that you’re more prone to snacking while high. 
• Dry mouth and eyes. Consuming weed in any form is often associated with cottonmouth and dry eyes. Combat this by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after.
• Euphoria. A weed high may be uplifting. You may feel mentally lighter, more joyful, and have a heightened sense of fun.
• The giggles. This goes hand in hand with feelings of euphoria, but is worth mentioning on its own. Being high can make everything feel funnier — and the giggles can be one of the first signs that a high has kicked in. 
• Calmness. In addition to physical relaxation, being high can, depending on your mindset and setting, produce a sense of mental well-being, serenity, and focus. 
• Heightened sensory perception. When you partake, colors might appear brighter, food tastier, and the world around you more “high definition.” This is especially true of sativa strains and edible formulations, which tend to be more associated with creative thought. 
• Changed perception of time. Just like getting in a flow state can make hours fly by like minutes, being high can impact how you perceive time passing. 

If you consume too much THC for your tolerance level, you may also feel some less-than-comfortable physical effects, such as dizziness and nausea. Taking too much can also cause you to feel tense and paranoid instead of chilled out. This is why it’s so important to get the dosage right the first — and every — time you partake. 

What Does an Edible High Feel Like?

The effects we just ran through can be experienced regardless of whether you’ve smoked or consumed an edible. But there are a few effects unique to edibles that are worth knowing about before you pop that gummy or eat that brownie. 

The main difference between an edible-induced and smoke- or vapor-induced high is onset time. Because edibles have to be digested like any other food you consume, the effects can take longer to kick in: most people will begin feeling it within 30 to 90 minutes after consuming, though factors like your height, weight, and the last time you’ve eaten also play a part. The effects of an edible-induced high are also typically felt for longer — anywhere from two to six hours — and can be more intense than the high that comes from inhaling. 

Because of the delay in onset after consuming an edible, it’s easy to overdo it. That’s why we always recommend starting with a low dose and going slow — and resisting the temptation to take another gummy if you don’t feel anything. Remember that the high is coming; you just need to give it time to kick in!

How Long Does a High Last?

As we mentioned above, edible highs can last anywhere from two to six hours, with most feeling a peak about three hours after consuming. The experience will likely start to fade after that peak and will eventually taper off. 

Highs from smoking or vaping tend to be shorter-lived. The effects will kick in within minutes and peak much sooner after consumption. Most report feelings of being high fading away after about three hours.  

How to Find the Right Product for Your Intended Vibe

The key to enjoying your high comes down to getting two things right: the product formulation and the dose. 

Formulation

How, exactly, you’ll feel after consuming an edible or hitting a vape pen depends on what the product is made of. That starts with the type of cannabis it features. Sativa-dominant products tend to contain terpenes that may produce more of a head high, making them great for socializing, getting creative, and daytime use. Those that are more indica-dominant tend to contain terpenes that are typically felt more strongly in the body, and usually induce a sense of physical heaviness, relaxation, and even sleepiness. 

Additionally, many brands — like our very own Camino — use blends of terpenes and, sometimes, other functional ingredients in their products. Reaching for an edible crafted with a specific experience in mind can be a helpful place to start. Brands like Camino blend terpenes and other ingredients with particular vibes in mind — whether that's an uplifted, social feeling for your next concert, a sense of calm after a busy day, or a relaxed, wind-down vibe before bed. Just keep in mind that cannabis affects everyone a little differently, so your experience may vary. 

Dosage

Last, but certainly not least, the key to a good high lies in the dosage. We’ve put together a complete dosage guide that we definitely encourage you to check out before you partake. But the most important takeaway is this: start low. 

For those who are at the beginning of their cannabis journey, 2 to 5mg of THC is plenty. If you’re worried about overdoing it, remember you can always have a little bit more after the effects kick in, but you can’t have less! So start with a 2mg edible — like a Camino ‘Social’ Sparkling Pear gummy or Petra 2.5mg mints — and then next time you partake, try 5mg if you’d like to dial up the experience. 

Finding Your High

Choosing the right product and the right dose will go a long way towards having a positive first high experience. But there are a few other tips and tricks you can deploy to ensure the vibes are just right. 

First, make sure you partake in a space where you feel comfortable and safe. Having a trusted friend to guide you through it is also a great way to ensure you enjoy your high. Second, make sure you don’t have anywhere to be or any pressing responsibilities to deal with, just in case the effects of your edible session last for longer than you anticipate. And finally, stock up on some of your favorite snacks and be sure to drink plenty of water. 

Getting high for the first time shouldn’t be scary — especially if you’re taking an edible from Camino. Visit our shop to find the right gummy or chew for your vibe!

Phoebe Neuman is a content strategist, writer, and curious mind living in Southern California. She’s reported on health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for over a decade, and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll find her in the pool or curled up with a good book. 

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