Step 1: Choose How You Want to Consume
The first decision is how you want to consume cannabis. Each method has different onset times, durations, and experiences.
Inhalation (smoking or vaping) delivers effects within 1-5 minutes and lasts 1-3 hours. This gives you the most control over dosing because you feel it quickly.
Edibles (gummies, chocolates, beverages) take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and last 4-8 hours. They're discreet and easy to dose precisely, but you need patience.
Oils and capsules are swallowed and work similarly to edibles. They're popular with wellness users who want precise, consistent dosing.
Topicals (creams, balms) are applied to the skin. They don't produce psychoactive effects and are used for localized relief.
Step 2: Start With Low THC
THC is the compound that produces the psychoactive "high." CBD is non-psychoactive and is associated with calming effects. For your first time, less is more.
- Flower: look for 10-15% THC. Avoid anything over 20% for your first time.
- Edibles: start with 2.5mg or 5mg THC. The legal max per package in Ontario is 10mg.
- Vapes: one or two short puffs is enough. Wait 10 minutes before taking more.
- Balanced products: a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio is a great starting point. The CBD moderates the THC effects.
Step 3: Pick the Experience You Want
Cannabis strains are loosely categorized by the experience they tend to produce. While the science is more nuanced than these labels, they're a useful starting point.
Indica strains are associated with relaxation, body comfort, and sleepiness. Good for evening use.
Sativa strains are associated with energy, creativity, and mental stimulation. Good for daytime use.
Hybrid strains combine both. They're the most common strain type and can lean either direction.
For your first time, a balanced hybrid is often the safest bet. It gives you a mix of effects without leaning too heavily in either direction.
Step 4: Talk to a Budtender
Every Cannabis Link location has trained budtenders who can help you find the right product. Don't hesitate to say "this is my first time" when you walk in. Our staff hears it every day and they'll guide you through the options based on what you're looking for.
Good questions to ask your budtender: What would you recommend for a first-timer? What's your mildest product? How should I dose this? What should I expect?
Step 5: Start Low, Go Slow
This is the most important rule in cannabis. You can always take more, but you can't take less.
With smoking or vaping, take one puff and wait 10-15 minutes. If you want more, take another.
With edibles, take your dose and wait at least 2 full hours. Many first-timers make the mistake of eating more because they don't feel anything after 30 minutes. The effects will come. Be patient.
If you feel uncomfortably high, find a calm space, drink water, eat something light, and wait. The feeling will pass. CBD is reported by consumers to help moderate THC effects if you have some available. Two common terpenes — limonene (citrus-forward) and caryophyllene (peppery) — are also anecdotally associated with a clearer, more comfortable experience; look for strains or products that list them on the label if this appeals to you.
Ontario Cannabis Laws You Should Know
Before you buy, here are the basics of Ontario's cannabis laws.
- You must be 19 or older to purchase, possess, or consume cannabis.
- You can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in public.
- Cannabis can be consumed where tobacco smoking is permitted.
- Never drive under the influence. Ontario has zero-tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
- All cannabis sold at Cannabis Link is from Health Canada-licensed producers.