Product Recommendations for Beginner Cannabis Consumers

January 7, 2026

If you’re new to consuming cannabis or looking to try a new product, it can be difficult at first to know what to choose. As a first-timer, you are sure to have some questions, so allow this article to help inform your decisions.

If you’re new to consuming cannabis or looking to try a new product, it can be difficult at first to know what to choose. It’s great that there are so many options now available on the market, but there can be a lot of differences among them including dosage, cannabinoid content, quality, or potency. As a first-timer, you are sure to have some questions, so allow this article to help inform your decisions.

As you read this, know that we offer a virtual concierge service on our website. To be connected with a March and Ash virtual concierge, simply click on the green chat button near the bottom right corner of your screen. We are here from 8 AM until 8 PM daily to answer any questions you may have about product selection, ordering, and more cannabis or shop related questions.

First, determine why you want to use cannabis. Recreational cannabis may be used by anyone over the age of 21 in California, however, some people use medical marijuana for health reasons.

For those who want to try cannabis, but do not want to get too high

Product suggestion: vape oil pens

A All-In-One vape pen requires no setup and using it is as easy as inhaling or pressing a button. The vapor is easier on the lungs and you can dose moderately by taking smaller puffs. You can also purchase a reusable, chargeable battery that uses cartridges filled with cannabis oil.

Luckily there are varieties available that have a higher or balanced CBD content compared to THC.

For those who don’t want to smoke or eat marijuana edibles

Product suggestion: sublingual tincture

Although edibles are an attractive smoke-free option, sometimes their effects can feel too intense for a cannabis beginner. In this case, try a sublingual tincture. A tincture is made with cannabis extracts in which an alcohol is used to separate terpenes and cannabinoids such as THC or CBD from the cannabis plant. Alcohol is used as the solvent and ultimately removed from the final product.

A sublingual tincture is fast-acting, so you will be able to feel its effects quickly. Although tinctures are not spoken about as much as other popular consumption methods, prior to prohibition, it was actually the most common form of medical cannabis in the US.

If you’re looking for a product that provides more medicinal effects than high effects, try a tincture that contains more CBD than THC, such as Outco’s 20:1 Tincture.

For those who want to try edibles, but don’t want to feel too high for that long

Product suggestion: low-dose edibles of 5mg or less

Microdosing has become more and more popular over the years and many brands offer products with smaller portions for a customizable experience. Microdosing is when you take tiny amounts of THC in order to receive its benefits, but not necessarily feel the intoxicating effects. Breez mints, for example, contain only 2.5mg per serving so you can really control your intake. Once you try different dosage levels with your preferred edible type, you’ll be able to determine your preferred experience. For a complete guide about cannabis edibles, check out this post.

For those who want to experience the benefits of medical cannabis without the high effects

Product suggestion: CBD capsules and topicals

CBD has gained popularity as a means to treat a variety of ailments. Some promising research has shown it to effectively treat pain, inflammation, anxiety and more without psychoactive or “high” effects. CBD products are made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting the extract with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

For more information, check out our Quick Guide to CBD.

For those who want to smoke, but don’t want cannabis that is too strong

Product suggestion: Pre-rolls or flower that are lower in THC and higher in CBD content

Cannabis strains today are much more potent than they used to be with some even pushing 30% THC content. If you’re looking for a flower strain with lower THC content, choose a strain that has a balanced ratio of THC to CBD. These mixed THC/CBD strains are perfect for someone looking to jump back into cannabis after a hiatus because they are mellow in effect. Importantly, be sure to read the labels as all producers are required to list cannabinoid content.

In closing, the best cannabis experiences come from an informed decision. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you like, which might be different from what the budtender or your friend likes. There are dozens of options from hundreds of companies. The goal is to find what works for your personal chemistry by a brand or grower that you like and can enjoy over and over again.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

All information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other materials contained on this site are for informational purposes only. No text, graphics, images or other materials on this site are intended to be professional medical advice or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you have viewed on this site.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

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