My First Time Getting High Was Almost My Last
A core memory no one forgets? Their first time getting high. For me, it was… traumatic.
A week earlier, I had taken edibles and felt nothing. So the next week, determined to feel something, I tried again. I picked up a giant Rice Krispy treat — no dosage check, no research, just vibes. I ate a whole square (75mg), convinced it wouldn’t hit me.
Well, it did.
What started as fun quickly turned to horror: nausea, spinning, visions like a haunted kaleidoscope. I threw up for hours, curled up in a bathroom, twitching like I was possessed. I genuinely thought I was dying.
The next day, I swore off cannabis forever.
Spoiler alert: that didn’t last long.
What Are Edibles, Exactly?
Edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabinoids like THC (gets you high) or CBD (non-intoxicating). Think:
- Gummies
- Chocolates
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Cannabis drinks
But here’s the important part: they don’t hit like smoking or vaping.
Here’s the science behind it:
| Method | How It Works | Onset Time | Duration |
| Smoking/Vaping | THC enters lungs → bloodstream | 1–10 mins | 1–3 hrs |
| Edibles | Digested → metabolized by liver → converted to 11-hydroxy-THC | 30–120 mins | 4–8+ hrs |
Fun fact: 11-hydroxy-THC is more potent than regular THC — which is why edibles hit harder and longer.
Dosing Edibles: How Much Should You Take?
Dosing is tricky because everyone’s tolerance is different. Here’s a quick guide:
| Dose (mg THC) | Experience Level | Typical Effects |
| 1–2.5mg | Total beginners | Subtle relaxation |
| 2.5–5mg | New users | Mild euphoria, chill |
| 5–10mg | Occasional users | Stronger body high |
| 10–25mg | Experienced | Time distortion, anxiety risk |
| 25mg+ | High tolerance | Intense effects, use caution |
Pro Tip: Start low, go slow. You can always take more. You can’t untake an edible.
What I Wish I Knew Before My First Edible
1. The High Comes in Waves
You might feel nothing… then everything. Wait 2 hours before redosing.
2. Set & Setting Matter
Don’t take an edible in a chaotic space or if you’re anxious. I now treat it like a ritual: clean space, good music, water, and snacks.
3. Bad Trips Suck — But You’ll Be Okay
Greening out feels like death, but it isn’t. Stay hydrated, breathe, and distract yourself. CBD can help balance out the high.
4. Don’t Be Bold, But Don’t Be Scared
Respect the plant — but don’t fear it. You’re here to learn. Go slow, and you’ll be fine.
Types of Edibles: Which One Is Right for You?
Gummies
Most popular. Easy to dose, beginner-friendly. Start with half of a 5mg gummy.
Chocolates & Baked Goods
Delicious, but harder to portion if homemade. Buy lab-tested products when possible.
Cannabis Drinks
Social and discreet. Some drinks kick in faster due to nano-emulsification.
Nano-emulsification: A process that breaks THC into tiny particles for faster absorption. That’s why some cannabis drinks hit in 20–30 mins.
Top Tips for a Better Edible Experience
- Eat first: A light meal helps with absorption and avoids surprises.
- Hydrate: Water is your best friend.
- Prep your vibe: Music, cozy clothes, chill environment.
- Avoid mixing: Especially with alcohol.
- Use a trip-sitter: First time? Have someone you trust nearby.
Common Edible Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Taking too much too soon
→ Start with 2.5mg–5mg, max.
Mistake #2: Impatient redosing
→ Wait at least 2 hours.
Mistake #3: Not reading the label
→ Check the mg amount per serving — not per package.
Mistake #4: Mixing with alcohol
→ Don’t. Just… don’t.
Still Curious? Here’s Where to Go Next
Want to learn more about:
- How to pick the best gummy?
- My favorite CBD:THC blends?
- What’s up with indica vs. sativa?
- How to make cannabutter?
Check out the Edibles and CBD & Wellness sections of this blog.
Final Thoughts: Edibles Aren’t Scary — They Just Need Respect
Cannabis edibles can be amazing. They’re powerful, long-lasting, and therapeutic — but only if you understand how to use them.
I wish I had this guide before my first edible. If it helps you avoid the same mistakes I made, I’ll consider it a win.
Thanks for reading — and welcome to Baked & Balanced.
Let’s get baked… and stay balanced.
– Devon
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