Ready to start smoking weed? If you don’t know where to begin, this guide will help you get started.
Find out the basics of how to smoke marijuana in a joint, a pipe, or a bong and also where to store your weed to keep it fresh.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
- Prepare Before You Smoke: Get everything you need, and pick a safe, comfortable spot to smoke.
- Inhale and Exhale Properly: Inhale the smoke, hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.
- Know Your Limits: Start with a small amount, especially if you’re new. Be patient, as it can take up minutes to feel high.
Preparing to Smoke

Before you start smoking, it’s essential to prepare yourself and get the necessary stuff and information to have a safe and enjoyable high.
What You’ll Need
To start smoking, you’ll need a few essential things, such as:
- Grinder
- Rolling Papers
- Pipe
- Bong
- Lighter
Next, let’s break them down to the basics.
Check our guide on the best weed for focus.
How to Roll and Smoke a Joint
Smoking a joint is one of the most popular ways to smoke weed. A joint is a cannabis cigarette rolled in paper but without any nicotine. You can also buy pre-rolled joints, but many people prefer rolling their own.
Here is how to do it:
- Grind the Cannabis: Start by grinding up the cannabis buds using a grinder, but if you don’t have one, breaking it up by hand works, too.
- Make a Filter: Roll a small piece of stiff paper into a tight filter. This helps the joint from clogging.
- Choose Your Rolling Paper: Pick your rolling paper. Options are different, from rice papers to hemp papers. Each has a slightly different feel and burn rate.
- Fill the Paper: Hold the rolling paper in one hand, place the filter in the right or left end, and sprinkle the ground cannabis evenly.
- Roll the Joint: Start by gently rolling the paper between your fingers to shape the joint. Once it’s taking form, tuck in the edge of the paper and roll it up, then twist and seal the joint.
- Light and Smoke: Now you’re ready to smoke. Light the end of the joint while inhaling. Hold the smoke for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.
Smoking a joint is all about enjoying your weed and getting high. With a little practice, rolling will become really easy, and you’ll be able to enjoy the whole process from start to finish.
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How to Smoke a Pipe
Smoking weed from a pipe is one of the simplest and easiest ways to get high. A pipe is a small device with a bowl at one end where you pack your cannabis. Pipes come in different designs, usually made from glass, and are easy to carry around.
Here’s how to smoke a pipe:
1. Grind Your Weed: Break up the cannabis into small pieces using a grinder or your fingers.
2. Pack the Bowl: Fill the pipe’s bowl with ground weed. Pack it not too tight so you get good airflow.
3. Light the Bowl: Use a lighter to spark the weed in the bowl. While lighting, place your lips on the mouthpiece.
4. Inhale Slowly: Take a puff. Let the smoke fill your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs.
5. Exhale: Exhale the smoke gently.
This method is super easy and lets you enjoy your weed with no effort.
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How to Smoke a Bong
Smoking weed from a bong gives you a smoother, cooler hit thanks to the water filtration. Here’s how to do it in simple steps:
1. Fill the Bong with Water: Pour some water into the bong, but not too much so that it doesn’t splash into your mouth.
2. Grind Your Weed: Break up your weed into fine pieces.
3. Pack the Bowl: Pack the ground weed into the bowl. Ensure it’s tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it blocks the airflow.
4. Light the Bowl: Hold the bong steady, put your mouth on the mouthpiece, and light the bowl. As you light it, gently inhale the smoke.
5. Inhale the Smoke: Once you have enough smoke, remove the bowl from the bong and inhale the smoke.
6. Exhale: Hold the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds, then exhale. Repeat as needed until you’re satisfied with the high.
Remember to clean your bong and replace the water before each session to keep things fresh and enjoyable.
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Other Things to Know

Besides smoking, there are a few other key things to keep in mind: how much weed to smoke, how long the high will last, what to do if you get too high, and how to store your weed to keep it fresh.
How much should I smoke?
Knowing how much weed to smoke depends on a few things, like your experience, the strain you’re using, and how your body reacts.
If you’re new to smoking weed, it’s best to start small. Take a couple of puffs, and then wait about 10 minutes to see how you feel.
If you think you need more, you can take a few more puffs, but it’s important to go slow. Some strains are stronger than others, so taking it slow helps you avoid getting too high too quickly.
Remember, everyone reacts differently to weed.
How long will it take to feel high?
When you smoke weed, the high usually kicks in pretty quickly—typically within 2 to 10 minutes.
Here’s what affects how fast you feel it:
- How You Do It: Smoking gets THC into your bloodstream fast, so the high comes on immediately. Eating an edible takes longer—anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours—because your body has to digest it first.
- Your Tolerance: If you smoke regularly, you might need more weed to feel high. If it’s your first time, you’ll probably feel it faster and stronger.
- Strain of Weed: The strain matters. Indica strains usually give a chill body high, Sativa strains a mental high, and Hybrid strains give a mix of both. Each type can affect how quickly and intensely you feel the high.
- Your Body: Things like your weight, metabolism, and whether you’ve eaten recently can change how quickly you feel high.
What to Do if You Get Too High?
If you get too high and feel uncomfortable, don’t worry, it happens. Just focus on chilling out and feeling better. Find a cozy spot, drink some water, and try to distract yourself with something calming.
We’ve all been there—it’s easy to get overwhelmed sometimes. The key is to have a plan to get through it.
Start by creating a safe space. Maybe dim the lights or play some chill music for a nice vibe.
If you ever get too high and start feeling weird, chewing on a black pepper seed can actually help.
Black pepper contains piperine, the same ingredient found in chili powder and cayenne pepper. Piperine has been shown to help relieve nausea, headaches, and poor digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
So, if you’re feeling too high or a bit nauseous, try chewing on a black pepper seed.
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How to Store Your Weed?
To make sure that your stash of weed lasts and maintains its quality, it’s a must to store it properly. The best places to store weed are:
- Cool and Dry Places: Store your weed in a cool, dark place such as a closet, drawer, or dark corner to keep your cannabis fresh.
- Airtight Containers: Use glass jars with rubber seals or specialized weed storage containers to prevent oxygen exposure and degradation.
- Consistent Temperature Areas: Maintain a consistent temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) to avoid moisture buildup and mold growth.
- Proper Humidity: Keep relative humidity around 59-63% using humidity packs to prevent mold and brittleness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does weed make my mouth dry?
Weed makes your mouth dry because it decreases saliva production, so keep water or a drink handy when you smoke.
Can you build a tolerance to weed?
Yes, you can build a tolerance to weed, meaning you’ll need more over time to feel the same effects.
How do I know if weed is good quality?
Good quality weed has a strong smell, a vibrant color, and is sticky. Avoid weed that looks dry or has a lot of stems and seeds.
Can you overdose on weed?
No, you can’t overdose on weed, but smoking too much can make you feel really uncomfortable or sick. If you’re feeling too high or a bit nauseous, try chewing on a black pepper seed.
How do I avoid munchies after smoking?
To avoid munchies, try eating a healthy meal before you smoke or have a healthy snack.
Why do different strains smell and taste different?
Different strains smell and taste differently because of their terpenes, which give them distinct aromas and flavors.