Smooth, Mellow Options to Start Your Cannabis Journey
Getting started with cannabis can feel overwhelming. Between strain names that sound like indie rock bands and terms like “indica-dominant hybrid” or “full-spectrum vape,” there’s a lot to take in. But at Torches NYC, we keep things simple and approachable. If you’re new to cannabis, the best place to start is with strains known for being smooth, balanced, and easy to enjoy.
What Makes a Strain Good for Beginners?
When you’re trying cannabis for the first time—or easing back into it after a break—you want something that offers clarity, calm, and comfort. Strains that are too intense can lead to racing thoughts, couch lock, or dry mouth so bad it feels like your tongue is made of Velcro. That’s why we recommend:
- Low to moderate THC: Strains in the 15–20% THC range are usually a safe bet. They give you a noticeable experience without sending you into orbit.
- Balanced hybrids or gentle indicas: These tend to offer mellow body relaxation with just enough mental uplift. Great for easing into the experience without full sedation.
- Friendly terpene profiles: Look for strains high in limonene, myrcene, or caryophyllene—compounds that can promote calm, mood-lifting effects without feeling too heady.
- Pre-rolls or flower over concentrates: Smoking or vaping flower is easier to control and dose. Concentrates can be overwhelming for first-timers.
And now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about what to do when you’re ready to try cannabis for the first time.
Tips and Tricks for Trying Cannabis for the First Time
Start low and go slow. Microdosing is the way to go—especially with edibles. Start with 2.5mg of THC (or even less), or take one or two small hits if you’re smoking. Give it time. With smoking, wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before deciding if you want more. For edibles, be patient and wait up to two full hours before taking a second dose.
Pick a product you can control. Edibles that come in pieces you can easily split—or pre-rolls that can be puffed and paused—make it easier to manage your experience. Concentrates, dabs, and high-potency vapes are way too much for a first timer. Skip those for now.
Indica vs. Sativa matters—sort of. Indicas are known for body relaxation and are often associated with nighttime or winding down. Sativas are more associated with daytime energy and sociability. Hybrids are in between. While these labels aren’t exact science, they’re still a useful guideline for choosing how you want to feel.
Think about where you are and who you’re with. Your setting plays a huge role in how your first experience goes. Try cannabis somewhere familiar, like home, with people you trust. Want to be more social? Choose a mellow, uplifting strain and enjoy it around a small group of good friends.
Plan for the “just in case.” If you accidentally overdo it, stay calm—it’ll pass. Drink water. Grab a snack. Lie down or take a shower. Distractions help, and so does being in a comfortable space. Most people bounce back in an hour or two.
Beginner-Friendly Strains at Torches NYC
Pina Colada x Strawpaya Gummies
These live resin gummies bring a tropical twist with a balanced sativa high that lifts your mood without overwhelming your senses.
Why it works for beginners:
Each gummy has a measured dose, so it’s easy to control your intake. The sativa effects are light and upbeat, great for easing into edibles.
Blue Dream
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid | THC: ~18–20%
Blue Dream is one of the most popular strains for a reason. It delivers a gentle head high that boosts mood and creativity while offering light body relaxation.
Why it works for beginners:
This strain is like dipping your toes into a pool instead of cannonballing in. The balance between head and body effects makes it a good daytime option for newbies who don’t want to feel groggy or overstimulated.
Harney Brothers | Spicy Pound Town Tea
Edible (Tea) | 50mg THC
This flavorful tea delivers a smooth, body-centered high. It’s great for easing into cannabis without smoking or vaping.
Why it works for beginners:
It’s easy to sip and self-regulate, with effects that come on gently. A great pick for new users who want a mellow experience in a familiar format.
Northern Lights
Indica | THC: ~16–20%
A legendary strain that’s still beginner-friendly, Northern Lights brings on a warm, cozy calm without the brain fog. It’s like a weighted blanket in flower form.
Why it works for beginners:
This strain is ideal for relaxing at home after a long day. The THC levels are manageable, the high is predictable, and it helps new users find their footing without getting too deep into the cannabis pool.
Final Thoughts
Everyone starts somewhere. The key to enjoying cannabis as a beginner is picking the right strain, setting, and dose. Whether you’re looking to wind down, laugh with friends, or just feel a little lighter, the right strain can ease you into the experience the right way.
At Torches NYC, we stock a wide range of beginner-friendly strains at our Midtown Manhattan dispensary—12 E 42nd Street—so you can start slow and find what works for you. Swing by or check our live menu online to learn more.