Why Some People Don’t Get High the First Time They Smoke

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
  2. The Top Reasons Why Some People Don’t Get High Their First Time
  • 1. Inhalation Mistakes (Not Doing It Right)
    2. THC Needs to Build Up in Your System
    3. Your Body’s Natural THC Tolerance
    4. Low-Quality or Weak Weed
    5. Your Brain’s Endocannabinoid System Needs to “Activate”
    6. Anxiety & Overthinking Can Block the High
  3. How to Make Sure You Get High Next Time
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Conclusion

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Key Takeaways

• Many first-time smokers don’t inhale properly, preventing THC from being absorbed.
• Some people need to build up THC receptors before feeling strong effects.
• The endocannabinoid system plays a role—for some, it takes time to “activate.”
• Low-quality weed or incorrect consumption methods can lead to a weak experience.
• Relaxing, inhaling correctly, and using potent strains can help first-timers feel the high.

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1. Introduction

So, you tried smoking weed for the first time, expecting an out-of-this-world experience… but then nothing happened. What gives?

Many first-time cannabis users don’t feel high at all, which can be confusing and disappointing. But don’t worry—you’re not the only one.

In this article, we’ll break down why some people don’t get high the first time they smoke and how to make sure you feel it next time.

2. The Top Reasons Why Some People Don’t Get High Their First Time

1. Inhalation Mistakes (Not Doing It Right)

One of the most common reasons first-timers don’t get high is not inhaling properly.

💨 What Happens?

• Many people hold the smoke in their mouth instead of inhaling it into their lungs.
• Without proper inhalation, THC doesn’t enter the bloodstream, so it never reaches the brain.

🔥 How to Fix It:
✔ Take a slow, deep inhale—hold for 2–3 seconds, then exhale.
✔ Imagine breathing in through a straw—this ensures the smoke reaches your lungs.
✔ Try smoking with an experienced friend who can guide you.

💡 Tip: Vaping or edibles can be easier alternatives for first-timers who struggle with inhaling smoke.

2. THC Needs to Build Up in Your System

Some people need multiple sessions before they actually feel high.

🧠 Why Does This Happen?

• Your body has a natural system of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) that interact with THC.
• If you’ve never consumed cannabis before, your body may take a few tries to “recognize” THC.

📌 Scientific Evidence:
A study on first-time cannabis users found that regular cannabis consumers had significantly more CB1 receptor activation than new users, meaning it may take time for your body to adjust to THC.

🔥 How to Fix It:
✔ Try smoking again on a different day—your body might respond better the second or third time.
✔ Use a strain with higher THC content for a stronger effect.

3. Your Body’s Natural THC Tolerance

Did you know that some people are naturally resistant to THC?

🧬 Genetics Play a Role

• Some people have fewer CB1 receptors, making them less sensitive to THC.
• Others have naturally high tolerance levels, similar to how some people handle alcohol better than others.

🔥 How to Fix It:
✔ Try consuming a slightly higher dose (but not too much—start slow!).
✔ Experiment with different cannabis strains to find what works for you.

4. Low-Quality or Weak Weed

Not all weed is created equal—bad weed = bad experience.

🌿 Common Issues with Weak Weed:

• Old, dried-out cannabis loses potency over time.
• Low-THC strains might not be strong enough for new users.
• Improper storage can cause THC to degrade.

🔥 How to Fix It:
✔ Buy from a trusted dispensary or grower.
✔ Ask for high-THC strains like Godfather OG, Bruce Banner, or Gelato.
✔ Store weed properly in an airtight container away from heat and light.

5. Your Brain’s Endocannabinoid System Needs to “Activate”

Think of your endocannabinoid system (ECS) like a switchboard for THC.

🧠 How It Works:

• Your ECS has receptors that interact with cannabinoids like THC.
• If you’ve never consumed cannabis before, your ECS may take time to fully activate.
• Some scientists believe that first-time users experience “THC resistance” because their ECS isn’t fully adjusted yet.

🔥 How to Fix It:
✔ Try microdosing over a few sessions—low doses train your ECS to recognize THC.
✔ Combine THC with CBD or terpenes like limonene, which help activate ECS receptors.

6. Anxiety & Overthinking Can Block the High

If you’re nervous, anxious, or overanalyzing the experience, your brain might block the effects of THC.

🛑 Why This Happens:

• Anxiety keeps your brain too active, making it harder to notice the effects.
• Some people focus too much on “waiting to feel high” instead of just relaxing and enjoying the moment.

🔥 How to Fix It:
✔ Smoke in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
✔ Listen to music, watch a funny movie, or chill with friends.
✔ Try strains with calming terpenes like myrcene (Granddaddy Purple) or linalool (Lavender Kush).

💡 Tip: If you feel anxious, take deep breaths and drink water—it helps ground you.

3. How to Make Sure You Get High Next Time

Here’s a checklist to make sure your next session works:

✅ Use Proper Inhalation – Make sure you’re pulling the smoke into your lungs, not just your mouth.
✅ Try Again Another Day – Some people don’t feel it the first time, but they do the second or third.
✅ Choose a High-THC Strain – Look for strains above 20% THC for stronger effects.
✅ Smoke in a Relaxed Setting – Being comfortable and calm helps you enjoy the high more.
✅ Consider Edibles or Vapes – If smoking doesn’t work, try edibles or THC vape pens.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many times does it take to feel high for the first time?
A: Some people feel high on the first try, while others need 2–3 sessions before they notice effects.

Q: Is it possible to be immune to weed?
A: Very rare, but some people have low sensitivity to THC due to genetics.

Q: Why do some people get super high on their first time, while others don’t?
A: It depends on THC dosage, inhalation technique, and individual brain chemistry.

Q: Can you get high faster with edibles instead of smoking?
A: Not necessarily—edibles take longer to kick in (30–90 minutes), but their effects last much longer.

5. Conclusion

Not getting high your first time smoking is completely normal—but now you know why!

✔ Inhaling properly, choosing high-THC strains, and relaxing can all help.
✔ Some people need a few sessions before THC starts working in their system.
✔ Try again with better weed, proper inhalation, and a comfortable setting.

Ever had a first-time smoking experience where you felt nothing? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🔥