Start Low, Go Slow: What I Tell Every First-Timer (and Plenty of Regulars)

By Norman Yousif, CEO of Off The Charts

If I could put one sentence on the wall of every dispensary, it would be "start low, go slow." It's old advice, and it's still the most useful thing anyone can hear before they try cannabis. Almost every bad experience I've heard about came down to taking too much, too fast.

Why it matters more than people think

Products today are more potent and more varied than they used to be. A single edible, a concentrate and a pre-roll can feel completely different, even when the numbers on the label look similar. Your own body matters too: your tolerance, what you've eaten, how much you slept, and your mood that day all change the experience.

So the goal isn't to find "the right dose" once and for all. It's to learn what works for you, today, with this product.

Starting low, in practice

• Edibles: Many people do well starting at 2.5 to 5 mg of THC. That can feel small, but it's a sensible starting point, especially if you're new or coming back after a long break.
• Inhalables: Take one or two small puffs, then stop and wait. Don't chase the effect.
• Newer products: If you're trying a new format, treat yourself as a beginner again, even if you're experienced with another.

Why "slow" is the part people skip

Timing is where most mistakes happen. Inhaled cannabis usually shows its effects within minutes, but edibles can take an hour or two to kick in. When nothing seems to be happening, it's tempting to take more. Then both doses arrive together. If you've taken an edible, give it a full two hours before deciding you need more. If you're not sure, wait.

Ask questions before you buy

A good budtender is one of the best resources you have. Tell them your experience level, what you're hoping to feel, and what you'd like to avoid. Ask about the cannabinoid ratio (THC to CBD), the onset time, and how long the effects usually last. A good consultation takes a few minutes and can save you a rough evening. At our shops, we want our team to be teachers, not just sales staff.

Set up the experience, too

Dose isn't the only thing that shapes how a session goes. A comfortable place, water and snacks nearby, and no plans or driving ahead all make a difference. If you're trying something new, do it somewhere you feel relaxed, ideally with a trusted friend around.

This is part of why I'm excited about where the industry is going. At Off The Charts West Hollywood, we've started delivery, so you can try things at home, where you're most comfortable. And lounges like Private Reserve give people a safe, social, well-supervised place to enjoy cannabis. Different settings suit different people, and having options is a good thing.

Keep notes

This is where I think apps like JointSesh are really useful. When you write down what you took, how much, and how it felt, you build your own reference. After a few sessions you'll know what suits you, and what to avoid. It beats guessing, and it's the most reliable way to dial in what works for you.

The bottom line

Cannabis should make your life better, not leave you wishing you'd paced yourself. Start low, go slow, ask questions, and pay attention to how you feel. You can always take more, but you can't take less.

Always consume responsibly, never drive after using cannabis, and keep products secured and away from children and pets. Cannabis is for adults 21+.