New To, Or Rediscovering Cannabis?

February 20, 2026March 17, 2026
by admin

A low-dose, full-spectrum guide for first-timers and “welcome back” customers at The Good People Farms.

If you’re new to cannabis—or you haven’t tried it since the 1990s/early 2000’s—you’re not alone. Cannabis is showing up in more adults’ routines today, often as a “lighter” alternative to alcohol or as part of a wellness-minded lifestyle. At the same time, modern products can be much stronger and more diverse than what many people remember, so a little guidance goes a long way.

What’s New: Why More Adults Are Choosing Cannabis (and Drinking Less)

1) Daily cannabis use is now edging out daily alcohol use

A large U.S. analysis found that in 2022, about 17.7 million people used cannabis daily or near-daily, compared with 14.7 million who drank alcohol daily or near-daily. The same analysis reported that “per-capita” days of cannabis use rose 218% from 2008 to 2022 (while per-capita days of alcohol use fell).

2) Overall alcohol drinking is declining

Gallup found that 54% of U.S. adults reported drinking alcohol (July 2025), down from 62% in 2023 (an 8-point drop in two years).

3) Reported marijuana smoking has more than doubled over the last decade

Gallup reported 17% of U.S. adults said they smoke marijuana in 2023, up from 7% in 2013 (a 143% relative increase).

“Welcome Back” Since the ’90s: Why It Can Feel Different Now

Potency is higher than many people remember

A U.S. government site summarizing NIDA data notes seized cannabis averaged under 4% THC in the early 1990sand over 15% in 2018.
A peer-reviewed analysis of DEA seizures also found average THC rose from ~4% (1995) to ~12% (2014).

What that means for returning customers: start lower than you think you need—especially with edibles and concentrates.

Older Adults Are Returning Too (With Measurable Growth)

Cannabis use among older adults is rising quickly. An analysis of U.S. survey data found past-month cannabis use among adults 65+ grew from 4.8% (2021) to 7.0% (2023)—about a 46% increase in two years. Researchers also noted increased use among older adults with chronic conditions, and recommended clinicians educate older patients because age-related physiology can increase sensitivity to psychoactive substances.

Step-by-Step: How to Have a Pleasant First (or First-Again) Experience

Step 1: Pick your “lane” (fast, medium, or slow)

Inhalation (pre-rolls / vapes): effects can be felt within minutes; easier to “creep up” slowly.
Edibles & beverages: effects are delayed—commonly 30 minutes to 2 hours—and can last longer.

Step 2: Choose a true starter dose

A common “microdose” starting point for many new consumers is 2.5 mg THC or less.

Step 3: Use this first-time protocol (simple and foolproof)

If inhaling (pre-roll):

Take one small puff (a “sip,” not a big inhale).
Wait 10–15 minutes before deciding on a second puff.
Repeat only if you want more effect.

If using gummies/edibles:

Start with 1–2.5 mg THC.
Wait at least 2 hours before taking more (edibles can come on slowly).

If using a cannabis beverage:

Treat it like an edible (same delayed onset).
Start with a small portion (for a 10 mg can, many beginners do best with ¼–½ to start).
Wait 2 hours before increasing.

Step 4: Avoid the most common “bad night” triggers

Do not mix with alcohol on your first few tries.
Have food and water, and choose a low-stress setting.
Plan not to drive—impairment risk is real, and edible effects can last longer than expected.

Step 5: If you took too much

Edibles are a leading cause of overconsumption because people redose too soon. If you feel uncomfortably high: get somewhere calm, hydrate, breathe slowly, and give it time. If symptoms are severe or involve a child/pet exposure, seek urgent help—CDC notes delayed onset contributes to poisoning/serious injury risk.

Low-THC and “Full-Spectrum, Lower-Dose” Product Examples

(Availability varies by batch and by menu. Always check the package label and COA for exact potency.)

A) Low-dose inhalables (lighter, easier to titrate)

Pacific Stone “Slims Light” pre-rolls (0.35g) – marketed as a lighter option in a small-format pre-roll.
Birdies “Lights” (CBD:THC balanced pre-rolls) – commonly listed around ~7% THC with meaningful CBD (examples list ~12% CBD), designed for a gentler experience.

B) Low-dose edibles for beginners (microdose-friendly)

Kiva Petra mints (2.5 mg THC each) – a classic “starter dose” format because you can take one and stop.

C) Lower-dose THC + other cannabinoids (a “broader” experience)

Many consumers prefer low THC paired with cannabinoids like CBD/CBG/CBN for a more balanced feel.

PLUS Functional Gummies (examples):

Relief (Tart Cherry): 1 mg THC + 20 mg CBD + 5 mg CBG per gummy.
Calm (Mango): 1 mg THC + 10 mg CBD per gummy.
Uplift (Pear): 1 mg THC + 4 mg THCV per gummy.

PLUS Sleep (lower-dose option):

Dual Action Sleep Lychee: includes a formula with 1 mg THC + 2 mg CBN + 3 mg CBD per piece (a very “new/returning consumer” friendly ratio).

D) Beverages (start with a portion, not the whole can)

VOILA Sparkling Water (10 mg THC) – commonly listed as a low-dose cannabis beverage; for many new consumers, the best experience comes from sipping ¼–½ first and waiting.

Important Disclaimers (Please Read)

Education only: This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Talk to a professional: If you have a health condition, take prescription medications, or are pregnant/breastfeeding, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis. Older adults may be more sensitive to psychoactive substances, and researchers recommend clinician screening/education as use increases.
Start low, go slow: Especially with edibles and beverages due to delayed onset and longer duration.
Impairment: Do not drive or operate machinery after using THC; edible effects can last longer than expected.