If you're brand new to cannabis, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to start with sativa or indica. Friends will have opinions, online forums will have louder ones and the menu will have dozens of choices. Take a breath. There's no single "right" first strain, but there is a smart way to approach it.

Here's a step-by-step guide to choosing your first strain.

Step by step

1. Think about when you'll try it. If it's a quiet evening at home, many beginners find an indica or indica-leaning hybrid a comfortable start. If it's a relaxed weekend afternoon with a trusted friend, a gentle sativa or balanced hybrid could suit you.
2. Think about how you feel in general. If you're prone to feeling anxious or restless, consider starting with indica, a balanced hybrid or a CBD-rich product rather than a strong sativa. Some people find high-THC sativa a little racy.
3. Choose moderate strength. More important than sativa vs indica is THC level. Look for moderate THC, or a product with some CBD for a gentler experience.
4. Read the descriptions. When you compare sativa vs indica options at Kush Station, product details and customer reviews help you spot beginner-friendly strains.
5. Consider a pre-roll. If you don't know how to roll, a single pre-roll is the easiest way to start.
6. Start with a tiny amount. One small puff, then wait. Effects from smoking usually appear within minutes and build. You can always have more, but you can't take it back.
7. Be extra careful with edibles. They take much longer to kick in and last longer. Start low, go slow and be patient.
8. Take notes. Write down what you tried and how it felt. Next time, you'll know whether to try the other type.

Setting yourself up for success

• Try it at home or somewhere familiar.
• Have water and snacks ready.
• Have a trusted friend around.
• Don't mix with alcohol.
• Never drive or go to work afterwards.
• If you take medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

If it's too much

It passes. Sit somewhere comfortable, drink water, have a snack, put on familiar music or a show and breathe slowly. Next time, choose a milder strain or take less.

Why beginners like Kush Station

Kush Station is a Canadian-owned online shop based in Burnaby, BC, with sativa, indica and hybrid strains from multiple BC farms, graded as craft, AAAA, AAA, AA and popcorn. Budtenders are available daily from 6 AM to 6 PM PST, live chat runs seven days a week and email support is at help@kushstation.co. Tell them it's your first time and they'll suggest something gentle.

Orders ship by Canada Post Xpresspost to every province, usually within one to three business days, with tracking, in plain, non-revealing packaging packed to contain odours.

Start with a bonus

Cannabis is for adults only, so make sure you meet your province's minimum age. Sign up with Kush Station to get $30 in Kush Points, then try a small sativa and a small indica to see which you prefer.