Thanks all for the thoughtful and helpful replies!

I agree with those who said that if I don't like it, I don't have to do it. The problem with that is - if it's not this, I have nothing available. I would have a really hard time doing absolutely nothing while my boyfriend does. I think I would be okay not using anything if I were single or with someone who didn't do any substances, but because he does I would like to have something I can enjoy too. Up until now alcohol is what did it for me on the weekend but now I would really like to eliminate it.

I will try smoking less when I do and take longer between hits. I think that I may take too much at once and then get all the bad effects. I may have to do it more frequently too in order to adjust.

Are there any strands out there I can look for which you think might be easier on a beginner? I know the stuff he has is really strong but I don't think that's what I need right now. Are there any of them that produce more of the quiet and calming effects and less of the harsh anxiety and shakes effects?

I was thinking that maybe if I got a bong it would be more mild than out of a pipe but my bf said he used all sorts of equipment (except vaporizor) and none of them make much difference.

And he's not a wimp per se... like many men he can't take much physical discomfort . When he gets a cold, it's the end of the world!

Thanks all!