In regards to finding some bud, it sounds like you are doing the right thing for a cannabis newbie. Asking your friends is a good way to start, I know I don't speak for everyone but new cannabis smokers are always a pleasure to be around. Seems like many of us love taking you newbies under our guiding wings, it stresses the whole brotherhood/sisterhood aspect of cannabis. Ask your friend how you can find some weed, they may even offer to snag some for you when they pick up (as it sounds like they are now). Just becareful, I would never advise asking random people on the streets or even just random friends you know unless they smoke, a lot of people are not as open minded about smoking as you are, and it's a shame but they may try and get you in trouble (over a plant).

Secondly,
I agree with everyone who stresses moderation while smoking when you eventually do get some bud.

I've gone from smoking around 4 blunts a day (a huge waste imo) to about a joint a day (not even huge joints either, just a bit shy of 1/2 a gram in one o.O). After taking a break my tolerence decreased and I've been trying not to overload it. Smoking just 1/2 of a joint will get me moderately to very stoned and I'm quite comfortable with that. I guess the reason I am stressing this is because I can make an eigth last me a week (and a couple days if I dip into my roaches, but they are for emergencies), or a quater can last me two weeks.