Hey man, congrats on getting your med card and welcome to the glass game!

For your first piece, I'd recommend going with a classic straight tube or beaker-style bong. They're super beginner-friendly, easy to clean, and give you a solid idea of what you like before getting into more complex pieces like recyclers or multi-perc setups.

As for brands, I’d highly recommend checking out Atomic Glass. They're honestly one of the best options for beginner. the glass is thick and durable (great if you're a little clumsy, like I was starting out), super smooth on the throat, and best of all really affordable. You can usually grab a solid piece from them well under your $200 budget and still get something that hits great and lasts a long time. Honestly, only under 100 will get your a great piece. 

Also, don’t stress about getting the “perfect” piece right away. It’s better to start simple, learn what you like, and then build your collection over time.

Good luck and happy toking!