Flying High (But Not Too High): Figure Out Your Ideal Edible Dosage
If you want potent, long-lasting effects from cannabis, there’s no better way to get there than with edibles. Because the cannabinoids in cannabis are metabolized differently with edibles, it’s an amazingly efficient way to access all the plant’s medical benefits.
But eating instead of smoking can also make it harder to find the right amount to take. Like many things in the world of weed, calculating the ideal edible dosage involves a bit of trial and error.
If you want to explore the world of edibles more, here’s what you need to know about edible dosage and getting started with these tasty treats.
Edible Dosage: A Different Way of Processing Cannabis
As you probably already know, THC is the cannabinoid responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive “high.” When we consume cannabis in edible form, it’s processed by our liver instead of our lungs. The upshot is that the effects tend to come on slower—in some cases up to three hours for full effect!—and be more powerful and long-lasting compared with smoked or vaped cannabis.
So, how much should we take?
Every edible we sell at CCC is prominently labeled with the amount of THC in each individual unit, denoted in milligrams (mg). And while everyone’s metabolism is a little different, cannabis researchers and clinicians have developed fairly accurate guidelines as to what kind of effect each edible dosage of THC will have on our bodies.
THC Dosage: 1 – 2.5 mg
Expected Effects: Mild relief of symptoms including pain, stress, and anxiety; heightened focus and creativity.
Great for: First-time consumers, or more experienced consumers looking to microdose cannabis.
THC Dosage: 2.5 – 15 mg
Expected Effects: Stronger relief of symptoms; euphoria; impaired coordination and perception.
Great for: Stubborn symptoms not affected by smaller doses; treatment for insomnia.
THC Dosage: 30 – 50 mg
Expected Effects: Strong euphoria; significantly impaired coordination and perception.
Great for: Those consumers with a high tolerance for THC, or whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.
THC Dosage: 50 – 100 mg
Expected Effects: Seriously impaired coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea and increased heart rate.
Great for: Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions.
Edible Dosage: Start Slow and Go Low
Our guidelines should be a useful starting point, but they’re only a rough guide. Because everyone’s body and metabolism are unique, we all respond a bit differently to edible dosages. And because the effects of edibles last longer than inhaled cannabis, it’s especially important to follow a time-tested piece of advice: “Start slow, go low.”
When you’re learning how your body reacts to cannabis edible, start by taking a lower dose than you might normally, and remember: Wait at least two hours before taking any more!
If the effects feel too strong, chill. Though what you’re feeling—sensations like nausea, paranoia or a racing heart rate—aren’t much fun, they’re rarely dangerous, and they will pass soon.
Here’s a tip if you’re just starting to dial in your edible dosage: Take 2 or 3 equally low doses separated by at least 8 – 24 hours between each. It will take you a bit longer to dial in your perfect dosage, but it’s preferable to the discomfort of having too much!
Do you have other questions about edible dosages? Reach out. We’re here to help you out!
