The cannabis consumables market has grown significantly in recent years due to policy changes and industry advancements. Cannabis cooking has become so popular that there are weed-themed cooking competition shows on Netflix and Hulu.

However, the surge in the popularity of cannabis cooking and consumables raises some concerns. Many of us are curious about the optimal THC dosage for edibles, and there is far too little authoritative guidance on how to use these potent plant products.

You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn about edible dosing. While there is no “one size fits all” answer for the appropriate edible THC dosage, our guide will give you a good idea of what amount will best serve your specific needs and goals. Ready? Let’s get started!

THC Dosage in Edibles

Because of the various ways, the body breaks down cannabis, how we consume it has a significant impact on how our bodies process it. If you’ve ever smoked or vaped cannabis, you know how quickly the effects kick in (typically in under ten minutes) as the active cannabinoids pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream.

When we eat THC, the cannabinoids are processed through the stomach and liver, resulting in a different experience than smoking or vaping. For starters, edibles’ onset (or time until effects are felt) is significantly longer, often lasting 60 – 90 minutes. For another, the edible experience can last up to 12 hours, as opposed to 1 to 3 hours when smoking or vaping. Finally, compared to a comparable amount of smoked or vaped THC, the subjective experience is more potent.

Because of these significant differences, people frequently unintentionally consume an excessive amount of an edible dosage. A longer onset time often fools people into thinking the cannabis isn’t working or that they didn’t take enough, leading them to take more. Then, they realize they’ve had far too much when it finally takes effect!

With that in mind, let’s get into some specifics about edible dosage so you know exactly what to expect, from a microdose to 100 mg and beyond.

How Much THC Should I Eat in an Edible?

Again, as with everything in the cannabis world, there is no one simple answer. On the other hand, this chart detailing specific edible dosages should provide clear guidance.

1 – 5mg THC Dosage

This is generally considered the smallest edible THC dosage. This makes it ideal for both beginners and those of us who prefer to microdose. Microdosing is best accomplished by taking a minimal dose (less than 5 mg).

We should experience mild relief from pain, stress, anxiety, and other symptoms at this level. Some customers report increased creativity as well as improved conversation skills.

5 – 15mg THC Dosage

You will likely experience stronger symptom relief or altered perception at this edible THC dosage level. And, depending on the amount of THC—the cannabinoid most responsible for the “high” produced by the cannabis plant—this dose is where most users experience a heightened sense of euphoria. Along with increased symptom relief, you may experience slight coordination impairment and a shift in your perception of time.

Anything less than 15 mg is a good choice for assisting with sleep issues (especially with Indica-dominant strains). In contrast, more energizing Sativa-dominant strains can lead to increased social interaction in some people.

15 – 30mg THC Dosage

We advise inexperienced consumers to exercise caution when consuming edible THC dosage more significant than 15 mg. New users may begin to experience paranoia or unpleasant side effects at this level, whereas seasoned users enjoy the increased euphoria and relaxation that comes with this dose. This dose is also suitable for medical patients who have developed tolerance to lower doses.

30 – 50mg THC Dosage

Most consumers experience impaired coordination and altered perception at this THC dosage range. However, edible dosages of this level can help medical patients who have difficulty absorbing cannabinoids into their GI tract—many consumers with a natural or developed tolerance to THC experience strong subjective effects in this range.

50 – 100 mg THC

This level is for those who have a lot of THC experience. Even seasoned users can experience adverse side effects such as paranoia and rapid heart rate. At this stage, coordination is almost always impaired. This level of edible THC dosage may be beneficial for cancer patients and those suffering from inflammatory disorders.

THC concentrations greater than 100 mg

This level of edible dosage is only for the most experienced users. It is only for those who have previously taken high levels of edible dosages and is often referred to as a “heroic dose.” We believe that most consumers do not require anything more than 100 mg in a single dose, whether for recreational or medical purposes.

A Little Goes a Long Way in Edible THC Dosage

It’s important to remember that everyone is unique. While one of us may feel well-medicated after taking 5 mg, another may not feel much at all. Therefore, it is critical, especially for newer users, to take your edible dosage slowly.

Begin small and gradually increase from there. For example, if you take 2.5 mg and don’t feel anything after 2 hours, take another 2.5 mg. Always follow the edible dosage instructions on the package.

Also, remember that this list is only for THC, and edibles containing THC and CBD may affect you differently. Why? That’s because clinical studies (and anecdotal evidence) show that CBD helps to reduce the psychoactivity associated with too much THC. It’s as if the cannabis plant has its own “emergency brake” to ensure the experience isn’t too intense!

THC Dosage For Your First Edibles

Are you ready to try your first edible? Here are some fundamental steps to get you started.

Begin with 5 milligrams of THC.

Whether you’ve been using cannabis for a long time or are just starting, your first time trying edibles should always begin with a low dosage. Remember that everyone’s body metabolizes edibles differently, so it’s better to start with a low dose than a high one. A 5 mg edible is an excellent starting point for a first-time edible user with a low tolerance.

Step 2: Allow At Least One Hour

Being patient is one of the most important things to remember when taking an edible. Many people don’t know what to expect when they try their first edible, so they don’t realize they may have to wait a little longer for them to take effect. Many first-timers inadvertently underestimate the potency of their edibles because they haven’t started working in a certain amount of time, so they take more. This frequently results in an overdose, which can cause euphoria, anxiety, or drowsiness. To avoid this, always wait at least an hour, if not two, before taking another edible, even if you believe your first dose was insufficient.

Step 3: Don’t Worry If The Side Effects Are Severe.

For those new to cannabis, edibles can have potent, intense effects, especially if you start with a higher dose. While some may enjoy the intensity of these effects, others may seek simple stress relief. It is critical to maintaining your cool. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, visualize a wave of calm washing over you. Though it may be tempting to panic about the sensation you get from edibles simply because it is novel, take a step back, take a deep breath, and relax. You may find it much easier to enjoy your edible’s strong effects.

Many people are unaware that CBD can help alleviate some of the unpleasant effects of cannabis edibles. Keep a CBD tincture on hand as you experiment with edibles and the best dosage for your routine.

Step 4: Try Once More

Again, patience is the key to using edibles effectively. Even if the dosage is the same, not every edible will work the same or last the same amount of time. This is because different edibles may use a different strain of cannabis, which produces distinct effects. When using an edible for the first time, find a strain that produces the desired effects that you want, then increase your dosage slightly. If you believe your edible needed to be stronger previously, it is always a good idea to increase your dosages in small increments. For example, if you tried a 5 mg edible and didn’t feel much of a difference, starting with two 5 mg doses or one 10 mg dose may be more effective. On the other hand, if you used a 25 mg product with minimal effects, you may need to increase it to a 50 mg dose.

Ask your local dispensary staff to assist you in selecting an edible that will provide you with the desired effects, this may help you in knowing your ideal thc dosage. If you prefer specific effects from your cannabis, such as feeling inspired or motivated, a Sativa-heavy edible may be best for you. Indica-heavy edibles, on the other hand, are the way to go if you’re looking for something to help you relax or sleep. Knowing what effects you want allows you to select a strain and dosage that will improve your experience the next time.

Take Edibles on an empty but not hungry stomach for the best results.

Many experts and experienced cannabis users agree that eating your edible between meals is one of the best ways to experience the effects. While edibles can become more potent when combined with high-fat foods, it’s essential to give your body time to digest the edible before eating anything else. This allows the THC to first interact with the various systems in your body. Eating meals with higher fat content after your edible has had enough time to be metabolized is another way to try to enhance its effects.

Keep in mind that edibles can last for hours.

One of the main reasons cannabis dosing is so essential is that the effects of edibles can last for hours. While 10 hours is an extreme, potent edible can certainly last that long in the right conditions. You’ll have plenty of time to figure out when your edible will start working and how long it will last. When purchasing edibles from a medical dispensary, remember that they should be clearly labelled with instructions and activation times. However, because the duration of the product’s effects varies so greatly from person to person, most do not include it.

Because cannabis has so many beneficial effects, there are a plethora of cannabis products on the market today. Each of them will function slightly differently. Before purchasing an edible for the first time, consider the dosage and intended effects.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of your product will be the dosage. If you’re new to edibles, the last thing you want to do is buy 50 MG edibles instead of 5 MG edibles and accidentally take far too much. To avoid this, pay close attention to the dosages listed on each product. Even better, ask one of your dispensary’s experts what edibles they recommend for the dosage you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.

Determine Your Appropriate Dose

Edibles are one of the most popular – and convenient – ways to reap the benefits of cannabis. Cannabis edibles can take various forms, from baked goods to soft chews, and are made with oils derived from the cannabis plant that contain concentrated levels of THC, CBD, or both.

We are always available to assist you on your cannabis journey! Contact us anytime if you have questions about a product or a dosing method!

FAQS:

What is a High Dosage of THC?

An experienced cannabis user with a high tolerance may be satisfied with consuming a cannabis edible containing 100mg or more THC.

What is a normal dosage for a THC edible for newbies?

A 1-2mg dose is a far more sensible starting point for a novice cannabis user with little cannabis tolerance. After all, if the THC dosage is too low, it can consistently be increased on a subsequent attempt. However, consuming an edible that is too potent for you can result in a paranoid and uncomfortable experience lasting for several hours.

References:

What’s Safe (and Unsafe) Amount of THC to Consume? (n.d.). GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/marinol/how-much-thc-dosage

Edibles dosing: How strong is your weed edible? (n.d.). Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/edible-dosing

Bhaskar, A., Bell, A., Boivin, M., Briques, W., Brown, M., Clarke, H., Cyr, C., Eisenberg, E., de Oliveira Silva, R. F., Frohlich, E., Georgius, P., Hogg, M., Horsted, T. I., MacCallum, C. A., Müller-Vahl, K. R., O’Connell, C., Sealey, R., Seibolt, M., Sihota, A., & Smith, B. K. (2021). Consensus recommendations on dosing and administration of medical cannabis to treat chronic pain: results of a modified Delphi process. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00073-1

THC Edible Dosages for First-Timers: What you need to know. (n.d.). District Edibles. Retrieved November 17, 2022, from https://districtedibles.com/blogs/news/thc-edible-dosages-for-first-timers

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In? Plus Duration, Side Effects, More. (2019, August 9). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in