Edible Dosing Guide: How Many Milligrams of THC Should You Take?

Edibles are a popular, smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis, but getting the dosage right can be tricky, especially for beginners. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to start enjoying edibles safely. 

• Understanding Edibles: A breakdown of common questions first time consumers should know.
• Breakdown of Common THC Dosages: Understand different dosage levels, who they're for, and what effects can be expected.
• Identifying the Right Dosage for You: Learn how to determine the best dosage for your individual needs. 
• Tips for Testing Dosages: Best practices for experimenting with edibles. 
• Other Factors to Consider: Identifying other things worth considering that can impact the experience.
• Finding Your Ideal Dosage: Steps to pinpoint your perfect edible experience. 
• Frequently Asked Questions About Edible Dosages: Dive into other question asked by cannabis consumers looking to find their ideal dosage.

What You Need To Know About THC Edibles

There’s an immense variety of edibles, and every edible is different. It’s a good idea to get yourself familiar with edibles in general, including the ingredients in them, the dosages they can come in, and other concerns, before trying edibles for the first time. Here are a few things to know.

How Long Do THC Edibles Take to Kick In?

Edibles typically take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to start working. Factors such as the type of edible, your body weight, metabolism, and what you have eaten can influence the onset time (Barrus et al., 2016).

How Long Do the Effects of THC Edibles Last?

The effects of THC edibles can last from 4 to 12 hours, with peak effects occurring between 2-4 hours post-consumption (Grotenhermen, 2003).

THC Edible Dosages & What to Expect

When it comes to edible dosing, it can often take a few tries before you find your ideal dose. Here are some of the most common edible dosages you’ll find on the market and how they generally affect someone with a low tolerance (a cannabis beginner).

1 - 2.5 Milligrams (Microdose)

1-2.5 mg is what's considered a "microdose". These smaller doses can be found in a variety of edible forms and are typically favored by beginners or those who don't want to get too high but still get some of the benefits cannabis offers.

Effects 

• Subtle relief of stress, anxiety, and mild pain. 
• Enhanced focus and creativity without strong psychoactive effects. 

Who Typically Uses This Dosage? 

• Cannabis beginners looking to explore without intense effects.
• Consumers looking for the benefits of cannabis without an intense psychoactive experience.

What is This Dosage Good For?

Low doses of THC can provide effective relief for various symptoms while minimizing the risk of psychoactive effects.

2.5 - 5 Milligrams (Low Dose)

One of the most common dosages for beginners and those seeking mild effects is the 5-10mg range. This dosage offers a gentle introduction to the effects of cannabis, providing relaxation and potential therapeutic benefits without the risk of overwhelming psychoactivity.

Effects 

• Noticeable relief from anxiety, pain, and insomnia. 
• Mild euphoria and improved mood. 

Who Typically Uses This Dosage? 

• Slightly experienced consumers.
• Consumers looking to feel a bit more of the psychoactive effects without going too overboard.
• Patients with mild pain, anxiety, or insomnia.

What Is This Dosage Good For?

Studies have shown that low doses of cannabis can improve sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety (Roehrs, R., & Roth, T., 2017).

5 - 10 Milligrams (Medium/Average Dose)

The 5-10mg range is a popular choice for many consumers. This dosage strikes a balance between efficacy and manageability, providing noticeable effects while still maintaining control. 

Effects 

• More pronounced euphoria and psychoactive effects. 
• Significant symptom relief and enhanced sensory perception. 

Who Typically Uses This Dosage? 

• Regular cannabis consumers. 
• Individuals with conditions needing stronger relief. 

What is This Dosage Good For?

Research indicates that moderate doses of THC can effectively manage chronic pain and other symptoms (Ware, M. A., Wang, T., Shapiro, S., Collet, J. P., 2015).

15 - 30 Milligrams (High Dose) 

At 15-30mg, the effects are significantly more intense, providing deeper relaxation and a more potent psychoactive experience. It's important to approach this dosage mindfully, as it can be overwhelming for those unaccustomed to higher THC levels.

Effects 

• Intense euphoria and altered sensory perception. 
• Strong pain relief and deep relaxation. 

Who Typically Uses This Dosage? 

• Highly experienced users. 
• Patients with severe conditions.
• Consumers with a higher tolerance.

What Is This Dosage Good For?

High doses of THC have been used successfully to treat severe symptoms but require careful monitoring (Abrams, D. I., Couey, P., Shade, S. B., Kelly, M. E., & Benowitz, N. L., 2011).

30 - 100+ Milligrams (Macrodose) 

The 30-100mg dosage range is reserved for seasoned cannabis users who have developed a high tolerance and require substantial effects. It's crucial to approach this dosage with caution, as it can easily become overwhelming, especially for those not accustomed to such potency.

Effects 

• Powerful psychoactive effects. 
• Potential for anxiety, paranoia, and dizziness if too much is consumed. 

Who Typically Uses This Dosage? 

• Very experienced users. 
• Individuals with extreme tolerance or severe medical needs. 

What Is This Dosage Good For?

This high dosage can provide profound relaxation and significant pain reduction but carries a higher risk of adverse effects like anxiety and paranoia, particularly in individuals not accustomed to such levels of THC (Abrams et al., 2011; Volkow et al., 2014). 

How to Find Your Ideal THC Dosage

Ready to find your ideal THC dosage? Here are some basic steps to know to help you get started.

Step 1: Start With a Smaller Dose of THC

While typical THC dosages are around 5-10mg, we recommend new consumers begin with a low dose, such as 1-2.5mg of THC. This allows you to gauge your body's response without overwhelming effects. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.

Step 2: Wait At Least 1.5 - 2 Hours

After taking your initial dose, wait at least an hour before considering additional consumption. Note that other factors, such as metabolism, the type of product, and whether you've eaten, can impact how quickly and strongly you feel the effects.

Step 3: Don’t Panic If The Effects Are Intense

If you find the effects to be stronger than anticipated, remember to stay calm. Relax in a comfortable setting, stay hydrated, and remind yourself that the sensations will pass with time. You can't overdose on edibles, however you may feel discomfort if you've taken too much.

Step 4: Try Again

Experiment with different dosages over multiple sessions until you find the amount that provides the desired effects without discomfort. Make sure to try a smaller dose if the first time was too intense. If you're looking to increase the dosage, do so in smaller increments as not to overwhelm yourself.

Other Factors That Can Influence Your Edible Experience

While the THC content and type of edible play a big role in the experience you'll have, there are other outside factors that should be taken into consideration when finding your ideal edible dosage.

Metabolism 

A faster metabolism may lead to quicker onset and shorter duration of effects. 

Tolerance 

Regular users may need higher doses to achieve desired effects. 

Type of Edible 

Different edibles (e.g., gummies vs. chocolates) may vary in absorption rates and potency. 

Body Weight 

Body weight can influence how much THC is needed for the desired effect. 

Strain Type

The strain type used in edibles can significantly impact the overall experience. Understanding the strain type can help you choose an edible that aligns with your specific needs and desired effects.

Tips and Tricks for Finding Your Ideal Edible Dosage

Dive into some additional useful tips and tricks to guide you towards discovering your optimal dose without becoming overwhelmed.

Take Edibles On An Empty-But-Not-Starving Stomach For Best Results

Many professionals and experienced cannabis users can agree that taking your edible in-between meals is one of the best ways to experience the effects fully. While edibles can become more potent when they are met with food that has high levels of fat, it’s important to let your body at least begin to digest the edible before eating anything else. This way, the THC has time to interact with the different systems in your body first. After your edible has had ample time to be metabolized, eating meals with higher fat content is another way you can try to enhance its effects.

Remember That Edibles Can Last Hours

A primary reason cannabis dosing is so crucial is because the effects of edibles can last for hours. While 10 hours is most definitely an extreme, potent edibles can certainly last that long under the right conditions. You’ll have ample time to learn when your edible will start to kick in and how long it will last. Keep in mind, when you purchase edibles from a medical dispensary, they should be carefully labeled with instructions as well as activation times. However, most do not include how long the product’s effects will last because it varies so greatly from person to person.

Maintain a Journal

Maintaining a journal or record of your past edible experiences can be incredibly beneficial for fine-tuning your future cannabis use. By noting the dosage, strain, type of edible, and effects experienced, you can identify patterns and better understand your individual tolerance and preferences. This practice allows you to adjust dosage and strain selections more accurately, enhancing the effectiveness and enjoyment of each session. Moreover, it helps in avoiding negative experiences by providing a reference for what to avoid. Keeping detailed records supports a more informed and personalized approach to cannabis consumption.

Find Your Ideal THC Dosage

Experimenting responsibly, considering personal factors, and taking notes will help you find the dosage that provides the best balance between therapeutic benefits and enjoyable effects. Just remember, start small and work your way up before trying to dive into higher dosages!

We are always here to help you on your cannabis journey! If you have a question about a product or dosing method, reach out anytime or if you're looking for quality edibles in a variety of dosages, stop by a Zen Leaf dispensary near you.

Frequently Asked Questions About THC Dosages

Interested in learning more? Dive into some commonly asked questions by other edible consumers looking to find their ideal THC dosages.