Complete Edible Dosage Guide

There are many edible forms of cannabis, and they’re growing increasingly popular as more states across North America legalize weed. Gummies, brownies, mints, drinks, tinctures, and more can produce the long-lasting and enjoyable effects of cannabis, and they’re both safe and discreet. When consumed responsibly, they’re a great way to get your preferred high at your preferred dosage.

While they have a number of benefits, edibles can still be overwhelming for some. Where do you start, and how do you have a good experience with edibles if you’ve never used them before? Eating too much cannabis isn’t going to hurt you, but it might create some unpleasant effects. If you know how to use the product ahead of time—and you know how to take the correct dosage—you can find the edibles that will most benefit you.

Edibles Dosage Chart

There are many typical effects that consumers feel after ingesting THC. The best way to figure out the correct dosage is to measure THC by milligrams, from 1mg to 500mg. There are many things that factor into the enjoyment and safety of your edible experience, and choosing the right dosage is paramount in figuring out how much you can consume. Everyone’s body reacts to cannabis in a unique way, and what one edible might do for you is not the same thing it will do for your friend.

Dispensaries clearly label their dosages, but consuming homemade edibles can be risky. There are factors that go into the creation of edibles that might not be observed at home, while the edibles you can buy at a licensed dispensary are tested.

1-2.5 mg THC // Microdose

While most consumers won’t feel much intoxication at such a low dose, they might feel mitigation of pain, anxiety, and disorientation without it affecting their cognition or motor skills. There are minor edible treats that have this level of THC, such as mints and some gummies.

3-5 mg THC // Low Dosage

This is the ideal does for helping with pain, inflammation, nausea, insomnia, and depression. Any consumer new to THC might feel some intoxication at this level, such as a lack of coordination or silliness. 5 mg of THC is around where a high might set in for some consumers, but is inconsistent depending on your tolerance. Products that might contain this low dose of THC include some gummies, infused drinks, and honey sticks.

10-15 mg THC // Moderate Dosage

More experienced cannabis users will find this to be their ideal dose, for fun, sleep, pain management, reduced anxiety, reduced nausea, relaxation, and more. This level will feel overwhelming for new cannabis users or those with low tolerance. Products that contain this dosage include gummies, baked goods, snacks, some beverages, and more.

20-30 mg of THC // High Dosage

High dosages of THC are only recommended to those experienced consumers of THC edibles. They create an intense high and strong euphoric sensation that impairs coordination, perception, and motor skills. This level of dosage is beneficial for those with chronic illness, chronic pain, severe pain, and insomnia. Products can include chocolate bars, gummies, THC-infused condiments, and some drinks.

50-100 mg of THC // Acute Dosage

This dosage is for experienced users of cannabis that are seeking intense physical pain relief. This is the dosage for PMS, MS, cancer treatment, and other severe conditions. This is not recommended for those dealing with mental health issues, or those without appropriate tolerance. This level of dosage can cause nausea, disorientation, or emotional disruption. Products are typically baked goods. 

100-500 mg of THC // Macrodose

This dosage is typically only implemented for those patients with severe medical conditions, like cancer. This dosage is intensely intoxicating and can carry adverse effects for inexperienced users. Consume with caution. Products typically include infused shots or sodas.

What Is The Ideal Edible Dose For Me?

After following the dosage guide, you might be wondering what the proper dosage is for you. Edibles come in a wide range of THC dosages, and any dispensary will sell you a product with the clearly labeled mg of THC. Every individual is different, and the strength of the edible depends on many factors. Note that since everyone is different, it might take some time to figure out what edible is right for you.

There are many things that factor into edible use, including:

• Dosage
• Type of edible
• Personal tolerance
• Body weight
• Metabolism

Any two individuals will respond very differently to the same type of edible and the same dosage—while one person may become very stoned, the other might not be stoned at all. This all depends on the factors above. You should always start with a smaller dose and work your way up slowly, searching for your ideal dosage. You could also consider using an edible dosage calculator to help  guide you the right dosage.

Does Body Weight Affect Dosage Or The Effect Of Edibles?

Every person’s physiology is different, and even those who are the same weight can experience different results when using medications or imbibing cannabis. How one person responds to a an edible dose is not the same way another person will respond, and it can vary significantly. Cannabis variation depending on the person can vary even more widely than medications or herbs, and there are several factors involved including body weight, gastrointestinal makeup, and the sensitivity of a person’s endocannabinoid system.

How Do I Find The Proper Dosage?

Remember, the milligrams of THC in any product is the dosage, and anything above 100 mg can increase the risk of nausea, paranoia, and sleepiness. Edibles that are high in THC can even affect experienced consumers differently, especially if the dosage is much higher than what you are used to consuming.

The ideal dosage of edibles is dependent on many factors, including body chemistry, weight, and tolerance. If there is a certain experience you’re looking for, you should start with a low dosage and work your way up. There are some basic guidelines you can follow that will help you find the right dosage, based on the chart above. 

Microdose // 1-2.5 mg of THC
The effects of the microdose can increase focus and creativity wild providing mild pain relief, stress relief, and anxiety relief. It’s rare to experience intoxication at this dose, and many people will imbibe this level of THC in order to keep a calm, chill atmosphere. Great for first-time consumers.

Low Dosage // 3-5 mg of THC
Edibles that contain this amount of THC are commonly used for mild intoxication and stronger pain relief over the microdose. This level of THC in edibles is for standard recreational use, pain relief from persistent symptoms, and for those that just want a great night’s sleep.

Moderate Dosage // 10-15 mg of THC
Edibles with a moderate dosage of THC can provide effective pain relief against many symptoms and can reduce nausea and anxiety symptoms. This level is considered intoxicating and should be only taken in a safe environment. Those with a higher tolerance will enjoy edibles with this amount of THC, such as cookies, gummies, or chocolate bars. Edibles of this dosage can often be broken up so that you can dose them at your leisure. 

High Dosage // 20-30 mg of THC
Edibles with higher dosages create a strong euphoria in the user, but they also impair coordination and perception. These products are for consumers with much higher THC tolerances or patients that need superior pain reduction.

Very High Dosage // 50-100 mg of THC
At this level, edibles will seriously impair coordination and perception, and can even have adverse side effects. Edibles with up to 100 mg of THC should only be used by medical patients that are looking to reduce the pain of cancer, inflammatory disorders, and chronic illness.

Extremely High Dosage // 100-500 mg of THC
This level of THC should only be administered by medical professionals, and will often have very unpleasant side effects for those with high tolerances. Edibles with extremely high dosages are reserved for cancer patients and those with conditions that result in extreme pain.

It’s My First Time Taking Edibles—How Much Of An Edible Should I Take?

If this is your first time taking edibles, go low and slow and consider set and setting. Start with no more than 2.5 mg of THC; 5 mg is considered a full dose, so consider 2.5 mg a half dose or microdose. Even at 2.5 mg, inexperienced users will feel brief intoxication but without any intense or adverse side effects.

When taking edibles for the first time, we have a few tips that should help you. Edibles from dispensaries often come in specific dosages, such as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, etc. Buy gummies, chocolate bars, or other edibles that can be broken up into smaller doses. Then you can up your dosage as needed, without worrying about any adverse effects. Since the dosages are clearly labeled on each edible, it’s much easier to figure out what you should take.

Start low and slow. You can always take more, but not less. Wait for an hour for each edible to kick in—it can feel like they’re doing nothing, and then all of a sudden you could have a tremendous high. If you don’t feel anything after an hour, or you want a stronger effect, take another 2.5 mg dose.

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How Long Do Edibles Take To Kick In?

While the average is an hour, most edibles can kick in between 20 and 60 minutes. This is based on many factors such as weight, gastrointestinal issues, metabolism, how much you’ve eaten that day, and more. Remember, go low and slow—take a smaller dosage of edibles and then wait another 45 minutes or more before taking the next dose. If you want to up your dosage in that time period, go in 2.5 mg increments. 

One of the most common mistakes that newer cannabis consumers make is thinking that the dosage isn’t working, and upping the amount too quickly. Before their tolerance can kick in they might take another edible within the hour, only for both doses to come through strong. This can create an unpleasant experience that might turn someone off from cannabis consumption entirely. 

If you take an edible before waiting for the first dose’s effects to go through, you may end up feeling “too high.” This is more unpleasant than it sounds, depending on the person.

Do Cannabis Edibles Affect The Liver?

Our bodies digest cannabis edibles, and THC is metabolized by the liver. This is different from smoking, vaping, or dabbing, and our bodies don’t absorb THC from edibles the same way we do tinctures or other dermal products. 

Since the THC in edibles is absorbed via the liver instead of through the lungs or skin, the enzymes produces are different. The THC in edibles is absorbed less effectively, even if the potency is higher. Digestion has a habit of destroying harmful products, so the concentrations of THC in edibles are different from dabs or tinctures. This is also why it takes longer for the effects of edibles to kick in, and if someone is used to smoking or dabbing versus consuming edibles, they might be surprised.

Do The Effects Of Weed Edibles Last?

The length of a high depends on the tolerance, metabolism, and chemistry of the consumer’s body, as well as the dosage of the edible taken. For any consumer that’s moderately used to the effects of edibles, a 5 mg edible might last upward of 4 hours. The peak of the experience will happen after the first hour but might wear off quickly depending on tolerance. Any person with a lower tolerance might experience the effects for as long as 6 hours, with a slower comedown period. 

Some people might wake up the next day and still feel the effects of the edibles from the night before. You may want to take a smaller edible dose at night, especially if you are using edibles to put you to sleep. It’s important to note the strength of the dose and how long the effects lasted, this is the best way to figure out the best dose for you.

The Effects Of THC And CBD In Cannabis Edibles

Both the medical and recreational effects of edibles can be decreased when THC and CBD are added. Edibles high in one or both can be used to alleviate pain, anxiety, depression, and nausea. They can also decrease the intensity of the intoxication or other adverse effects, such as when there is more CBD in an edible than THC.

CBD interacts uniquely with our endocannabinoid receptors, as it partially blocks the intoxicating effects of THC. Consumers who enjoy edibles with high CBD can gain the medical benefits of cannabis without impairment or intoxication. This is why it’s important for consumers to know the contents of their edibles before they ingest them, and why dispensaries always clearly label the amounts of THC and CBD in their products.

Edibles that are completely balanced with a ratio of 1:1 CBD to THC are more therapeutic than edibles that are imbalanced toward THC, and consumers with a lower tolerance might enjoy them more. This also allows someone to get more of a relaxation effect from an edible than an intoxicating effect.

Dispensaries clearly label their brands, especially when they have expanded ratios. The higher the CBD, the less likely an intoxicating effect. Edibles will be labeled by their ratios, such as 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, etc. Some brands might also add other non-intoxicating cannabinoids to their recipes, such as CBG or CBN. Still, when you over-consume edibles that contain any amount of THC, regardless of how much CBD they have, will produce unpleasant feelings and effects in those with low tolerance. You should always ask your budtender or doctor for help finding accurate dosing, especially if you have underlying health issues.

How Long Do The Effects Of Edibles Take To Wear Off?

Edibles do carry the lengthiest intoxication period of any other cannabis product. Per single dose, their effects taper off much slower than through any other type of ingestion. However, the effects of an edible will plateau and lessen after their peak, typically within 1 or 2 hours. Many consumers will feel tired after the effects of the edible wear off, which is why some people use edibles to help them sleep.

Can I Overdose On Cannabis Edibles?

There has never been a single report of anyone dying from consuming too many edibles, though the experience can be unpleasant and disorienting. Cannabis doesn’t depress the body’s respiratory system like opioids, even with very high dosages. While over-consumption of weed edibles might leave you feeling nauseous, disoriented, or generally unpleasant, it will wear off with time.

You shouldn’t need to go to the emergency room if you consume too many edibles, but you should still take caution when it comes to over-consumption. Don’t take so many edibles that it causes you distress, and don’t take more than you can handle. While you might be interested in edibles, they aren’t for everyone. Remember to take it low and slow, and don’t push yourself toward a high that will leave you feeling sick and disoriented.

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Can You Figure Out The Best Dose Of A Homemade Edible?

As we’ve learned, calculating dosage is important and sometimes challenging. It’s based on weight, body chemistry, tolerance, and more. As with edibles from a dispensary, you should start low and slow with homemade edibles. If you don’t know the THC level, allow up to 3 hours for the effects to kick in. The recipe can greatly alter how your gut digests the THC, and how long the THC takes to enter your bloodstream.

There’s no real dosage calculator for your size, weight, tolerance, or GI. Starting low and slow, even if you trust the person that made the homemade edibles, is important. If you’re ultra-sensitive to THC, or if it’s your first time with edibles, it can be very important to take homemade edibles at a slower pace.

What Type Of Edibles Grant The Best High?

Like any treat, different edibles are made with different ingredients and different recipes. The formulas of edibles are often unique, so the dosage of one brownie might night make you feel the same way as the same dose in an infused seltzer. Some edibles have faster onset times or are crafted for quicker absorption, while other edibles might take up to 60 minutes to fully digest their effects.

Commonly, hard candies such as gums, lozenges, and mints have quicker onset times, as do beverages such as infused teas, sodas, or seltzers. Since these edibles are absorbed almost entirely through the mouth’s thinner absorbent tissue, they don’t need to fight through the digestive tract for the THC to take effect.

Chewy edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, and caramels, have an average onset time but might be digested quicker. Baked goods take the longest time because of their density, and because the body has to expend more energy to metabolize and digest them.

Can I Mix Weed Edibles And Alcohol?

Cannabis alone has never resulted in death, but you should take great care whenever you are mixing substances. The results of mixing substances can be unpleasant or dangerous, and since alcohol is a depressant, it can greatly affect how the THC interacts with your body, especially your central nervous system.

Alcohol is a solvent, and mixing substances can greatly increase the intoxication and absorption effects of any edible. Alcohol allows the THC to enter your brain and bloodstream much faster, and research has shown that using these substances together can greatly increase the risk of automotive accidents. Always take great care when imbibing intoxicants of any kind.

Are Cannabis Drinks Safe?

While cannabis drinks are just as safe as any other kind of edible, mixing any cannabis drink with alcohol can greatly increase the intoxicating effects of THC. As with mixing edibles and alcohol, consuming alcohol makes the THC enter your brain and bloodstream much faster. This can increase your intoxication, lower inhibitions, and cause motor function issues.

Additional Safety Tips For Edible Dosing

After one hour, if you don’t feel any effects from your edible, try eating a snack. This consumption may stimulate your digestive tract and help the absorption in your gut. Start low and go slow, and always consider the set and setting. If you’re consuming edibles at home, grab yourself some chips or fresh fruit and wait for the edible to kick in.

Even if you’re a regular cannabis smoker, your tolerance for edibles will be different from vaping or smoking. You should still start with the 2.5 mg microdose and work your way up, waiting 60 minutes for the effects to kick in. Add another 2.5 mg increment to increase the desired effect.

Those who are new to cannabis might require an additional 2-3 doses before feeling anything, which is why it’s important to continue applying the same low dose in trials before deciding how you feel. Within a 24-hour period, try the same low dose up to 3 times.

Some Final Notes On Edibles

If you feel as though the edible has made you “too high” there are a few ways to sober up, especially if you aren’t experiencing the same pleasurable effects as your friends. Since all bodies react to THC differently, some individuals are simply more or less receptive. A large dose of CBD can sometimes inhibit or reduce the effects of a high-THC edible.

It’s also important to factor in set and setting. Set and setting refer to the space you inhabit while imbibing, and environmental factors can be just as important as bodily ones. Your mindset and setting can greatly alter your cannabis experience—if you don’t feel safe, you probably won’t have an enjoyable high. 

Taking too many edibles can also result in an unpleasant experience, regardless of the set and setting. Remember to stay hydrated—eating edibles on an empty stomach can create an adverse experience. The effects might hit you too quickly, and they might not be enjoyable. Edibles are much more manageable on a full stomach, and it’s easier to predict the effects. After knowing the correct dosage, the effects it might have on you, and adhering to the needs of your body, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant high.

The main message is to find the right THC dosage that works for you so that you can enjoy edibles at your own pace. Anyone new to cannabis edibles, or cannabis in general, should always start at lower dosages and evaluate the needs of their body. Don’t feel pressured into higher dosage, and always consult with your doctor and budtender ahead of time. The optimum dosage of an edible is a treat, and can feel amazing.

Find the THC that works for you, avoid temptation, and enjoy the good feelings. When enjoyed properly and responsibly, edibles can be one of the best ways to consume cannabis! Learn more about us