If you’ve ever considered trying edibles, you likely know the importance of correct edible dosing. The problem is that there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. How much is too little? How much is too much? In this guide, we’re going to talk about edible dosages, and we’re also going to give you a chart to follow when choosing how much THC you should consume at one time in your edibles.

• What Does ‘Edibles Dosing’ Mean?
• Edible Dosage Chart
• How Many Milligrams of Edibles Should You Take?
• THC in Edibles vs Smoking: What’s the Difference?
• How Long Does it Take Edibles to Work?
• How Do You Know Which Dose is Right for You?
• Answering FAQs About Edibles Dosage
  
  

Dosing for cannabis edibles involves understanding the amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, in each serving. Unlike smoking, where the effects are rapid and easier to control, edibles take longer to kick in, which makes it so important to find your right THC dose. Factors such as tolerance, metabolism, and your own endocannabinoid system play a significant role in determining the ideal dose for you. Ultimately, the best way to dose edibles is carefully. Go slow and be patient. You can always store edibles and eat more later, but you can’t take away the THC if you’ve indulged in too much.

*You may have noticed that when we introduced this chart, we stated it was for dispensary-purchased edibles. This is because edibles made by industry experts are significantly more consistent in their dosages than homemade edibles. When mixing your cannabis-infused batter at home, it’s possible more THC ended up on one side of the pan than the other. With homemade edibles, always go slow and don’t assume the dosages are evenly distributed by cutting a nine-by-nine pan of brownies into three-by-three squares.

The fundamental difference between THC in edibles and smoking lies in the delivery method and onset of effects. Edibles take longer to produce effects due to the digestion process, resulting in a delayed but often more prolonged and potent experience. Smoking, on the other hand, offers a quicker onset but with a shorter duration. 

Of course, there’s also the matter of smoking versus eating your cannabis. Smoking is considered a health risk, whether it’s cannabis or tobacco, and tends to be a more dangerous way of consuming marijuana compared to ingesting it. 

Patience is key when consuming cannabis edibles, as the onset of effects varies from person to person. Factors such as metabolism, stomach contents, and individual body chemistry contribute to the varied timing. The type of edible can also change the onset time. For instance, if you consume a lozenge that is partially absorbed through the mouth, you may feel the effects faster than if you ate a brownie.

On average, cannabis enthusiasts can expect effects to kick in within 30 minutes to an hour after consumption. If you don’t feel anything after an hour, don’t just eat a second full dose. Rather, wait a day or so and try again with a slightly larger dose. This way, you don’t end up overdoing it.

Determining the appropriate dose involves self-awareness and experimentation. The best way to find the perfect dose for you is to start low and go slow. If you eat two milligrams of THC and wait a couple of hours but you feel nothing, opt to increase the dose to three milligrams the next time you indulge in edibles. This slow increase ensures you don’t waste your edibles and you don’t have a bad time.

Getting the dosage of your edibles right can be a time-consuming process. Here are a few things to consider as you get started:

How much THC is in an edible?
Most edibles in a dispensary come between 2.5 mg and 10 mg, so when you’re first starting with edibles, opt for a type of edible that can easily be cut in half. This will ensure you don’t take more than you can handle.

How much is too much THC?
The threshold for too much THC varies between cannabis enthusiasts. Factors such as tolerance, experience, and personal sensitivity contribute to determining one's limit. What’s too much for you might be the right amount for someone else, so start slow until you figure out how much THC you need to have an enjoyable dose.

Should I eat before taking edibles?
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach may lead to quicker onset but can also intensify effects. Eating a balanced meal before indulging can make it easier to predict how you will feel when you take an edible.

Finding the right dosage of edibles for you will ensure you have a good time every time you indulge. While it may feel like it will take you too long to find the right dosage for you, it’s worth the patience required to avoid getting too high.