Cannabis 101: Dosing the THC Edible

Edible forms of cannabis, including food products, lozenges, and capsules, can produce effective, long-lasting, and safe effects. These forms of cannabis are also most likely to produce unwanted effects and overconsumption symptoms, which can be very unpleasant. The difference is, of course, the dose.

Every person has a unique internal physiologic makeup and can therefore experience different results with various medications. One person’s response to a dose of edible cannabis can vary greatly from the next, even more so than other medications or herbs.

The ideal edibles dose depends on a lot of things, including tolerance, individual body chemistry, and the experience you’re looking for. But there are some basic guidelines that can help you find the right dose of marijuana edibles, which are measured in milligrams (mg).

• 1 – 2.5 mg THC edibles Effects include: Mild relief of symptoms like pain, stress, and anxiety; increased focus and creativity. Good for: First-time consumers or regular consumers looking to microdose.

• 2.5 – 15 mg THC edibles Effects include: Stronger relief of pain and anxiety symptoms, euphoria, impaired coordination, and perception. Good for: Standard recreational use, persistent symptoms not addressed by smaller doses, people looking for a good night’s sleep.

• 30 – 50 mg THC edibles Effects include: Strong euphoric effects, significantly impaired coordination and perception. Good for: High tolerance THC consumers; consumers whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.

• 50 – 100 mg THC edibles Effects include: Seriously impaired coordination and perception, possible unpleasant side effects including nausea, pain, and increased heart rate. Good for: Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions.

The first rule with edibles is patience. It typically takes 2 hours for an individual to feel the effects of an edible and the most common mistake in cannabis dosing occurs when a person doesn’t feel any effect from an edible after 1 hour and decides to take another dose. Two hours later, both doses come through and the individual experiences the unpleasant effects of overconsumption.

The second rule is micro dose. Every edible is different. You may have taken a 2.5 edible and been happy with the outcome, only to take 2.5 of a different type and have an entirely different reaction. Always start a new edible slowly – take ½, wait 2 hours and then, judging by your feeling, add or stay the course.

We could go on and on, but your best source of information and guidance is going to be the budtender at your dispensary. They can provide you with great information!

CBTS Staff Report