Maximize Your Medicine: Seed’s Guide to Cannabis Edibles Dosages
If you’re new to medical marijuana—or rediscovering it after a long break—you may be surprised by all the cannabis edibles on the market. From delicious fruit-flavored gummies to dark chocolates to refreshing sodas and more, there’s seemingly no end to the choice and selection of infused edibles and beverages.
But that abundance of options suggests a question: What’s the optimal dosage of marijuana edibles you should take to treat your symptoms safely, consistently, and sustainably?
Because everyone’s physiology is a little bit different, there’s no single answer. And because we metabolize the medicine in cannabis edibles differently than we do with inhaled cannabis, calculating your optimal dosage ahead of usage is critical. That said, by taking into account such factors as previous cannabis experience and tolerance, our knowledgeable staff can make well-informed predictions about how a particular dose may affect you.
Cannabis Edibles Dosages: Understanding Cannabinoids
We sometimes describe the cannabinoids in marijuana as the plant’s principal “active ingredients.” You’ve probably heard of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive “high,” as well as medicinal effects such as helping us fight pain and taming inflammation, especially in concert with CBD, the second most common cannabinoid.
We feel the effects of THC every time we ingest cannabis, but the effects are especially heightened when we consume it in edible form. Because marijuana edibles are processed by the liver, their effects tend to come on more slowly—sometimes up to three hours for full effect—and be more powerful and longer-lasting when compared with inhaled marijuana. And if you’re new to cannabis, or have an especially high tolerance, you may feel different effects than another person taking a comparable dose.
So, how much is the right amount? Every package of cannabis edibles we sell is prominently and accurately labeled with the dosage of THC in each individual unit, denoted in milligrams (mg). And over the years, researchers and clinicians have developed useful guidelines as to what effect each edible dosage of THC will have on our bodies:
THC Dosage: 1 – 2.5 mg
Expected Effects: Mild relief of symptoms including pain, stress, and anxiety; heightened focus and creativity.
Recommended for: First-time consumers, or more experienced consumers looking to microdose cannabis.
THC Dosage: 2.5 – 15 mg
Expected Effects: Stronger relief of symptoms; euphoria; impaired coordination and perception.
Recommended for: Stubborn symptoms not affected by smaller doses; treatment for insomnia.
THC Dosage: 30 – 50 mg
Expected Effects: Strong euphoria; significantly impaired coordination and perception.
Recommended for: Those consumers with a high tolerance for THC, or whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.
THC Dosage: 50 – 100 mg
Expected Effects: Seriously impaired coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea and increased heart rate.
Recommended for: Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions.
Cannabis Edibles Dosages: Other Considerations
These guidelines provide a useful starting point, but they’re not the end of the story. Because each person’s individual physiology is unique, everyone responds a bit differently to cannabis edibles. That’s why it’s especially important to follow a piece of tried-and-true advice: “Start slow, go low.”
In other words, when you’re learning how your body reacts to cannabis edibles, begin by taking a low dose, and above all: Wait at least two hours before taking any more.
If after a couple of hours the effects of the cannabis feel too strong, relax. Though the sensations—often including nausea, paranoia, or a racing heart rate—are unpleasant, they’re rarely dangerous, and should pass relatively soon. That said: If you suffer from pre-existing heart conditions or other serious medical issues, please consult with a cannabis-informed physician before trying marijuana edibles.
If this is your first experience with edibles, we recommend you take two or three equally low doses, separating them by 8 – 24 hours each. While this may mean that it takes you a bit longer to dial in your optimum dosage, many people feel this is preferable to the potential discomfort of overconsumption.
Do you have other questions about how to find the right dosage of cannabis edibles? Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re here to help!