We all know that too much of anything can be bad; heck, people suffer from hyponatremia due to excessive water intake. So, if you consume cannabis edibles, you probably have a few dosage concerns. And that’s valid! After all, we all want to have the best cannabis experiences possible.
That’s why, at Elevate Holistics, we aim to provide evidence-based cannabis information to help consumers navigate the world of marijuana safely and effectively. So, we’ve put together this comprehensive edible dosing guide to help you determine how much of your infused treat is right for you.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles refer to any food product infused with marijuana or marijuana extracts. And from what you may have seen on the shelves at your local dispensaries, you can tell there are many different types to choose from: chocolates, cookies, brownies, gummies, lozenges, candies, beverages, and more. While you can get most of these from a dispensary, some other consumers prefer to make theirs at home, especially as baked food products.
What is THC?
THC, the principal psychoactive compound found in marijuana, is often the most used marijuana ingredient in edibles. The processes involved in digestion help distribute nutrients all over the body through the bloodstream. This works to boost body sustenance and maintenance over a prolonged period.
How to Dose Edibles
Like most things, there is no one-size-fits-all edible dosing guide. However, an edible dosing chart can help you navigate the world of cannabis-infused edibles more safely.
One edible dosage cannot work for every individual because people react differently to the same amount of cannabis. While some people have a high tolerance, others have a low tolerance; just as well, people want different things from marijuana.
Irrespective of all that, the edibles dosing chart from Leafly provides an ideal edibles dosage for different individuals.
THC Edible Dosage Chart
| THC per dose | Effects | Good for |
| 1 – 2.5 mg THC edibles | Mild relief of symptoms like pain, stress, and anxiety; increased focus and creativity. | First-time consumers or regular consumers looking to microdose. |
| 2.5 – 15 mg THC edibles | Stronger relief of pain and anxiety symptoms; euphoria; impaired coordination and perception. | Standard recreational use; persistent symptoms not addressed by smaller doses; people looking for a good night’s sleep. |
| 30 – 50 mg THC edibles | Strong euphoric effects; significantly impaired coordination and perception. | High tolerance THC consumers; consumers whose GI (gastrointestinal tract) systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well. |
| 50 – 100 mg THC edibles | Seriously impaired coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea, pain, and increased heart rate. | Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions. |
– Excerpt from Leafly.
How Long Does It Take for Edibles To Work?
Given the info above, the effects of consuming edibles can last quite a long time. The concern here is that it may take up to 1-3 hours before the effects kick in – unlike smoking that hits under 30 minutes. Eventually, a consumer might take a few more edibles than they should have because they think the marijuana effects are not kicking in. Hence, consumers need to have an edible dosing chart or an edible dosing guide that can help them calculate how much THC they are taking via edibles – and know when they have had enough, even when they haven’t felt the effects just yet.
How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?
Edibles can stay in your system for a prolonged period due to how they are metabolized. Typically, the effects of edibles last 6-8 hours, but THC can be detectable in your system for much longer. Depending on your metabolism, frequency of use, and dosage, THC from edibles may stay in your body for up to 3 days in casual users and several weeks for regular consumers.
How to Sober Up from an Edible?
If you’ve taken too much, staying calm is key. Drink plenty of water, eat light snacks, and try to relax in a comfortable environment. Inhaling black peppercorns or consuming foods rich in CBD (like hemp oil) may help counteract the effects. Remember, it will eventually pass—just give it time.
What Are the Effects of Marijuana Edibles?
Marijuana edibles often deliver long-lasting, safe effects that provide many health benefits and feel-good results. However, there is also a risk of experiencing unwanted effects when you consume more edibles than necessary. And with how tasty they are, this can be easy.
Measuring THC content in cannabis plants is often difficult. Arguably, this also means that, except for some very specific lab-tested edibles, it’s difficult to measure THC in edibles. Some people find that their body system is not always so agreeable to (what appears to be) moderate amounts of THC. Hence, they might easily overconsume THC in edibles.
In the same vein, the CBD + THC combo and the advantageous long-lasting effects of edibles also mean that patients get to experience the soothing effects of marijuana over a longer period.
The effect you get depends on the edible dosage you follow – or never followed. Let’s briefly look at the benefits of moderate consumption and the side effects of overconsuming edibles.
Benefits of Edibles:
- Pain management
- Antiseizure effects
- Relaxation
- Relief from anxiety, moodiness, depression, etc.
- Muscle spasm relief and control.
Adverse Effects When You Over-Consume Edibles:
- Paranoia
- Impaired cognition
- Hallucinations
- Psychotic episodes
- Increased heart rate
The line between these effects is often thin, and you can cross them with one more bite, one more candy. So, it is essential to understand the edible dosing chart and what an edible dosage should be like for you.
Note: medical marijuana doctors advise that consumers looking to experience the potent therapeutic effects of cannabis should opt for edibles. See why your edibles may not work for you here. Although these can also provide adverse effects, the chances are more likely with THC-dominant edibles. The higher the CBD content, the lower the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects.
How Should I Take Edibles for the First Time?
- Start with small amounts of 1 to 2.5mg edibles and give up to a 3 hour-window to note how your system reacts to it. To speed things up, you can have an organic snack – such as an apple – to help your digestive system get to work.
- Read the label. If you are looking to experience the therapeutic effects of cannabis, then you would be better off with edibles with a high CBD:THC ratio. That is, a product with a 4:1 (CBD:THC) ratio would provide less intoxicating and likely adverse effects than products with higher THC levels.
READ MORE: What is a Therapeutic Dose of CBD? | How to Make Edibles — And Do You Really Want To?
Finding Your Perfect Dosage With Elevate Holistics
At Elevate Holistics, we understand that finding your ideal edible dosage isn’t always easy. In fact, it can take some trial and error! However, we’re here to help you understand the best, most productive ways of doing so.
Interested in getting your medical marijuana card? Elevate Holistics has you covered. Just book an appointment with us. Then, our expert physicians will help you get the medical recommendation you require for your MMJ card.
