When it comes to medical marijuana, the right dose makes all the difference.
Too much and you’re uncomfortable. Too little and you’re not getting the relief you need.
The good thing is, finding that balance isn’t something you can just depend on eyeballing and guesswork. It’s a guided process that helps your body respond the way it should.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how dosing works, why getting it right matters, and how Elevate Holistics can support you with expert, one-on-one care.
Why Calculating Your Dosage Matters
Getting your dosage right can be the difference between feeling calm and feeling off. Many new patients start with too much THC, expecting quick results.
The outcome? Anxiety, brain fog, or that dreaded couch lock.
Others go too low and end up frustrated because they don’t feel anything at all.
Cannabis dosing isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Your ideal amount depends on your body, your health, and how you’re using the product. Someone managing chronic pain might need something very different from someone easing into sleep. And if you’re using edibles or tinctures, those work differently than flower or vape.
Your weight, metabolism, and even past cannabis use all play a role in how your body responds. That’s why dialing in your dosage with care (and guidance) can make a world of difference in how you feel and how your treatment works.
What Factors Affect Cannabis Dosage?
Everybody processes cannabis differently. What works for your friend or partner might feel completely different for you.
Here are a few important factors that can affect how much you need:
Product type
Edibles, tinctures, topicals, and inhaled products all absorb into the body in different ways. Some kick in fast and fade quickly. Others take longer to start but stick around longer.
Bioavailability
This refers to how much of the active compound (like THC or CBD) your body actually uses. Inhaled cannabis typically offers higher bioavailability than edibles, which must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Onset and duration
- For inhaled cannabis, effects begin within minutes, usually last 1 to 3 hours.
- Edibles can take up to 90 minutes to kick in, with effects lasting 4 to 8 hours.
- Tinctures (under the tongue) may take effect in 15 to 45 minutes and may last a few hours.
Body composition and metabolism
People with higher body fat may store cannabinoids longer. A faster metabolism might mean shorter durations of effect. Age and hormone levels also come into play.
Current health and tolerance
Someone with no previous cannabis experience may feel strong effects with just a small amount. Those managing chronic symptoms may need higher doses or a different delivery method altogether.
Ratio of THC to CBD
These compounds can work together or separately, depending on your goals. For example:
- A high-CBD product may ease anxiety without any noticeable high.
- A balanced product with equal parts THC and CBD may help manage pain while keeping side effects in check.
Other medications
Certain prescriptions can change how cannabis feels or how long it lasts. It’s smart to talk with a professional before mixing medications with cannabis.
Basic Dosing Guidelines for THC and CBD
Once you know what affects your dosage, the next step is figuring out where to begin. General dosing ranges can help point you in the right direction, but your ideal amount depends on your body, your symptoms, and your goals.
Here’s a simple breakdown to guide you:
THC Dosing
- A microdose, which is less than 2.5 milligrams, is often enough for beginners, light symptom relief, or easing into cannabis for the first time.
- A low dose, ranging from 2.5 to 10 milligrams, can support sleep, mild pain, or anxiety.
- A standard dose, usually between 10 and 20 milligrams, may be appropriate for those with some experience and more moderate symptoms.
- Higher doses, above 25 milligrams, are typically used under professional guidance and often apply to those with significant tolerance or severe conditions. Do note that it’s recommended not to go over 40 mg of THC a day.
CBD Dosing
- Starting with 10 to 20 milligrams is common for daily use, general wellness, or light inflammation.
- Doses between 25 and 50 milligrams or more may support chronic conditions, pain, or seizures. CBD doesn’t cause a high, but it still needs proper planning to be effective.
How About Mixing THC and CBD?
Some patients see better results when using both together. Balanced products that include equal parts THC and CBD can offer calm, comfort, and better symptom control, especially for those who feel too sensitive to THC on its own.
Remember, though, these ranges are just starting points. A dose that works well for someone else may not be right for you.
The bottom line here is that the best path forward often involves support from a provider who understands how to match dosing with your needs.
How to Calculate Your Dosage
Knowing your starting dose is just the beginning. The real value comes from understanding how to fine-tune it over time. A few small steps can help you figure out what works best, without the ups and downs that come from guessing.
Here’s a simple way to approach it:
- Start small and stay consistent. Pick a low, measured dose based on your product and symptoms. Stick with the same amount for a few days so you can get a clear sense of how your body reacts. Resist the urge to make quick changes after just one try.
- Take notes along the way. Keep track of when you take your dose, how much you used, and what you noticed after. This doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick note in your phone or a journal can help you see patterns that aren’t obvious day to day.
- Give it time to work. Some effects take longer to show up, and it may take more than one session to understand how your body responds.
- Make slow, steady changes. If your current dose doesn’t feel quite right, increase gradually. A small change is easier to track and less likely to leave you feeling overwhelmed. This applies in both directions, scaling back can be just as helpful as stepping it up.
- Reach out for support when you need it. The process is easier when you’re not doing it alone. We, at Elevate Holistics, offer medical professionals who can look at your history, listen to your concerns, and guide you toward a dosing strategy that fits your life.
Book an Appointment with Elevate Holistics
Now that you’ve got a better grasp on how to calculate your dosage, the next step is getting expert support to make sure you’re on the right track.
At Elevate Holistics, we connect you with licensed medical cannabis doctors who can help create a personalized dosing plan based on your health, your goals, and how your body responds.
The best part? You can do it all from home.
Here’s how it works:
- Book your appointment online
- Meet with a doctor in a secure video call
- Get your medical card and expert dosing guidance in one simple step
Skip the trial and error. Get clear, professional support that helps you feel confident in your cannabis care.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your appointment today!
