How do you dose cannabis edibles?

Finding the right cannabis dose usually requires some trial and error.

Dosing can be particularly challenging with cannabis edibles, as their long-lasting and potent nature mean that taking too much can lead to hours of unwanted side effects.

When you get your edibles dosing right, however, you can experience long-lasting relief from symptoms like chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

Get your medical marijuana card

Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.

• 

  Larger purchase limits

• 

  Access to higher potency strains

• 

  Save up to 40% on product taxes

• 

  Enhanced legal protection

Select State

Get started

The difference between edibles and other forms of cannabis

Edibles will affect you differently than most other forms of cannabis. These differences play a role in how to dose them.

The effects of cannabis are felt rapidly when it is inhaled, starting almost immediately and lasting 1 to 3 hours.

Edibles take much longer to set in — around 1 to 2 hours — because they have to be broken down by the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream.

Effects from edibles can last for more than 8 hours and tend to be stronger than effects from other cannabis forms.

How to find the right marijuana edibles dose

What may be a tolerable edible dose for one person can be intolerable for another.

Over time, people can build a tolerance to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), meaning that an appropriate dose for someone who uses cannabis frequently might be quite different than for someone who is new to using it.

There are many factors to think about when deciding on an edibles dose:

• Consider your body size: Individuals with a higher body weight may need to take a higher edible dose to achieve therapeutic benefits.
• Speak with an expert: If you’re using edibles to manage a health condition, ask a cannabis-knowledgeable doctor for personalized dosing guidance.
• Review your other medications: Cannabis might interact with certain medications, which can affect both the amount and timing of edible dosing.
• Understand your cannabis tolerance: If you’re new to using cannabis, or you’re sensitive to THC’s intoxicating effects, you might prefer a lower edible dose.

Edible dosage calculator

Use Leafwell’s edible calculator to find the THC dose per serving in homemade edibles.

If you decarboxylated your cannabis product at home, you’ll want to account for the natural loss of THC during this process by selecting this option in the edible dosage calculator. An estimated 60% of the original THC is retained after decarboxylating at home.

Is there a maximum THC edible dosage?

There’s no maximum THC edible dosage, although high levels of THC can lead to significant side effects, including:

• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Dry/bloodshot eyes
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Lightheadedness

You may be more likely to experience these side effects if you take a higher dose than recommended.

To prevent negative side effects, consider starting with a very low dose of 3 to 5 mg of THC or less. Wait for up to 2 hours to see how you feel. From there, you can increase your dosage by small amounts until you achieve the necessary therapeutic effects.

Tips for consuming weed edibles

Here are some tips to follow if you consume edibles:

• Start low and go slow: Edibles can produce particularly strong effects compared to other consumption methods. Start with only a small amount of THC and wait several hours before consuming more, only increasing your dose as needed and tolerated.
• Try edibles that contain cannabidiol (CBD): Some studies suggest CBD may help reduce the intensity of THC’s effects, though more research is needed.
• Look at labels: When buying edibles from a dispensary, check the product’s label and lab results to understand its cannabinoid content per serving. Labels should also show an ingredients list and other safety information.
• Consume in a safe environment: Plan to consume your edible dose in a calm, comfortable space.
• Use caution when mixing with other substances: Whether it’s alcohol or prescription medication, be aware of potential drug interactions. Speak with your doctor about the risks of mixing cannabis with other substances.
• Stay well fed and hydrated: Proper nourishment and hydration can alter how you digest cannabis, potentially creating more gradual and consistent effects.

The bottom line: Dose edibles mindfully to suit your unique needs

Because edibles carry the potential to create strong effects that last several hours, they require careful dosing, especially when made at home. That said, edibles also offer powerful, long-lasting symptom relief when used and dosed properly.

Use Leafwell’s edible dosage calculator to estimate the amount of THC in your homemade edibles, and consider speaking with a doctor to find the best dose for your health needs.

By getting a medical marijuana card through Leafwell, you can access expert guidance from licensed doctors. Make a telehealth appointment today to find a cannabis edible dose that works for you.