By Jessica Clark
THC edibles are quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of consuming cannabis, both for medicinal and recreational uses. They are easy to use, they provide a discreet way to have edibles, and their effects tend to last much longer than smoking or vaping, depending on the dosage.
That said, before we start discussing how to gauge proper THC edible dosage for you, it is important to consider there are a lot of different factors that can affect how strong the high from an edible is. Too many people have found this out the hard way.
Understanding How THC Edibles Work
To find the right dose, it’s important to understand how THC edibles work. When you inhale cannabis, its effects are virtually instantaneous. Edibles, however, move through your stomach and liver before entering your bloodstream. In this process, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that passes the blood-brain barrier more easily and packs an even greater punch than inhaled THC.
The high from Delta 9 Gummies typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours to kick in but can last four to eight or more hours. The delayed onset and increased potency make it crucial to approach edibles with caution, particularly for beginners.
Factors Influencing the Right Dosage
Multiple factors can impact how your body reacts to THC edibles – all of which are important when determining the right dosage for you.
- For starters, everyone’s tolerance is different. If you’re new to cannabis or just have a low tolerance, we recommend going with a low dose. On the other hand, frequent users may require a higher dose to feel the effects. Your body weight and metabolism also play a role in metabolizing THC.
- Typically, those with more body mass will want to consume more than those who don’t weigh much and people with faster metabolism generally feel the effects quicker.
- The type of effects you want is another factor to consider when determining your dosage. Do you just want some mild relaxation? Are you looking for pain relief? Or do you want to get completely blitzed and forget math forever? Your target effect should help guide your dosage decision as well.
- Lastly, keep in mind that not all edibles are created equal; some are quite potent. Due to varying absorption rates, some edibles take longer for their effects to kick in than others. Others can knock an elephant out cold at 100 paces.
General Dosage Guidelines
When it comes to THC edibles, “start low and go slow” is the best mantra to follow. Most newcomers should aim for 1 to 5 mg of THC. That dose can be slightly psychoactive (meaning slight mood changes, some anxiety elevation) but also subtle enough for you to not feel anything too strong — generally, a good starting point if you’ve got any hesitations or are new to cannabis overall.
If you want more pronounced effects but still want to play it safe, go for between 5 and 10 mg. That dose is enough in general for mild euphoria and relaxation without being overwhelming.
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Between five and ten experiences under your belt or maybe having a naturally mild tolerance might put you in the range of many users: between 10 and 20 mg, which will provide stronger euphoria and relaxation and usually some pain relief as well as a bit of anxiety relief. But a warning on this one: It can impair coordination and visually change things at the high end; again, start low just in case!
Twenty-to-50-mg doses most likely will be taken only by those with very experienced use/tolerance or those who need extreme relief from symptoms. Don’t drive!
Anything above 50mg is a very high dose and should be approached with caution if you have not already taken the drug. Very high doses of MDMA can result in becoming more sensitive to certain effects, including anxiety, restlessness, and inability to sleep. It’s possible to have intense feelings of fear while your body adjusts but this eventually subsides into a loving, empathetic state.
Tips for Consuming THC Edibles
To have a good experience with THC edibles, it’s all about patience:
- For starters, after you consume an edible, make sure to wait at least 2 hours before even thinking of taking more because the effects can take time to hit fully. You don’t want to consume a bunch more edibles too soon and then become faced with the uncomfortable reality of how long it will stay in your body.
- Also always make sure to read the label so you know how much THC is being consumed per serving.
- A comfortable environment isn’t vital but it helps especially if experimenting on a higher dose for the first time. Keep some water close by and maybe eat something slight beforehand so your stomach doesn’t feel empty as that often makes side effects stronger.
Conclusion
Deciding the right dosage for THC edibles involves understanding your own tolerance, body weight, desired effects, and the edible you are consuming. By starting with a low dose and being patient, you can find the optimal amount that provides a safe and enjoyable experience. Paying attention to THC content and following these guidelines will help ensure a controlled and positive encounter with THC edibles.
