How much should I take when ingesting edibles?

Everyone is different. Tired of hearing Start Low Go Slow yet? Well, it's the truth! Beginners are encouraged to start at no more than 5mg THC. It is important to remember that it can take anywhere from 20-90 minutes to an hour to feel the effects, so be patient and resist the urge to take more.

Dosing Guidelines - How much to take and when?

Some things to consider when you are consuming edibles:

1. Dosage: What is your tolerance level?  If you are new to cannabis, you will want to look for products with a low dose to begin (see sunshower gummies?). These doses start at 5 mg and are a great introduction to cannabis. Those who are seasoned cannabis users, typically know they can consume higher doses.
2. Time: When ingesting an edible, the amount of time varies from person to person. Give yourself ample time. An edible can take anywhere between 20-90 minutes to kick in. So refrain from taking more if you don’t feel anything after 10 minutes. Wait at least an hour to see if you can tolerate a higher dosage.
3. Length of effects: The effects of edibles typically last anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on your dosage and tolerance. Make sure you are aware of the time it takes for edibles to go through your system. This method of consumption is best if you have a long period of time to enjoy the effects.

* Your metabolism slows at night during sleep, so edibles taken before bed can leave an unwanted hangover in the morning.

Even some experienced cannabis consumers choose to consume small doses (usually 3-7 mg)–so small that there’s little to no detectable euphoria. This method is called “microdosing,” and it’s used to gently stimulate our body’s cannabinoid receptors for improved mood, focus, and creativity. Some medical patients find that microdosing is more effective at alleviating their symptoms than high doses.

Before you dose, consider how much you’ve eaten and what you’ve had to drink. An empty stomach means your edible may kick in more swiftly, and if this is the case, maybe think about starting with half a dose. Cannabis is also fat soluble, meaning it requires a fat to be absorbed. Try eating fat-rich foods when you take an edible to make sure it’s getting into your system. Another thing to keep in mind is how much alcohol you’ve had to drink. Alcohol can increase THC blood concentration significantly, so dose modestly if you plan on mixing the two (but we don’t recommend it).