Cannabis Edibles Dosing Guide: How Much Should You Take?

Edibles are one of the most enjoyable ways to consume cannabis—but they're also the easiest to get wrong. Unlike smoking or vaping, where effects appear within minutes, edibles can take hours to kick in, leading many people to make the classic mistake: "These aren't working, I should eat more." This guide will help you find your ideal dose and avoid uncomfortable overconsumption.

Quick Answer

Start with 2.5-5mg THC for your first edible experience and wait at least 2 hours before considering more. Effects typically begin 30-90 minutes after consumption and can last 4-8 hours. Never redose within the first 2 hours, even if you feel nothing. Factors like metabolism, tolerance, and whether you've eaten affect your experience. When in doubt, start lower.

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Table of Contents

• How Edibles Work
• Dosing Chart by Experience
• Factors Affecting Your Dose
• First-Time Edible Guide
• Timeline of Effects
• What If You Take Too Much
• Calculating Homemade Edible Doses
• Pro Tips
• FAQ

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How Edibles Work

Different Than Smoking

When you smoke or vape, THC enters your bloodstream through your lungs, reaching your brain within minutes. Edibles work completely differently:

1. You eat the edible

2. It travels to your stomach

3. THC is absorbed in the digestive tract

4. Your liver processes it, converting THC to 11-hydroxy-THC

5. This metabolite crosses the blood-brain barrier

Why 11-Hydroxy-THC Matters

The liver converts delta-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is:

• More potent than regular THC
• More effective at crossing the blood-brain barrier
• Longer-lasting in your system
• Why edibles feel "different" than smoking

This is why the same THC amount feels much stronger in an edible than when smoked.

The Delayed Onset Problem

Because edibles must be digested first:

• Effects take 30-90 minutes (sometimes longer)
• Peak effects may not occur for 2-3 hours
• Many people eat more before the first dose kicks in
• This leads to uncomfortable overconsumption

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Dosing Chart by Experience

THC Dosing Guidelines

Where to Start

Never tried cannabis: 2.5mg

Smoked but new to edibles: 5mg

Occasional edible user: 5-10mg

Regular edible user: 10-25mg

High tolerance: 25-50mg+

The Golden Rule

Start low, go slow. You can always take more next time; you can't un-eat an edible.

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Factors Affecting Your Dose

Body Weight and Metabolism

• Higher body weight may require slightly higher doses
• Faster metabolism = quicker onset but shorter duration
• Slower metabolism = delayed onset but longer effects

Tolerance

• Cannabis tolerance significantly affects needed dose
• Daily smokers need higher edible doses
• Tolerance to smoking partially transfers to edibles
• Edibles can build their own tolerance with regular use

Food and Stomach Contents

Empty stomach:

• Faster absorption
• More intense effects
• Shorter duration
• Higher chance of discomfort

Full stomach:

• Slower absorption
• More gradual onset
• Potentially milder peak
• Longer, more stable effects

Fat Content

THC is fat-soluble. Eating edibles with fatty foods can:

• Increase absorption
• Enhance effects
• Provide more consistent experience

Individual Variation

Some people are naturally more sensitive to THC due to:

• Liver enzyme differences
• Endocannabinoid system variation
• Genetic factors
• Previous experiences

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First-Time Edible Guide

Preparation

1. Choose your day carefully—no obligations for 6-8 hours

2. Start with 2.5-5mg maximum

3. Eat a light meal 30-60 minutes before

4. Have a trusted friend available (in person or by phone)

5. Prepare your environment—comfortable, safe, entertainment ready

The Process

Hour 0: Eat your edible

Hour 1: You probably feel nothing—this is normal. DO NOT EAT MORE.

Hour 1-2: Effects may begin—subtle at first

Hour 2-3: Peak effects for most people

Hour 3-6: Gradual decline

Hour 6-8: Most effects gone, possible residual tiredness

What to Have Ready

• Water and non-alcoholic beverages
• Light snacks
• Comfortable seating/lying area
• Entertainment (familiar movies, music, games)
• Phone charged
• CBD products (can help if too intense)

Signs of a Good First Experience

• Mild euphoria
• Relaxation
• Enhanced sensory experience
• Giggles
• Increased appetite
• Feeling "comfortable"

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Timeline of Effects

Onset

Duration

Peak Effects

Peak typically occurs 2-3 hours after consumption, but can take up to 4 hours for some people. This is why waiting before redosing is critical.

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What If You Take Too Much

First: Don't Panic

No one has ever died from a cannabis overdose. The effects will pass. This is uncomfortable but not dangerous.

Symptoms of Overconsumption

• Intense anxiety or paranoia
• Racing heart
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Time distortion
• Feeling too high

How to Recover

1. Remind yourself it's temporary—this will pass

2. Move to a comfortable, safe space

3. Drink water—stay hydrated

4. Eat something—can help moderate effects

5. Try CBD—may counteract some THC effects

6. Chew black peppercorns—terpenes may help with anxiety

7. Sleep if possible—often the best solution

8. Call a friend for reassurance

When to Seek Help

Seek medical attention if:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Signs of allergic reaction
• Pre-existing heart conditions with symptoms

For more recovery tips, see our greening out guide.

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Calculating Homemade Edible Doses

The Basic Formula

Total THC (mg) = Weight of cannabis (g) × THC percentage × 1000 × 0.88

The 0.88 accounts for decarboxylation efficiency.

Example Calculation

• 7 grams of 20% THC flower
• 7 × 0.20 × 1000 × 0.88 = 1,232mg total THC

If you make 24 brownies:

• 1,232mg ÷ 24 = ~51mg per brownie

Why Homemade Is Tricky

• THC distribution may be uneven
• Actual THC content varies from labeled
• Decarboxylation efficiency varies
• Infusion efficiency varies

Always assume homemade edibles are stronger than calculated.

For cannabutter recipes, see our cannabutter guide.

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Pro Tips

1. Keep a dose journal—track what works for you

2. Buy from licensed dispensaries for accurate dosing

3. Cut commercial edibles into smaller pieces if needed

4. Wait 2 FULL hours before considering more

5. Empty stomach ≠ better—eat something light first

6. Avoid alcohol—intensifies effects unpredictably

7. Set a timer so you don't lose track of time

8. Have CBD available as a safety net

9. Consistency matters—same brand/product helps dial in dose

10. Edibles hit differently each time—your response may vary

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FAQ

Why don't edibles work for me?

Some people have enzyme differences that affect THC metabolism. Try taking edibles with fatty foods, trying a different product type (oil-based vs. candy), or slightly increasing dose. Some people genuinely don't process edibles effectively.

How long should I wait before taking more?

At least 2 hours, ideally 3. Edibles can continue getting stronger for up to 3 hours after consumption. Taking more too soon is the most common mistake.

Are edibles stronger than smoking?

Yes, effectively. The same THC amount produces stronger, longer effects in edible form because your liver converts it to the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC.

Can I drive after taking an edible?

No. Edibles impair you for hours. Never drive while under the influence. Effects can last 6-8+ hours. Plan alternative transportation.

Do edibles expire?

Edibles have shelf lives like regular food. THC remains stable for months if stored properly, but the edible itself may spoil. Check expiration dates.

Why do edibles sometimes not kick in?

Possible reasons: ate on very full stomach, low-quality product, individual metabolism, tolerance higher than expected. If this happens consistently, try taking with fatty foods or trying different products.

Is 10mg a lot for edibles?

For beginners, yes. 10mg is considered a "standard dose" but is too high for many new users. Start with 2.5-5mg.

Can I overdose on edibles?

Not fatally. However, taking too much causes very uncomfortable experiences that can last hours. Always start low to avoid this.

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Conclusion

Edibles offer a unique, potent, and long-lasting cannabis experience—but dosing is everything. The difference between a great time and a terrible one often comes down to just 5-10mg.

Start with 2.5-5mg, wait at least 2 hours, and adjust from there on future occasions. Keep a journal of what works. And remember: you can always take more next time, but you can't take less once it's eaten.

For more on cannabis basics, check out our first-time smoker's guide or explore our strain database to find strains that make great edibles.