Why dosing matters
Cannabis tolerance varies enormously between individuals based on body chemistry, previous cannabis experience, metabolism, and even whether you've eaten recently. There is no universal "right" dose. What's mild for one person can be overwhelming for another. This is especially true for edibles, which are responsible for the majority of uncomfortable cannabis experiences — almost always because of impatience with onset time.
Edibles dosing (most important to get right)
Edibles are metabolized through the liver, converting THC into a more potent form (11-hydroxy-THC). Onset is slower and effects last much longer than inhalation.
| THC dose | Who it's for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2.5 mg | First-timers; microdosers | Mild effects; often barely perceptible. Good starting point. |
| 2.5–5 mg | New consumers; low tolerance | Light relaxation or mild euphoria. Recommended starting dose. |
| 5–10 mg | Occasional consumers | Noticeable effects; clear intoxication for most people. |
| 10–20 mg | Regular consumers; higher tolerance | Strong effects. Not for beginners. |
| 20 mg+ | Experienced, high-tolerance consumers | Very strong effects. Risk of anxiety at this level for many people. |
Edible onset timeline:
- 30–60 minutes: Typical onset when taken on an empty stomach
- 60–90 minutes: Common onset after a meal
- Up to 2 hours: Not unusual, especially for slower metabolisms
- Peak effects: Usually 2–3 hours after onset
- Total duration: 4–8 hours (can be longer at higher doses)
The classic mistake: Taking an edible, feeling nothing after 45 minutes, taking more — then experiencing both doses simultaneously an hour later. Wait at least 2 hours before concluding the edible "isn't working."
Inhalation dosing (flower & vapes)
Inhalation produces much faster onset (minutes) and shorter duration (1–3 hours), making it easier to titrate your dose.
- New consumer: One small inhalation (puff). Wait 10–15 minutes before considering more.
- Occasional consumer: 1–3 puffs. Higher-THC flower (25%+) hits harder than it appears.
- Regular consumer: Gauge by personal tolerance. THC % is one signal; terpene profile matters too.
Vapes often feel smoother than flower, which can lead people to inhale more than intended. The effect is still significant — start small.
Concentrates
Concentrates (wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, etc.) can be 60–90% THC. A grain-of-rice-sized amount is a reasonable starting point for inexperienced dab consumers. If you're new to cannabis in general, we strongly recommend starting with flower or a low-dose edible before exploring concentrates.
Tolerance breaks
Regular cannabis use increases tolerance over time — you'll need more to feel the same effects. A "t-break" (tolerance break) of 2–4 weeks significantly resets your baseline. When returning after a break, treat yourself as a new consumer and start low again.
If you've consumed too much
Overconsumption is uncomfortable but not physically dangerous for adults. If you feel overwhelmed:
- Find a calm, comfortable place and remind yourself the feeling will pass.
- Drink water. A light snack can help.
- Black pepper contains caryophyllene, a terpene that some people find counteracts anxiety — chewing a few peppercorns is a folk remedy some consumers swear by.
- CBD may help moderate THC's anxiety-producing effects — keep a CBD product on hand if you're prone to anxiety.
- Sleep it off if possible.
- If you are genuinely concerned about your physical state, call 911. Emergency responders are there to help.
Shop low-dose products
We carry 2.5 mg and 5 mg edibles specifically for new consumers. Ask our budtenders for recommendations.
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