Why dosing matters
Cannabis tolerance varies enormously between individuals — body chemistry, previous experience, metabolism, other medications, and even whether you’ve eaten recently all play a part. There is no universal “right” dose. What is mild for one person can be overwhelming for another. Edibles require particular caution because their delayed onset can lead people to consume additional THC before the first dose has taken full effect.
Edibles (the most important to get right)
Edibles are metabolized through the liver, which converts THC into a different, generally more potent compound (11-hydroxy-THC). Onset is slower and effects last considerably longer than inhalation.
The ranges below are common reference points for where people start — not predictions of how you will feel. Your response may sit well outside them.
| THC per dose | Typically used by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2.5 mg | People new to edibles | A common first step. |
| 2.5–5 mg | New or low-tolerance consumers | A common starting range. |
| 5–10 mg | Occasional consumers | Not a starting dose for someone new. |
| 10–20 mg | Regular consumers with established tolerance | Not a starting dose. |
| 20 mg+ | Experienced, high-tolerance consumers | Well above a starting dose. Unpleasant reactions, including anxiety, become more likely as dose increases. |
If you are unsure where to begin, begin lower than you think you need to.
Edible onset timeline:
- 30–60 minutes: Typical onset on an empty stomach
- 60–90 minutes: Common onset after a meal
- Up to 2 hours: Not unusual, especially for slower metabolisms
- Peak effects: Approximately 3–4 hours
- Total duration: Approximately 6–12 hours
These are general estimates. Onset, intensity, and duration vary substantially from person to person and by product and dose.
The classic mistake: taking an edible, feeling nothing after 45 minutes, taking more — then experiencing both doses at once an hour later. Wait at least 2 hours before concluding an edible “isn’t working.”
Inhalation (flower & vapes)
Inhalation produces faster onset (minutes) and shorter duration (roughly 1–3 hours), which makes it easier to judge as you go.
- New consumer: take one small inhalation, then wait at least 15–30 minutes before considering more.
- Occasional consumer: a small number of puffs. Higher-THC flower hits harder than it appears.
- Regular consumer: gauge by your own tolerance, and re-gauge whenever you try an unfamiliar product.
Vapor often feels smoother than smoke, which can lead people to inhale more than they intended. Start small.
Concentrates
Concentrates — wax, shatter, live resin, rosin and similar — commonly test between 60% and 90% THC, several times the strength of flower. We don’t publish a starting amount, because the right one depends on the product, the device, and the person. If you are new to cannabis, start with flower or a low-dose edible instead. If you do use concentrates, use the smallest amount your setup allows, wait, and ask a budtender to walk you through the specific product before you buy it.
Tolerance breaks
Regular use tends to increase tolerance over time, so the same amount produces less effect. Many consumers take a break for that reason. How much tolerance changes, and how quickly, varies from person to person, and we can’t tell you what a break will do for you. What we can say is this: after any break, treat yourself as a new consumer and start low again.
If you’ve consumed too much
Taking more than you intended can be genuinely unpleasant. Common effects include intense anxiety or panic, a racing heart, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and confusion. These usually ease as the cannabis wears off, though with edibles that can take several hours.
If you feel overwhelmed:
- Get somewhere calm and comfortable, and stay with someone you trust if you can.
- Sip water. Sit or lie down rather than moving around.
- Remind yourself that the feeling is temporary and will pass as it wears off.
- Do not drive, and do not let anyone else who has consumed drive you.
When to get help
Don’t wait it out if something feels wrong. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, seizures, persistent vomiting, or if someone cannot be woken. Emergency responders are there to help, and cannabis is legal for adults 21+ in Minnesota.
Poison Control — 1-800-222-1222 is free, confidential, and staffed 24/7. Call immediately if a child or a pet has consumed cannabis, or any time you are unsure how serious a reaction is. For pets, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
Risk is higher for some people than others — including anyone with a heart condition, anyone taking other medications, and anyone with a personal or family history of psychosis. If that is you, talk to a healthcare provider before using cannabis at all.
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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