How To Dose Edibles (Find the Perfect Balance)

March 02, 2023

Everybody loves a good sweet or savory treat, are we right? And, for those of us who also love to dabble in the world of weed, edibles can be one of the most enjoyable ways to get your THC fix. But, as seasoned cannabis users know, it’s all too easy to overshoot the dose and end up dealing with some pretty uncomfortable, weird and adverse effects. So how do you find that perfect balance? How many milligrams are too many? How should body weight, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal factors be taken into account? Don't worry, we've got a handy guide on how to dose edibles to help you on your quest to balance the art of cannabis consumption.

What to Know About Edibles

Marijuana edibles, cannabis edibles, cannabis-infused products — whatever you call them, are one of the most popular ways to get that high vibration we tend to crave. So what exactly are they?

Edibles are food or drink products that have been infused with cannabis oil, cannabutter, or perhaps a nice tincture. The process of infusing edibles with your favorite weed allows the THC, CBD and other cannabinoids to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive system. How quickly these cannabinoids take effect depends on various factors but more on that later.

So how do you make edibles? Well, again, it depends. If you’re an experienced cannabis chef, there are countless ways to make your own homemade edibles. You can infuse oil or butter with flower, create your own tincture or use concentrates like shatter, wax or hash oil to get the job done — all of which will give you a good indication of how much THC you can expect in each edible.

If DIY isn’t your thing, there are also ready-made edibles that come pre-dosed with different levels of THC and CBD. And don't worry, we'll tell you our favorites later on! For now, let's about all the glorious infused foods and drinks we can make or buy.

How Edibles Work

Now that you know what edibles are, it’s time to understand how they work. While inhalation methods go through your lungs and enter your bloodstream almost instantaneously, edibles take a bit longer.

Why?

Well, the way you consume your cannabis makes a difference. When you eat an edible, it passes through the liver first, where enzymes break down the THC and then release it into the bloodstream slower and more gradually than when smoked or vaped.

How long does it take to feel the effects?

How quickly your edible take effect and how long it will last depend on a few factors:

Your body weight.
Gastrointestinal factors.
How fast your metabolism is.
How much THC is in the product.
How recently you ate prior to consuming the edible.

Now, most people will begin to feel the effects anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after consuming. How long it lasts is also dependent on your body weight and other factors listed above. Generally speaking, edibles tend to offer a more intense high for longer periods of time — up to 8 hours in some cases. How delightful!

Types of Edibles

Here's where things get really exciting. Cannabis-infused products come in various forms, from classic brownies and cookies to gummies, chocolates, beverages and so much more.

To give you a quick rundown:

Sweet & Sour

Gummies — sour straws, gummy bears, sour patch kids, etc.
Chocolates — chocolate bars, truffles, fudge and other desserts.
Baked Goods — brownies, cookies, muffins, cakes and other classic baked treats.
Hard Candy — lollipops, mints, tablets, etc.

Salty & Savory

Chips
Wings
Pizza
Popcorn
Mac & Cheese and many more!

Condiments

Hot sauce
BBQ sauce
Oils & Spreads

Drinkable

Sodas
Teas
Seltzers
Liquors
Aperitifs

And while not all of these items are prepackaged and ready to go, the homemade ones are easy enough to create with some experimentation and practice.

Like what you’re hearing, here’s a quick list of what we’ve got in stock:

Bedtime Betty’s, Fruit Chews-Raspberry Creme (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/fruit-chews-raspberry-creme-5mg-each-50mg-total) (gummies)
Hashables, Fruit Chew-Peachy Mango (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/fruit-chew-peachy-mango-20pk-100mg-total) (gummies)
Kiva, Chocolate Bar-Midnight Mint (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/chocolate-bar-midnight-mint-dark-chocolate-5-2-100mg) (chocolate)
Vibrations, Drink Mix-Strawberry Lemonade (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/drink-mix-strawberry-lemonade-5mg-each-50mg-total) (energy drink)
Bubby’s Baked Goods, Drink Mix-Hot Cocoa (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/drink-mix-hot-cocoa-5mg-each-50mg-total) (hot chocolate powder)
Bubby’s Baked Goods, Brownie (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/brownie-5mg-each-25mg-total) (baked goods)
Betty’s Eddies, Ice Cream-Vegan Chocolate (https://panaceawellness.com/dispensary/middleborough-ma/recreational/product/ice-cream-vegan-chocolate-sunbutter-5mg-each-20mg-total) (ice cream)

Now that you have plenty of options to choose from let’s get down to business and talk about dosage.

Edible Dosing Guide

Now on to how to dose! Like a fingerprint, your endocannabinoid system is unique to you. How your body responds to a given product can vary greatly from person to person, so it’s important that you dose accordingly. Likewise, how often you consume will play a factor in your tolerance.

How to Calculate Edible Dosage

If you’re new to edibles, you’ll notice that the amount of cannabis in most products is quantified using milligrams of THC (mg for short). One milligram is one one-thousandth of a gram. Therefore, milligrams are commonly used for measuring tiny amounts, less than 1 gram. As with all measurements, a lower number means a lower amount. So a smaller amount of cannabis has less strength.

The amount in milligrams typically refers to a specific cannabinoid or active compound found within cannabis. These amounts could be cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol)

So....how many milligrams is right for me? Check out this edibles dosage chart cheat sheet:

5 mg or less (low dose range)

For those new to the world of weed or those looking to simply relax and be sociable. This dosage is great for those who have a low tolerance or just don’t want the mind-altering effects of cannabis. It's just enough to give you a light buzz and help you unwind without feeling overwhelmed.

5–15 mg (low to moderate dose range)

This range is considered to be the average dose. It’s often recommended for those with moderate tolerance levels or looking to just get lightly high. What's best about this dosage is that it gives you the freedom to experiment and adjust your dose as needed.

15–30 mg (moderate to high dose range)

This range is often used by those with a higher tolerance level and/or looking to get more intense psychoactive effects from the product. It’s worth noting that this dosage should be taken slowly, especially if you are new to edibles or have a low tolerance.

30–50 mg (high dose range)

This is where our daily tokers and connoisseurs usually hang out. This dosage is not recommended for new users, as it can cause intense psychoactive effects that may be overwhelming or too much to handle. No matter the edible, this high dose of THC should be approached slowly and with caution.

At this level, you may experience the “couch lock” effect, extreme hunger (the munchies), and deep relaxation. However, you may also feel some unwanted effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and an extreme case of the “bad trip.”

Any more than this THC dosage can result in cannabis overconsumption causing adverse effects such as confusion, dizziness, nausea and even vomiting.

When it comes to dealing with edibles and dosage, remember to proceed slowly and cautiously. Start off with a small dose and work your way up if necessary.

Recommended Dosage for Beginners

If you’re new to the game or just starting out with a low tolerance, we recommend that you start off with a 2.5mg dose of THC and see how your body feels. If you don’t feel any effects even after an hour or so, it’s safe to take a bit more. Remember that everyone has different tolerance levels and will react differently to edibles.

Choosing the Right Edible Product

It takes time and patience to find the right amount to get those much desired effects, but it’s worth it. A good rule of thumb is to choose an edible product that has a milligram amount listed on the package. That way, you know exactly how much THC each bite or serving contains and can adjust your dose accordingly. However, we have a few tips to consider while you browse our online menu.

THC/CBD Content — Check the label for THC and CBD amounts to get an idea of the product’s strength.
Strain Type — Different strains have different effects on each individual. Indica and Sativa dominant products can affect the body in different ways so be sure of what effect you're looking for.
Serving Size — How many milligrams of THC are in each serving? A single serving size may contain more than one dose of 5 mg or less. Some products come as a whole and some you can break up into separate pieces.
Flavor — Edibles come in many shapes, sizes and flavors. Be sure to choose something that you like the taste of so that you don't feel overwhelmed by its flavor.

Along with this, here are some helpful tips for consumption:

Don't consume edibles on an empty stomach — just don't.
Avoid alcohol when consuming edibles for the first time, you don't want the crossfade to sneak up and ruin the vibe.
Read about your product before consumption — there are many edibles on the market that contain different types of ingredients.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ

FAQs

Is it safe to mix weed edibles with alcohol?

Yes, it's safe to mix weed edibles with alcohol. But if you're trying edibles for the first time, it's better to try them on their own before mixing them with alcohol. That way, you can avoid cross-fading and better understand how your body responds to edibles. If you are mixing edibles with alcohol, make sure you stay hydrated and drink responsibly.

Can you overdose on edibles?

An overdose is an excessive amount of a drug that results in adverse or dangerous effects. While it's uncommon for people to overdose on cannabis, you can still experience unpleasant effects from taking too much. For example, you may experience headaches, nausea, or vomiting.

What happens if I eat too many edibles?

Too many edibles can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and uncomfortable. To avoid this, start with a small dose of THC (2-5mg) and wait an hour or two before taking more. Remember that everyone has different tolerance levels and will react differently to edibles.

Do edibles smell like weed?

No, typically, they don't smell like since the cannabinoids are extracted from the plant and infused into food products. However, they may still have a faint cannabis aroma, depending on how they were made.

Will edibles work if I have a high tolerance?

Yes. Edibles are a great way for those with higher tolerances to feel the effects of cannabis. Depending on your tolerance, you may need to consume up to 10mg or more of THC per dose.

Explore Edibles With Panacea

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to explore all of the great edibles Panacea offers. With a wide selection of delicious treats and reliable products made with high-quality ingredients, we have just what you need to get that perfect edible experience.

Order online or come on into one of our dispensaries and talk to one of our staff members — they’ll be sure to help you find the right products and figure out the ideal use for your needs.

Happy exploring!