Illinois residents may purchase up to 30 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 500 milligrams of THC-infused edibles; and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Non-residents may purchase up to 15 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 2.5 grams of concentrates; and up to 250 milligrams of THC-infused edibles.
Edible Dosing Guide: What’s Right for You?
Proper THC dosing is crucial for a positive edible experience. Unlike smoking or vaping, where the effects are felt almost immediately, edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. This delayed onset can lead to overconsumption if you aren’t careful, resulting in a less-than-favorable experience.1
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about edibles dosing, including:
- Calculating Your Ideal Cannabis Edible Dosage
- How Long Does It Take Edibles to Work?
- Tips for First-Time Edible Consumers
- How Do You Know Which Dose Is Right for You?
- THC in Edibles vs Smoking: What’s the Difference
- Edible Dosing FAQs and Troubleshooting
Calculating Your Ideal Cannabis Edible Dosage
Finding your ideal THC dosage for edibles can be a bit of trial and error, especially since it’s different for every individual. In fact, such factors that may influence your tolerance include your weight, metabolism, and even your gender. The best way to dose edibles is to do so carefully.
If you’re new to edibles, start with a microdose of 1-2.5 milligrams and gradually increase as needed. Keeping track of your experiences can help you evaluate the effects and fine-tune your perfect dose.2
What Is Proper Dosing for Cannabis Edibles?
Here’s a general edible dosing chart for dispensary-purchased edibles* to help guide you. Remember to work off your own experiences, but this can be a helpful starting point, especially if you are new to cannabis.3
Edible Dosage Chart
1-2.5 Milligrams THC: Microdose
This dosage is great for beginners as it is less likely to produce psychoactive effects. Microdosing is also popular for staying functional while consuming cannabis edibles. However, remember that any effects you feel with an edible will likely last longer than smoking or vaping cannabis.
3-5 Milligrams THC: Low dose
This dosage is for edible newcomers seeking a psychoactive experience. The more traditional effects of THC may be noticed, especially with 5 milligrams, but it shouldn't feel overwhelming. If it does, decrease your THC to a microdose next time.
5-15 Milligrams THC: Moderate dose
This dosage may be suitable for regular cannabis consumers, but new users should avoid it.
15-30 Milligrams THC: High dose
This dosage is best for experienced cannabis users with a high THC tolerance. Even veteran consumers may find the psychoactive effects overwhelming and possibly unpleasant.
30+ Milligrams THC: Macrodose
A macrodose of THC is usually reserved for two types of consumers: highly experienced cannabis consumers and medical marijuana patients. We don’t recommend consuming more than 30 milligrams unless advised by a medical professional.
*The chart applies to edibles purchased at a dispensary, as the dosing is generally more consistent than homemade edibles.
How Long Does It Take Edibles to Work?
The onset time for THC edibles varies widely. Effects may be felt between 30 and 45 minutes after consumption, but could also take 60 to 180 minutes.
There are several factors that can influence how edibles affect you:4
- Weight and body composition: Heavier individuals may need a higher dose.
- Type of edible: Different edibles can have different onset times. For example, hard candies may kick in sooner than other edibles.5
- Metabolism and digestive factors: A faster metabolism can lead to a quicker onset of the THC effects.
- Cannabis tolerance and experience: Regular cannabis consumers may need higher doses compared to beginners.
Tips for First-Time Edible Consumers: What to Expect
When consuming cannabis edibles, the effects may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and can last for 4-12 hours.6 It is best to start with a low dose, increase gradually, and ensure you are in a comfortable, safe environment while staying hydrated.
First-time cannabis edible consumers should follow these tips to ensure they have a positive experience:
- Start with a microdose of THC.
- Consider personal sensitivity to THC, as everyone’s tolerance is different.
- Be in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Have a “sober” friend with you if it’s your first time.
- Clear your schedule, as the effects can last for several hours.
How Do You Know Which Dose Is Right for You?
Start with a low amount and gradually increase the dosage each time you consume an edible until you find the optimal level. If you consume 2 milligrams of THC, wait a couple of hours to evaluate the effects. If you feel nothing, increase the dose to 3 milligrams the next time you indulge.
THC in Edibles vs Smoking: What’s the Difference?
The difference between smoking cannabis and consuming edibles are based on how the different parts of the body metabolize THC. Edibles generally take longer to make an impact as they travel from the stomach to the liver. There, THC is converted into another compound called 11-Hydroxy-THC, which is more potent than THC.7 When cannabis is smoked, the cannabinoids move quickly through the body without converting into a different compound which makes for a faster onset time.7
Edible Dosing FAQs and Troubleshooting
Edible dosing can be tricky, whether you are new to cannabis or an old pro. It’s always best to ask your favorite budtender to help guide you with dosing THC edibles, but if you can’t wait, here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Is 5 milligrams of THC a lot for a beginner?
Five milligrams of THC may be too much for a beginner. It’s recommended to start with 2.5 milligrams of THC and see how you feel first before increasing the dosage.8
Should I take more edibles if I don’t think they’re working?
The onset time for edibles can range from 30 minutes to two hours, so even if you think the edibles aren’t working, don’t take more. Wait at least two hours before considering whether to take an additional dose.
How much THC is in an edible?
The amount of THC depends on the edible. Most edibles in a dispensary contain between 2.5 and 10 milligrams of THC. If you are a newbie, choose edibles you can easily cut in half to ensure you don’t take more than you can comfortably handle.
How much is too much THC?
The threshold for “too much THC” varies between cannabis consumers. Factors such as tolerance, experience, and personal sensitivity contribute to your THC limit. However, anything over 30 milligrams is generally considered an extremely high dose, for beginners and experienced cannabis consumers.
Should I eat before taking edibles?
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach may lead to a quicker onset and intensify the effects. Eating a balanced meal before consuming edibles can help modulate the effects.
Find Your Right Edible Dosage
Finding the right edible dosage is a personal journey, requiring patience and careful experimentation. You can find the perfect dose that works for you by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it. Always consider your tolerance, body composition, and desired effects, and chat with your budtender for personalized dosing THC advice.
Sources
1. “How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?” Healthline, February 7, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in
2. “Edible cannabis vs smoking weed: How are they different and what are the health effects?” The Sacramento Bee, March 25, 2022, https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/california-weed/article259690200.html
3. “Edible dosing for beginners: with dosage chart by milligrams,” Leafly, March 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/edible-dosing
4. “ How long does an edible last?” MedicalNewsToday, February 5, 2024, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-do-edibles-last
5. “How long do edible effects last?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/how-long-do-edible-effects-last
6. “Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles,” National Library of Medicine, January 24, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260817/
7. "Edibles vs smoking: How consumption methods affect your experience," Weedmaps, December 7, 2022, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/edibles-vs-smoking-consumption-methods
8. “How long do edibles take to kick in?” Leafly, February 4, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.