Cannabis edibles come in a wide variety of products, from gummies and baked goods to chocolates and beverages. The amount of THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) can vary greatly between different edibles. There is no universally agreed upon “average” milligram amount for THC in edibles. However, there are some general guidelines and regulations regarding edible dosing that provide a rough estimate.
What is considered a single dose?
Many experts recommend starting with no more than 10 mg of THC for a single dose of an edible. This is especially important for those new to cannabis edibles or who have a low tolerance. Consuming too much THC too quickly can lead to unpleasant side effects like anxiety, dizziness, and paranoia in some cases.
For regular cannabis consumers with a higher tolerance, some sources suggest a single dose of an edible can range from 10-25 mg of THC. However, effects can vary drastically between individuals depending on many factors like body chemistry, weight, and more.
State regulations on edible dosing
Many U.S. states with legal recreational or medical cannabis have set limits on how much THC can be in a single packaged edible. For example:
- Colorado: 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg THC max per package
- California: 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg THC max per package
- Nevada: 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg THC max per package
- Oregon: 5 mg THC per serving and 50 mg THC max per package
- Washington: 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg THC max per package
While the exact regulations differ between states, 10 mg or less per serving seems to be the common standard. However, not all gray and illicit market edibles comply with these dosage regulations.
Types of edibles and average dosing
Here is an overview of some common types of edibles and the range of THC amounts they typically contain:
Beverages
- 2.5-5 mg THC per 12 oz bottle or can
- Some microdosed drinks may have only 1-2 mg THC
- Higher dosed drinks may contain up to 10 mg THC per bottle
Candies and gummies
- 5-10 mg THC per piece
- Packages may contain anywhere from 10-100 mg THC total
Baked goods and snacks
- Cookies, brownies, chips: 10 mg THC per serving
- Full packages may contain up to 100 mg THC
Chocolates
- 5-15 mg THC per individual piece
- Up to 100 mg THC per full package
Mints and lozenges
- 2-10 mg THC per mint or lozenge
- Often sold in tins with a total of 100 mg THC
Keep in mind dosing can vary quite a bit within each category, and not all products will neatly fit these ranges. For example, some edibles are designed for microdosing with only 1-2 mg THC, while others may pack up to 50+ mg into a single serving.
Factors that influence edible potency and dosing
There are a few key factors that affect how strong or potent a cannabis edible will be:
- Type of cannabis extract: Edibles can be infused with a range of cannabis extracts like THC oil, distillate, isolate, or concentrate. Each has different potencies and purity levels of THC/other cannabinoids.
- Quality of starting material: The potency of the original cannabis plant material used to create the extracts can impact edible potency. Extracts from more potent strains generally produce more potent edibles.
- Extraction method: Different extraction techniques for making cannabis oils, concentrates, etc can influence potency and terpene/flavonoid content.
- Cooking/infusion method: How the extract is prepared and infused into oils, butters, baked goods and other edible matrices impacts absorption and dosing.
- Individual metabolism: The same edible can produce widely different effects in different people based on individual body chemistry, tolerance, metabolism of THC, and many other variables.
These are some of the key reasons why dosing with edibles can be inconsistent or unpredictable compared to other cannabis products like dried flower. The complexities around edible bioavailability and metabolism make it difficult to pinpoint an “average” milligram amount.
Tips for estimating edible potency and dosing
While there are no hard and fast rules for calculating edible doses, here are some general tips that can help provide a safer, more controlled edible experience:
- Start low, go slow – try 5 mg or less your first time with an edible from a new source
- Carefully read the dosage and ingredients listed on the package
- Research the brand and producer’s reputation and process
- Consume edibles on a full stomach for slower absorption
- Wait at least 2 hours before taking more to allow full effects
- Have CBD on hand to mellow the effects if needed
- Avoid mixing edibles with other substances like alcohol
Edibles from commercial producers in legal states are required by regulation to list the THC content prominently on packaging. However, unregulated edibles purchased illegally may not provide any dosage or potency information at all. In that case, it’s especially important to exercise additional caution when consuming.
Why accurate edible dosing matters
Determining average milligram amounts for THC in edibles is not merely an academic exercise. Proper dosing with edibles carries important health and safety implications:
- Overconsumption can lead to extreme intoxication, panic attacks, vomiting and other unpleasant effects
- Imprecise doses make it harder for medical patients to use edibles for symptom relief
- Unknown potency increases risk of accidental pediatric ingestion
- Inability to control dosage can contribute to overuse and dependence
Many cannabis advocates argue that erratic or deceptive edible dosing undermines the push towards accepting and integrating cannabis into mainstream society. Regulations enforcing strict quality controls and labeling requirements have improved the situation in legal markets. However, edible safety remains an ongoing concern especially for new consumers as cannabis use increases globally.
Average edible dosing by body weight
Some guidelines suggest basing edible doses on the consumer’s body weight as a rough starting point. Here are some examples of recommended THC milligram amounts per edible based on weight:
| User’s Weight | Single Dose (mg THC) |
|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 3-5 mg |
| 120 lbs | 5-10 mg |
| 150 lbs | 5-15 mg |
| 175 lbs | 10-15 mg |
| 200+ lbs | 15-25 mg |
Again, these measurements should only serve as a starting point for new edible users. Numerous other individual factors can impact effects and potency as well.
Average cost of edibles
Pricing for cannabis edibles depends heavily on geographic location, market type, product quality, and other factors. Here is an overview of typical edible costs:
- Legal markets: $10-$25+ per package containing multiple doses
- Medical dispensaries: Similar to legal markets, $15-$40 per multi-dose package
- Illegal states: Can be 2-3x more than legal markets; $25-$50+ for homemade edibles
For example, a 100mg THC chocolate bar may cost $15-$25+ in a legal dispensary, while home baked edibles with untested dosing purchased illegally could run $50 or more.
When consuming edibles from any source, it pays to understand the average pricing in your geographic area and assess if what you are getting aligns with reasonable market rates for a product of that type and potency. Significant variance could indicate issues with quality control or content accuracy.
Start low, go slow: Wise words for edible beginners
“Start low, go slow” is sage advice often repeated in cannabis education materials and forums. It emphasizes taking a cautious approach when trying edibles from a new source or for the first time.
Starting with a low THC dose, such as 2-5mg, and waiting to gauge the effects before consuming more is the safest way to use edibles. Increase the amount slowly over time as required to achieve your desired effects while avoiding overconsumption.
This mantra reinforces the notion that there is no universal “average” edible dose that suits everyone. While averages and guidelines exist, individual results vary. Patience and moderating consumption will provide the best experience.
Considerations for special populations
Certain groups require extra care and consideration when dosing edibles:
Children
Edibles pose serious risks to children due to their appeal and inability to control dosage. Edibles should be stored securely out of a child’s reach. Do not underestimate a child’s ability to get into things.
Elderly
THC sensitivity tends to increase with age. Elderly individuals often require much smaller edible doses than average. Go slowly and monitor effects closely.
Pet owners
THC overdose can be fatal to dogs and cats. Never leave edibles in a place pets can access them.
Those with health conditions
If you have a medical condition or take other medications, discuss edible use with your doctor. THC can interact with health conditions and prescription drugs.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Little research exists on edible THC and pregnancy. Potential risks are unknown. Use extreme caution or avoid edibles while pregnant/nursing.
Main takeaways on edible dosing
Here are some key points to remember about edible dosing:
- There is no universal “average” dose – individual results vary widely
- Beginning dose for most is 2-5mg THC
- 10mg THC or less per serving is recommended
- Regulations require 10mg THC or less per serving in legal states
- Go slow, be patient, and wait for effects before consuming more
- Dosing properly requires care, caution and moderation
While the average THC content in edibles ranges widely, prudent consumers exercise restraint and start low until they understand how a particular product affects them. This thoughtful approach provides the optimal edible experience.
