When it comes to edibles, the amount of THC mg is an important factor to consider. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” sensation. For edibles, the THC content is measured in milligrams (mg) and indicates the potency or strength of the edible. So how much THC in mg is normal or standard for an edible?
What is considered a standard dose?
There is no universal standard dose for edibles, as it depends on factors like the individual’s tolerance and experience with cannabis. However, a normal or standard dose for most people is generally considered to be 10-15mg of THC.
For those new to edibles or cannabis in general, it’s recommended to start with a dose on the lower end, around 5-10mg of THC. For more experienced users, a standard dose may be in the 15-30mg range. Doses higher than 50mg are considered very potent.
It’s important to note that edibles tend to produce a stronger and longer-lasting high compared to smoking or vaping cannabis. So even experiences users should exercise caution with edible dosage.
Factors that determine ideal edible dosage
There are a few key factors that impact how much THC mg is appropriate for an edible dose:
Tolerance
A person’s tolerance, which is dependent on how frequently they use cannabis products and the types of products used, has a big impact on ideal edible dosage. Those with a high tolerance may opt for a higher THC mg edible, while newcomers will want a smaller dose.
Experience with edibles
If someone is new to using edibles, they should start with a smaller dose, even if they have experience smoking or vaping cannabis. Edible effects last much longer and come on more slowly compared to inhaled methods.
Body weight
Body weight can influence the effects of edibles and required dosage. THC is fat soluble so it can have a more potent effect in those with higher body fat percentages. Therefore, lower body weights may require a lower edible dose.
Individual body chemistry
The way THC and other cannabis compounds are metabolized and processed can vary between individuals based on body chemistry. Some may experience strong effects from lower doses while others require higher doses for the desired effects.
Purpose and desired effects
The desired effects and purpose for using the edible should guide ideal THC mg dosage. Lower doses tend to provide lighter, more functional effects. Higher doses are associated more with recreational use and intoxication.
How to determine the right edible dose
Determining the appropriate edible dose of THC mg comes down to considering the above factors and following some key guidelines:
- If new to edibles, start with 2.5-5mg of THC
- Increase dose slowly in 2.5-5mg increments
- Wait at least 2 hours to determine full effects before redosing
- Consider your experience with cannabis and intention for use
- Try a diary to track ideal doses based on product type and time of day
- Consult budtenders and brands for dosage guidelines on products
Finding the optimal edible THC mg dosage is a very individual process. It’s best to take it slow and be patient when determining the right dose for your needs.
Common edible dosages
While effects can vary dramatically person to person, here is an overview of common edible dosages based on level of experience:
| User Type | Typical Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| New User/Beginner | 2.5-10mg THC |
| Intermediate User | 10-40mg THC |
| Experienced User | 40-100mg+ THC |
Again, these are rough guidelines and each individual is different. Some people may feel strong effects from 10mg while others have a naturally high tolerance and require 50mg+ for their desired effects.
Tips for dosing edibles
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when dosing edibles:
- Read the packaging closely to determine THC mg content per serving/piece
- Start low and increase slowly – effects take 30min to 2 hours to manifest fully
- Wait the full duration before taking more to avoid overconsumption
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances
- Consider CBD edibles or 1:1 THC:CBD ratio products to minimize over-intoxication
- Have CBD oil on hand to counteract unwanted side effects if needed
Following these tips will help ensure you have the best and safest experience when determining your ideal edible THC mg dosage.
Side effects and risks
While edibles offer a convenient, discreet way to enjoy cannabis, there are some potential side effects and risks to keep in mind:
Delayed onset
Effects manifest gradually over 1-3 hours. It is easy to consume more before peak effects hit.
Intense, long-lasting high
Edible highs tend to be more intense and long-lasting than smoking/vaping cannabis. Effects can last 8-12 hours.
Increased heart rate and anxiety
Higher doses can elevate heart rate and provoke anxiety or paranoid feelings more readily than other methods.
Drowsiness/fatigue
Edibles may cause drowsiness or sedation, especially at higher doses. Avoid operating machinery or driving.
Dry mouth and red eyes
Like other cannabis ingestion, edibles can cause dry mouth and eyes – have water on hand and use eyedrops as needed.
How long do edible effects last?
Edibles produce effects that last much longer than smoking or vaping cannabis. Onset of effects is delayed – it takes about 30-60 minutes to feel effects as edibles must be processed through the digestive system.
However, once effects manifest, the high tends to peak around 2-4 hours after ingestion and tapering off over the next 4-6 hours. It is not uncommon for effects to last 8-12 hours in total.
Duration and timing of edible effects depends on factors like the individual’s metabolism and amount of food intake. Using edibles on an empty stomach leads to faster absorption and more powerful effects.
Tips for riding out an intense edible high
For those who experience an uncomfortably strong edible high, here are some tips to ride it out safely:
- Get to a safe, comfortable place and try to relax
- Hydrate with water or fruit juice
- Eat some peppercorns to help reduce anxiety
- Use CBD oil to help counteract THC effects
- Distract yourself with light music, TV or reading
- Don’t panic or fight the effects, just remind yourself it’s temporary
- Try to fall asleep/take a nap to sleep it off
If symptoms are severe or don’t resolve within 6-8 hours, seek medical assistance. Most uncomfortable edible experiences resolve on their own with time.
How to store edibles properly
To maintain freshness and potency, edibles should be stored properly. Here are some edible storage tips:
- Keep edibles in a cool, dark place around room temperature
- Avoid areas with wide temperature fluctuations like near a stove
- Store in airtight containers to maintain moisture and avoid spills
- Keep away from direct sunlight which can degrade potency
- Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may alter texture/consistency
- Freeze very perishable items like baked goods if not eating quickly
- Check labels for brand storage recommendations
With proper storage, most edibles maintain peak potency for at least 6 months to 1 year. Hard candies and chocolate bars tend to have longer shelf lives than perishable baked goods.
Are there risks of contaminants in homemade edibles?
Homemade edibles carry some risks that commercially produced edibles don’t have. Potential risks include:
- Inaccurate dosing leading to accidental overconsumption
- Foodborne illness from unhygienic preparation practices
- Burns from explosive extractions done improperly
- Residual solvents like butane from DIY extraction methods
- Mold growth if improperly stored
- Inconsistent potency and effects
Commercial edible producers are required to meet strict safety and dosing standards. While homemade edibles can save money, it requires effort to ensure safety and accurate dosing.
Tips for safer DIY edibles
Those opting to make their own edibles can reduce risks by:
- Using decarboxylated cannabis extracts rather than doing extractions
- Following recipes precisely including dosing
- Practicing meticulous food hygiene and storage
- Labeling clearly with THC content and date
- Starting with very low doses
Overall, exercise great care and caution with homemade edibles to avoid potential health hazards.
Are edibles healthier than smoking cannabis?
Edibles are generally considered a healthier consumption method than smoking cannabis in terms of effects on lungs and cardiovascular health. However, edibles come with their own considerations.
Benefits of edibles
- Avoid harmful smoke/combustion byproducts
- Do not irritate lungs or respiratory system
- Offer longer lasting effects
- Discreet, more controllable dosing
- No secondhand smoke exposure to others
Drawbacks of edibles
- Delayed, unpredictable effects
- Higher risk of overintoxication
- Effects last much longer, up to 12 hours
- More likely to induce anxiety or paranoid feelings
- Potent edibles may impact memory and cognition
Ultimately edibles provide an alternative method without the risks of smoking, but they require more caution to use safely. Moderation is key with edible cannabis consumption.
Are there risks combining edibles with other drugs?
There are some risks associated with combining edibles with other substances like alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. Potential issues include:
- Compounded cognitive impairment and motor function effects
- Increased sedation leading to respiratory depression
- Elevated blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety
- Unpredictable psychoactive effects
- Nausea, dizziness, fainting
Specifically, alcohol is known to amplify THC effects so these substances should not be used together or with great caution. Those taking medications that cause drowsiness or anxiety should avoid edibles.
Reasons to avoid edible-drug combinations
- Hard to predict combined effects
- Increase risk of overdose
- May cause unexpected, dangerous interactions
- Exacerbate side effects like impaired coordination
- Using illicit drugs and cannabis is illegal in most places
For health and safety reasons, it is wise to avoid combining edibles with most other substances, especially alcohol, opioids, or sedative medications.
Do edibles expire and lose potency?
Yes, edibles can expire and lose potency over time, but shelf life depends heavily on storage conditions and the type of edible.
Exposure to light, heat, and air degrade THC and other cannabinoids over time, causing edibles to lose potency. Hard candies and chocolate bars tend to have the longest shelf life.
Signs an edible has expired
- Change in texture – hard, dried out, moldy
- Discoloration or white film/spots
- Loss of original aroma – stale, musty smell
- Change in flavor – off tastes
- Less potent effects
If storing edibles properly in cool, dark place in airtight containers, most will maintain good potency beyond the labeled expiry date – up to a year or more. Check for deterioration signs before consuming expired edibles.
Conclusion
Determining the optimal edible dosage comes down to considering your individual tolerance, experience level, body chemistry, and the desired effects. While 10mg THC is a typical starting dose, some may only need 5mg for a meaningful high while others can comfortably take 50-100mg or more.
Start low with edibles, incrementally increase dosage over multiple sessions, and wait at least 2 hours to fully feel effects before taking more. This will allow you to safely dial in your ideal dose. Considering factors like user experience and whether you have eaten will also help guide appropriate edible dosage.
