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Edibles 101: The Ultimate Edible Dosage Guide

Edibles 101: The Ultimate Edible Dosage Guide

***Kiva Confections content related to both the effects of cannabis and the results of cannabis use is based upon general user experiences and testimony. This content should be considered anecdotal and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a medical professional before adding or altering the consumption of medication or medical-related activities. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ***

Key Takeaways:

  • Dosage varies person to person based on multiple factors. We always recommend starting low and going slow to find the dosage that works for you. 

  • 1.25 – 2.5 mg is considered a microdose, while 3.5 – 5.5 mg is generally a light to normal dose for less experienced users.

  • 10 – 15 mg is a moderate to high dose for experienced users looking for the full effects of THC. 15 – 25 mg is considered a high dose for high-tolerance users seeking strong effects.

  • 45 – 100 mg is a very high dose, even for experienced users with exceptionally high tolerance. Not recommended for most.

Cannabis-infused edibles are among the most popular ways to consume cannabis (or hemp-derived THC). But because edibles can be any food item (including beverages) infused with cannabis or hemp-derived THC, and food items can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, there can be a considerable amount of confusion around dosage. If you’ve ever wondered if the amount of THC listed on the package applies to the whole edible, or each serving, you know what we’re talking about. 

Here, we’ll provide some clarity on choosing the correct dosage so you can have the experience you want without pushing your tolerance limit too far.

Decoding Edible Dosage Labels & Understanding Normal Edible Dosage 

If you’re unsure how to take the correct dosage of edibles, don’t worry, you’re not alone — the wide varieties and quantities of edibles can initially seem intimidating to anyone! So, before we get into finding the right dosage for you, let’s quickly cover what a “normal” edible dosage is.

Depending on your experience, tolerance, and other factors, a “normal” dose could be anywhere between 5 mg and 20 mg- because what’s normal for one person can be far from it for another. That said, low and slow still rules the day, so start at 2 mg if you’re an inexperienced or infrequent consumer, or if you want to experiment with microdosing.

Another thing to note is that you’ll sometimes see two different single-dose mg numbers. This is typically because one number is the amount of THC, while the other is typically another cannabinoid present in the formula, like CBD. For this guide, we will stick strictly to discussing THC dosages, as that is the main factor for the experience you’ll have with edibles. 

Still a little confused? That’s why we developed this dosing guide: To help you navigate the edibles market and determine the ideal dosage for your unique requirements. Read on for an easy-to-understand breakdown!

What’s the Right Edible Dosage for You? 

Many factors, such as tolerance, body weight, unique body chemistry, and the sensation you seek to experience, will play an essential role in deciding the correct edible dose for you. The following are some fundamental recommendations to assist you in determining the right amount, expressed in milligrams (mg).

1.25 – 2.5 mg THC-Infused Edibles

Effects: This dosage aims to provide subtle effects, such as mood enhancement, creativity boosts, and relaxation, without experiencing a strong psychoactive experience. At this level, most consumers do not experience any euphoric effects.

Preferred by: Either new users or those seeking a microdose.

Try: Camino Sparkling Pear 'Social' 2 mg THC Gummies

3.5 – 5.5 mg THC-Infused Edibles

Effects: A slight degree of intoxication that can lead to light to mild feelings of euphoria or sleepiness, depending on the formula. Coordination and perception may also be affected. A dose of 5 milligrams has the potential to make some people, especially those with lower tolerance levels, feel intoxicated or even very intoxicated.

Preferred by: Users seeking a mild, controlled high that offers benefits such as promoting a restful night's sleep, as well as general recreational use.

Try: Camino Watermelon Lemonade ‘Bliss’ 5 mg THC Gummies

10 – 15 mg THC-Infused Edibles

Effects: Expect a general sense of euphoria at this level. Intoxication is common at this dosage, with most reporting hampered coordination and altered perception. Other effects might include relief from discomfort and feelings of unease. However, those who are new to THC or those without high tolerances may feel uncomfortable when consuming doses at this level. 

Preferred by: High-tolerance THC users. 

Try: Camino Sours Watermelon Spritz 'Uplifting' 10 mg THC Gummies

15 – 25 mg THC-Infused Edibles

Effects: Strong euphoria; highly likely to affect coordination and perception.  Users without high THC tolerances may feel uncomfortable when consuming doses at this level.

Preferred by: Consumers with very high THC tolerances.

45 – 100 mg THC-Infused Edibles

Effects: Serious impairment in coordination and perception; increased risk of unfavorable side effects, such as nausea, paranoia, and accelerated heart rate.

Preferred by: THC users with experience and exceptionally high tolerance.

Edible Dosage Mg Chart

Here’s an at-a-glance guide to edible dosage, so you can find the level that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edible Dosage

What's The Best Dose for Beginner Edible Users?

The maxim "Start Low, Go Slow" is the most crucial thing to remember when consuming edibles for the first time. This entails beginning with a low dose and giving yourself adequate time to feel the effects before taking another. First-time users frequently make the error of taking an additional dose if they don't feel the effects quickly, when in reality, it can take up to two hours to feel the full effects of an edible.

We advise starting out with 2 mg, as this dosage is considered a microdose. Although THC has different effects on different people, many users claim it does not cause strong intoxication or other negative consequences, making it a great place to ease into. We recommend Camino Sparkling Pear ‘Social’ 2 mg THC gummies for anyone new to edibles or looking for a consistent microdosing gummy.

What is a Normal Edible Dose?

A “normal edible dose” is going to be highly dependent on the individual, but it generally ranges between 5 mg to 15 mg.

Can You Overdose On Edibles?

While overdosing on edibles is extremely rare (with no known instances of it being life-threatening), eating too many edibles can be highly uncomfortable.

The majority of people who “green out” do not require immediate medical attention, but users should always exercise caution while consuming edibles and watch out for levels of marijuana that could be distressing.

What To Do If You Overdose On Edibles or Take Too Strong a Dose?

If you’ve pushed your limits and taken a higher dosage of edibles than you can manage comfortably, don’t panic — dangerously overdosing from THC is very, very rare. The best way to feel better is to take a few deep breaths, stay hydrated, and find a cozy space to chill and relax while you come down. And it should go without saying that you should never get behind the wheel or operate heavy machinery while high, especially not if you’ve consumed more than you can handle.

Still worried? Check out our full guide here.

How Long Do Edibles Take To Kick In?

Edibles usually take 30 to 90 minutes to begin working. Onset timing, however, is impacted by a host of variables, including your own physiology, the type of edible you’re consuming, and how it’s formulated. For example, edibles that you have to chew and digest, such as gummies, cookies, chocolates, etc., can take longer to kick in. Gum, lollipops, and lozenges, on the other hand, are absorbed sublingually, which may mean you feel their effects faster.  

Does CBD Make You High?

CBD-only products don't cause intoxication, meaning they don't produce the standard "high" experience that you might expect when consuming an edible containing THC. This also makes it challenging to know when CBD edibles begin taking effect.

How Long Does THC Stay In The Body?

Depending on the person, the "high" feeling from edibles may last between 6 and 24 hours. How long THC stays in your body depends on several additional factors, including body fat percentage, metabolic rate, and food consumption. 

Where To Get The Best Edibles (in our humble opinion)

Kiva Confections understands that finding the right dosage of edibles can be confusing. But proper guidance and information can help you find the perfect dosage to get you to your ideal high. 

If you are all ready to start your cannabis journey filled with mouth-watering delicacies, shop our online store today and get Kiva hemp-derived THC chocolate and Camino gummies delivered straight to your door. Every batch Kiva produces comes with a state-compliant certificate of analysis (COA), a document that outlines the exact amount of THC (as well as other terpenes, cannabinoids, and ingredients) contained in each batch of our products. Care to see the certificate of analysis for a particular product? You can check our individual product pages or contact us with your product, flavor, and its batch number.