THC & CBD Edibles Dosing Chart: A Beginner’s Guide to Safe Dosage
Cannabis edibles offer a discreet, long-lasting, and enjoyable way to consume. But for beginners, dosing can feel tricky. Unlike smoking, edibles take longer to kick in and can feel much stronger.
Too little? You might not feel much.
Too much? You could be in for an intense, hours-long experience.
This guide will walk you through dosing, onset times, effects, and safety tips so you can confidently enjoy edibles.
Understanding cannabis's right edible dosage
Edibles differ significantly from smoking or vaping because of how THC is processed in the body. When inhaled, it enters the bloodstream almost immediately through the lungs, delivering fast-acting effects that typically last 1 to 3 hours. However, when cannabis is consumed as an edible, it is absorbed through the digestive system and metabolized by the liver.
This process transforms cannabis into 11-hydroxy-THC, creating more long-lasting effects. This is why edibles for beginners require careful dosing—consuming too much at once can result in intense psychoactive effects that last 4 to 12+ hours.
Factors that influence THC mg effects in edibles include:
Metabolism: A faster metabolism may process cannabis more quickly, while a slower metabolism can lead to prolonged impacts.
Body weight: Higher body mass may require a slightly larger dose to feel the same effects.
Type of edible: Cannabis-infused baked goods, gummies, chocolates, and beverages can have different absorption rates.
Tolerance levels: Someone new to cannabis will feel the effects much more strongly than a seasoned user.
This variation highlights the importance of starting with a low dose and waiting at least 2 hours before consuming more.
Edible dosage chart by milligrams of THC
Use this chart to find the correct dose based on your experience level and tolerance.
How much of an edible dose should you take the first time?
If it’s your first time, start low and go slow, milligrams.
Best starting dose: 2.5 – 5
Wait at least 2 hours before considering more
If sensitive, start with 1 – 2.5
Many first-timers make the mistake of consuming more too soon, leading to an overwhelming experience. Patience is key!
How long do cannabis edibles take to kick in?
The onset time of an edible depends on several individual factors and the type of edible consumed. Most users generally feel the first effects within 30 to 90 minutes, but the peak high can develop within 2 to 3 hours.
Factors affecting onset time:
Stomach contents: Eating an edible on an empty stomach can result in a faster onset time, typically 30 to 60 minutes. However, consuming it after a meal can slow absorption, delaying effects for up to 2 hours.
Type of edible: Liquid-based edibles like THC-infused beverages or tinctures absorb faster than baked goods.
Dosage: Higher doses of cannabis require more time to process but lead to prolonged effects.
Avoid consuming another dose immediately if you don't feel any effects after one hour. Some users make the mistake of assuming the edible is weak and consume more, only to experience an overwhelming high once both doses kick in.
For more information on safe cannabis edible consumption, refer to the Cannabis Edibles Safe Use Fact Sheet from the Government of British Columbia.
How long do the effects of a weed edible high last?
Edibles provide a much longer-lasting high compared to smoking or vaping. While the peak experience usually occurs between 2 to 4 hours after consumption, effects can linger for 6 to 12+ hours, depending on the dose.
Here’s a general breakdown based on the THC milligrams dosage:
Microdose (1–2.5): Light effects lasting 3 to 5 hours.
Low Dose (3–5): Mild euphoria and relaxation lasting 4 to 6 hours.
Moderate Dose (10–15): Stronger psychoactive effects lasting 6 to 8 hours.
High Dose (20–30): Intense effects lasting 8 to 12+ hours.
Very High Dose (50+): Possible lingering effects for 12+ hours, with some users feeling aftereffects the next day.
This is why cannabis-infused edibles require careful dosing, especially for beginners.
Can you Overdose on weed edibles?
You cannot have a fatal overdose of cannabis, but taking too much cannabis can be uncomfortable.
Signs of overconsumption:
Anxiety or paranoia
Dizziness or nausea
Increased heart rate
Feeling “stuck” or overwhelmed
What to Do If You Take Too Much:
Stay calm. The effects will pass.
Drink water and eat a snack. It helps balance blood sugar levels.
Take CBD. It can help counteract intensity.
Lie down and relax. Sleep it off if possible.
Most importantly—remind yourself that it will wear off.
How to Measure THC in Homemade Edibles
Making homemade edibles allows for customized dosing, but measuring accurately is crucial to avoid taking too much. While an edible dosage chart helps guide users, you can also manually calculate THC per serving.
Step-by-Step THC Calculation
Know your cannabis potency. If your cannabis contains 20% potency, that equals 200 milligrams per gram (since 1% = 10 mg per gram).
Determine the total. Multiply per gram × total grams used in your recipe.
Example: 3 grams of 20% THC cannabis → 200 × 3 = 600 mg THC total.
Divide by servings. If your batch makes 10 brownies, divide the total by 10:
600 mg ÷ 10 brownies = 60 milligrams THC per brownie.
Adjust portion sizes. If you want a 5 mg THC dose, cut each brownie into 12 smaller pieces.
If doing this manually seems complicated, a cannabis edible calculator can help you estimate per serving more easily.
Guide to Edibles: Safe Consumption Tips for First-Time Users
✔ Get your edibles from a trusted local dispensary.
✔ Choose a relaxed setting. Stay somewhere comfortable.
✔ Avoid mixing with alcohol. It can amplify effects unpredictably.
✔ Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after.
✔ Have CBD on hand. It helps mellow out intensity.
✔ Be patient. Wait at least 2 hours before redosing.
Understanding Edibles Dosage: The Effects of CBD and THC
THC and CBD work differently but can create a balanced experience together.
THC: Produces psychoactive effects (euphoria, altered perception).
CBD: Reduces anxiety and counteracts intensity.
1:1 Ratio (CBD: THC): Provides a smoother, less intense high.
If you’re sensitive to THC, choose edibles with CBD for a more manageable experience.
Reading Edible Labels: What to Look for in a Store-Bought Edible
Before consuming, always check the label:
🔹 THC per serving (e.g., 5 mg vs. 10 mg).
🔹 Total THC per package (e.g., 100 mg total, 10 mg per piece).
🔹 CBD content (some edibles contain both).
🔹 Serving size (don’t assume the whole package is one serving).
If the package contains 100 mg, but each gummy is 10 mg, start with one and wait.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying Edibles Responsibly
Edibles are a fun, long-lasting way to enjoy THC—if you get the dose right.
Follow the edible dosage chart to find the right amount for you.
Start low and go slow—especially if it’s your first time.
Use a cannabis edible calculator when making homemade edibles.
Be patient—THC mg effects take time to appear, but they also last longer.
A little patience goes a long way—start slow, enjoy the experience, and have fun! 🚀
