Cannabis edibles have been a popular mode of consumption since the discovery of so-called magic brownies. Consumers usually love edibles for their increased potency and duration of action but these also create concerns of their own.
For inexperienced users or those sensitive to THC, it’s easy to overdo it with edibles. That’s why we wanted to create this helpful guide for finding the right dose for you along with the risks associated with taking too much.
Overdosing on THC may not be deadly but it certainly isn’t a fun time. Here’s how you can go about avoiding it.
What’s the Typical Dose for Cannabis Edibles?
The baseline threshold dose for most adults is around 10mg but some may find 5mg is plenty or even too much. Due to everyone’s unique physiological makeup, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for cannabis edible dosage.
This is particularly true for inexperienced or sensitive THC users, often making edibles seem daunting. Unlike smoking which wears off in 20–30 minutes, effects from edibles can last upwards of 4+ hours.
Physical risks associated with overdoing it with THC are small but that doesn’t mean there are no concerns. Intense feelings of paranoia and anxiety can take over the experience and may feel overwhelming at times.
How to Find Your Perfect Cannabis Edible Dose
Since the effects of edibles can last so long, it’s important to ensure you start with a low dose and increase over time. If you’ve never experimented with cannabis edibles before start with a 5mg dose and increase in 5mg increments until you find yourself in the right spot.
Remember, edibles can take up to an hour and a half to kick in so be patient before taking more. It’s not uncommon for newcomers to re-dose and take more than they anticipated thinking their initial amount was not enough.
What Happens if You Take Too Much THC Edibles?
THC’s effects are dose-dependent meaning each increase can feel different. Unlike alcohol which just makes you feel drunker and drunker until you pass out, higher levels of THC can be very different from smaller doses.
Small doses of THC can stimulate appetite and calm the mind whereas large amounts can lead to intense anxiety and nausea/vomiting. Biphasic — or two-phased — compounds like THC can reverse effects when doses are higher and it’s important to keep it within the first “phase.”
Types of Cannabis Edibles
In Tennessee, marijuana is still illegal in all forms, medical or recreational. CBD and other cannabinoids are still fair game, however. Each of these can have different effects and potencies meaning the dosage can vary as well.
Here are a few popular options for cannabis edibles and the typical dosage users should expect to feel effects with them.
Dose for CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are a great option to combat anxiety and pain without the element of intoxication coming from THC. Due to this, people often prefer CBD as a daytime or morning solution.
When it comes to CBD, most people begin to feel the effects at around 25mg but some prefer more. The good news is CBD doesn’t have the same negative effects as you’d expect from large amounts of THC.
Users who overdo it on CBD are likely to simply find themselves sleepy and lethargic.
Dosing Delta-9 THC Gummies
Delta-9 THC is the traditional form so the advice above follows for this cannabinoid whether producers source it from hemp or marijuana. 10mg is the baseline dose for most people to feel effects but newcomers should start at 5mg and slowly build up over time.
Dosing Delta-8 Edibles
Delta-8 is technically not as potent as delta-9 THC so most find 15mg to be the baseline dosage but some users start as low as 7.5mg. While not as strong, it’s often wise to approach delta-8 THC with the same amount of caution as its more potent cousin.
Where to Find Cannabis Edibles in Tennessee?
Since all forms of legal cannabis in Tennessee fall under the category of “hemp,” some inherent risks run through the industry. Limited regulations make it easy for producers to offer sub-par products or mislead consumers about potency and purity.
Regardless of what product you get or who it comes from, make sure the producer offers robust reporting on them. We aren’t afraid to put our results where our mouth is and showcase the true strength of everything on our shelves.
If you still have questions about dosing cannabis edibles, feel free to stop in and speak with one of our cannabis experts on duty. We have locations right here in Nashville — off White Bridge Pike and in Germantown — with friendly budtenders eager to point you in the right direction.
If you can’t make it in and you still have questions, feel free to visit our webstore and peruse our offerings and reach out with any inquiries.
