Cannabis affects everyone differently. Factors like your metabolism, body weight, tolerance, and even what you ate that day can all impact how you experience THC and CBD. Taking too much too soon can result in unwanted effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or dizziness — especially with edibles.

Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it gives your body time to adjust and helps you avoid uncomfortable experiences.

Before we dive into dosing, let’s clarify what you’re actually taking:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what gives you the feeling of being “high.”
• CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and may help with anxiety, inflammation, and pain without producing a high.

Different products may contain just THC, just CBD, or a combination. Products with a balanced ratio (like 1:1 THC:CBD) tend to have milder psychoactive effects.

‍

1. Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping)

• Onset: 1–10 minutes
• Duration: 1–3 hours

Initial Dose: 1–2 puffs Effects are felt quickly, making it easier to titrate your dose in real time.

2. Edibles (Gummies, Baked Goods)

• Onset: 30–120 minutes
• Duration: 4–8+ hours
• Initial Dose: 1–2.5 mg THC
  Start small and wait at least 2 hours before taking more. Edibles are where many people overdo it.

3. Tinctures (Sublingual Drops)

• Onset: 15–45 minutes
• Duration: 2–6 hours
• Initial Dose: 2.5–5 mg THC or CBD
  Tinctures offer more precise control and faster onset than edibles.

4. Topicals (Creams, Balms)

• Onset: 15–30 minutes
• Duration: Varies

Initial Dose: As needed Generally non-psychoactive and used for localized relief.

• Microdose: 0.5–2.5 mg THC — for beginners or those wanting very mild effects
• Low dose: 2.5–5 mg THC — mild psychoactive effects for most users
• Moderate dose: 5–10 mg THC — stronger effects, more suitable for experienced users
• High dose: 10+ mg THC — risk of overconsumption for new users

CBD doesn’t follow the same psychoactive curve, so higher doses (10–50 mg) are generally well-tolerated.

• Be patient: Especially with edibles. Give your body time to process before taking more.
• Keep a journal: Track what you took, how much, when, and how it made you feel.
• Don’t mix with alcohol: It can amplify effects and impair judgment.
• Use lab-tested products: Always buy from reputable sources with clear labeling.

Have a calm setting: Your environment affects your experience.