The popularity of cannabis edibles is growing as more people are
searching for an alternative way to take this popular plant. However, if
you have ever taken cannabis-infused edibles, you may not have any idea
what the potency actually is or the amount that’s safe for you to
consume. The good news is, with the legalization of this substance comes
standardization. In states where cannabis is legal, manufacturers of
edibles are held to much higher regulatory standards to ensure more
pleasant and safer edible experiences are had.
Thanks to these items being properly labeled and the required lab testing, it should take the average person just a bit of self-discipline to make sure you don’t use a dose of cannabis that’s too high. Getting to know what the standard dose is and adjusting the dose based on personal biology and needs can actually make or break the entire experience you have.
When you are new to edibles, you will go through the process of trepidation and uncertainty. The information here is designed to help you with this.
1. Read and Understand the Dosing Guidelines on the Package
You don’t have to guess when it comes to edible doses. The edibles available on the legal market are labeled according to their THC and CBD contents in milligrams. Currently, a standard dose is 10 mg; however, a low-tolerance user or someone new to cannabis should begin with just half of that. Keep in mind, if that doesn’t “work” how you think it should, you can always add an additional five milligrams a few hours later.
You can find edibles in several dose intervals. Those who
are veteran consumers of the product may require a higher dose than
newbies, but it’s a good idea to start low and build up to a higher
dosage as you become more familiar with the effects.
2. Get to Know Your Personal Tolerance Level
It’s always a good idea to begin with a small dose. This is especially true if it’s your very first time or if it has been a while since you have used cannabis edibles. A lower tolerance to THC can make you more susceptible to some negative consequences and side effects, such as dizziness, anxiety, paranoia and others. You should never try to “keep up” with someone who is more experienced. An experienced, high-tolerance consumer needs a higher dose to achieve the desired effects, and they are typically more resilient to the side effects caused by THC.
3. Exercise Restraint and Remain Patient
While it’s hard to wait for the effects to occur when you have a whole package of infused snacks right there, you need to be patient. If you consume too many in a short time period, it can lead to a less than good ride. The key is to take a dose and then wait to see what happens. This will ensure you have a more in-control and positive experience. After all, metabolism and body fat differ from one person to another, and there’s no way to pinpoint when the effects of the initial dose will kick in. It’s safe to determine if more should be consumed after you wait a few hours.
4. Think About What’s in Your Stomach
Before you consume a cannabis edible, it’s a good idea to think about how much you have eaten, as well as what you had to drink. If your stomach is empty, it means you may feel the effects of your edible sooner. If this is the case, then you may want to reduce the dose you take. It’s also important to think about how much alcohol you have drank. The fact is, alcohol can cause an increase of the THC blood concentration. As a result, you need to dose modestly if you plan to mix the two.
5. Find a Comfortable Location
Modern edibles are very portable. However, you should still try to consume them in a comfortable setting. If you are planning on taking a larger dose, then you should make sure you are at home or with people you know and trust. It is wise to have your partner or friend around, especially if this is the first time you are trying edibles.
When you get more experienced with edibles, you can benefit from the fact that you will know what to expect. As time passes, you will feel more comfortable and be able to enjoy the effects of all the edibles out there even more. Keep in mind, if you do get uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to alleviate these feelings, such as drinking water, having a light snack, going for a walk, or taking a nap. Being aware of what to do and the proper dosage related to edibles can help you remain healthy and happy while using this substance.
