What’s the right dose of marijuana? Sooner or later, even experienced cannabis users run into this question, and unfortunately, there’s no good single answer. That said, by understanding how different amounts of THC interact with our bodies, we can draw some useful conclusions. So if you’ve been struggling to understand what’s a good dose of THC, today’s post is definitely recommended reading!
Calculating Your Dosage: Cannabis and Your Body
First of all: Can you overdose on cannabis? While a mysterious case from 2019 got some people wondering, it’s considered essentially impossible to die from having too much marijuana. But as you may know, there is the possibility of having a bad time. And that possibility hinges on the amount of THC the given cannabis contains and how much you consume.
While the cannabis plant contains hundreds of natural compounds, when it comes to calculating a dose of marijuana, there’s one that most people are concerned with when it comes to accurate dosing: THC, the cannabinoid that’s most directly responsible for the plant’s distinctive “high.”
THC, like all the cannabinoids, interacts with a crucial bodily network called the endocannabinoid system, tasked with helping regulate such functions as immune system response, memory, metabolism and others still. And because everyone’s bodies—not to mention their needs and goals—are slightly different, there’s no one sure-fire “cannabis daily dose.”
That said, by understanding the subjective effects imparted by different amounts of THC, we can formulate some guidelines to help you have just the right amount.
What’s the Right Dose of Marijuana? A Quick Guide
While there’s no standard “recommended THC dosage,” and finding the right dose for you will generally take some effort and attention. With that said, here are a few basic guidelines to give you sense as to what might be experienced at various dosage ranges:
THC Dosage: 1 – 2.5 mg
Typical Effects: Mild relief of symptoms including pain, stress, and anxiety; heightened focus and creativity. Great for first-time consumers, or more experienced consumers interested in microdosing.
THC Dosage: 2.5 – 15 mg
Typical Effects: Stronger relief of symptoms; euphoria; impacted coordination and perception. Great for stubborn symptoms not affected by smaller doses; potential treatment for sleep issues.
THC Dosage: 30 – 50 mg
Typical Effects: Strong euphoria; significantly impacted coordination and perception. Great for consumers with a high tolerance for THC, or whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.
THC Dosage: 50 – 100 mg
Typical Effects: Seriously impacted coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea and increased heart rate. This is considered a high dosage appropriate for treating challenging conditions and symptoms, or for those who have high THC tolerance.
Edible Dosage Guide: Special Considerations
When you consume a cannabis-infused edible, the cannabinoids are processed through the liver and stomach, not the lungs. And for a variety of reasons, the THC dosage feels stronger than it does for an equivalent amount of smoked or vaped cannabis.
What does this mean for you? If you’re worried about an excessive experience, follow the guidelines above even more closely than you might otherwise. Again, the effects of too much THC generally aren’t dangerous, but they can certainly be unpleasant. And that’s something we’d prefer you avoid. Remember: You can always take more cannabis later, but you can’t take less!
When you’re trying to determine what’s a good amount of THC, there are other factors to consider in addition to dosage. These include your body mass index (BMI), your age, your experience level with cannabis, and your recent food intake. If you’re familiar with cannabis’s effects, you’ll be better prepared for a positive edible experience. And a recent meal will tend to slow down the THC’s onset, making for an experience many people find more pleasant.
Calculating Your Dosage: Wrapping Up
If you have any other questions about how to find the best dose of marijuana for you, just ask! We’re always here to help. Generally speaking though, and especially when you’re new to cannabis, finding the best dose for you can be accomplished by a commonly used adage: Start low and go slow.
Start with a low dose of whatever you are consuming—edible, joint, vape pen, whatever—have a small amount and be mindful of how it affects you. Then slowly increase your consumption until you experience the desired effects. It’s that simple.
Visit any of our Mission Dispensary locations to speak with our knowledgeable team or browse our menus online to see what we currently have in stock. We look forward to serving you!
