Edibles are a fun and delicious way to consume cannabis. And with Halloween just around the corner, what better way to enjoy edibles than grabbing some at your favorite San Francisco dispensary or baking some delicious edible Halloween treats (for adults only of course!).
But baking edibles can sometimes be tricky, especially when it comes to dosage. If you ingest the right dosage you can have the time of your life for 6–8 hours. But eating too much edible cannabis can leave you feeling overly sleepy, paranoid, and nauseous – bringing the fun to an abrupt end. (Store-bought edibles take the guesswork out of dosage since they have it clearly marked on them. Check our online menu to see what’s in stock.)
How can you know what the right dosage of cannabis is for your Halloween treats?
What Is Your Ideal Edible Dosage?
The answer to this question will vary from individual to individual. We each have a unique internal physiology and can experience things very differently. One person’s response to a specific dose of edible cannabis can differ very much from another’s.
Why the difference? The intensity with which you experience the effects of a cannabis edible will depend on several factors.
The first, and perhaps most important factor, is your personal tolerance to cannabis. If you are a regular consumer of cannabis products, you can expect an edible to feel less intense than if it were consumed by someone who has no THC currently in their system.
Additionally, gastrointestinal factors and your metabolism may come into play as well. Some people seem to simply take longer to digest and feel the effects of an edible.
Others may even be ultra-sensitive to THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. These people do much better with smaller doses ranging between 1mg and 5mg than with a standard dose.
How Much Edible Cannabis Should You Ingest?
In addition to the factors discussed above, you should also be aware that consuming different doses of an edible can intensify and change the high that you feel.
At an edible dosage of between 1 mg and 5 mg, edibles tend to produce very mild effects that are great for enjoying during the daytime and for first-time consumers. These low doses may also increase creativity and focus, depending on the strain of cannabis that is ingested.
At doses between 10 mg and 20 mg, edibles will produce more euphoria, provide stronger relief of pain and anxiety, and will affect coordination and perception. This dose is good for those with a mild tolerance or those looking for an intense trip.
At a higher edible dosage of between 30 mg and 50 mg, edibles produce strong euphoric and physically sedating effects that will significantly impair your perception and coordination. This dose is better for regular consumers of cannabis.
At doses of between 50 mg and 100 mg, edibles produce very intense effects that will impair your ability to function and may at times feel overly sedating. Such high doses are known for producing side effects like paranoia and nausea. Ingest at your own risk!
How Long Will It Take for Cannabis Edibles to Kick In?
Unlike smoking or vaping, the high from eating a cannabis edible won’t kick in right away. That’s because it can take some time for the body to digest, absorb, and process the edible. How quickly an edible kicks in will also depend on the contents of your stomach. Ingesting one on an empty or a full stomach will result in a longer wait time for effects.
As a result, it can sometimes take as long as 45 minutes or longer for you to feel an edible high. It’s important to give the process some time to happen. Don’t reach for another edible treat unless you’re sure the first one has already kicked in. Taking too many edibles at once because the first one hasn’t kicked in yet is a rookie mistake and one that’s sure to put a damper on your Halloween night!
