Choosing the right dose for an ingestible medical marijuana product is key to a positive experience. Taking too little may not result in the desired effects, while consuming too much could make for an unpleasant time. This guide will help you better understand how medical marijuana ingestibles work and how to determine the right amount to take for your desired experience.
Not sure how much to take? Consult this ingestible dosage guide
On the label of your chosen product, you’ll see the total THC content of the package expressed in milligrams (mg). Those milligrams are broken down into smaller, serving-size amounts. For example, a package of 20 capsules labeled 100mg could contain 20 servings of 5mg THC each.
Those serving sizes are there for a reason – they’re a good indicator of the amount of THC you can start with. But the “right” amount changes from person to person. Here’s what you need to know about each medical marijuana ingestible dose.
- 2.5mg and under: These very low amounts of THC offer some of the benefits of medical marijuana for pain management and stress alleviation without causing a noticeable altered mental state in most folks. They’re also a great option if you want to explore microdosing medical marijuana. Low dose medical marijuana, which is classified as 2.5mg THC or less per serving, is becoming more popular and these products are increasingly available on dispensary shelves.
- 5mg: This common serving size is often said to be the amount to try if you’re new to ingestibles. With this amount, you may experience stronger pain relief, as well as help if you have difficulty sleeping. This serving size also has anti-nausea effects. But be aware: As you increase the amount of THC you consume, you’re more likely to feel the effects of THC.
- 10mg: For those with higher tolerances to THC, 10mg ingestibles can be even more effective in managing pain and preventing nausea and vomiting. You may also experience an increased mood alongside a considerable altered mental state. It’s best to be mindful when trying this amount, because at 10mg, there’s an increased risk for adverse side effects like increased heart rate and anxiety, especially if you have a low tolerance.
- More than 10mg: As your tolerance grows or your needs require more THC, ingestibles larger than 10mg are not uncommon. That could be 15mg or 20mg, or it could be much higher, even as much as 100mg. These amounts are more commonplace among extremely high-tolerance consumers and medical marijuana patients managing serious illness or undergoing cancer treatment. Consult with an Ethos pharmacist or your recommending physician before considering a medical marijuana ingestible dose larger than 10mg.
While this ingestible dosage guide offers a baseline reference for typical consumers, it’s important to remember that medical marijuana experiences are highly individualized. It’s always a good idea to start low and go slow when trying a new product for the first time.
If you don’t consume ingestibles regularly and want to understand how they affect you, start with a small amount between 1mg and 5mg, depending on your comfort level and your prior experience with medical marijuana. Wait at least 45 minutes to assess how you feel before incrementally increasing the amount, if needed.
How do I know which size ingestible is right for me?
When choosing a medical marijuana ingestible, it’s helpful to know the complete cannabinoid profile of the product rather than just THC content. While medical marijuana ingestibles manufactured with just THC may be optimal for those suffering from high chronic pain, products with higher cannabidiol (CBD) content may be better for those looking for anxiety relief, for example.
