THC Dosage Guidelines
Dosage in cannabis consumption is one of the most necessary factors to consider. Too little won’t be effective, and too much can cause side effects or unwanted results. This THC dosage guide helps you determine the right amount to take and why.
THC and Its Effects
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Delta-9 is responsible for the “high” and psychoactive effects that users experience. When it integrates with the endocannabinoid system, it influences mood, pain sensation, and appetite.
This cannabinoid can induce euphoria or impairment above a certain threshold dose. Below that, it offers symptom relief, performance enhancement, and improvement in health conditions.
Factors Influencing the Intake
The amount ingested can affect people differently due to factors like physiology, marijuana strength, usage patterns, and tolerance. Genetics, age, gender, and weight also play a role, so no universal amount works for everyone.
Some patients use very low doses, like one inhalation or a small amount of tincture, while others need higher doses for therapeutic effects. Dosages can range from as low as 1 mg to over 1,000 mg THC daily, with most patients using 2 mg to 30 milligrams.
The method of administration affects how quickly and how long it works. Smoking or vaporizing provides almost immediate effects lasting 2-4 hours. Tinctures and oils take 10-45 minutes to kick in, with effects lasting 3-8 hours. Edibles take the longest to start (up to 12 hours) but provide the longest-lasting effects.
THC Dosage Chart by Product Type
The type of cannabis product you choose affects how much you need to consume to feel higher and experience the benefits. Use this THC mg dosage chart as a guide:
| Product Type | Beginners THC Dose | Time to Feel High | Duration of High | Potential Benefits |
| Edibles | 2.5-5 mg | 30 min to 2 hrs | 4-8 hrs |
|
| Flower | < 20% tetrahydrocannabinol, one puff | Almost Immediate | 1-3 hrs |
|
| Vapes | ≤ 70% tetrahydrocannabinol, one puff | Almost Immediate | 1-3 hrs |
|
| Tinctures | 2.5 – 5 mg (per dose) | 15-45 mins | 2-4 hrs |
|
| Concentrates | ≤ 70% tetrahydrocannabinol, half a grain of rice | Almost Immediate | 1-3 hrs |
|
Flower
Smoking cannabis flower offers a quick onset of effects, felt within minutes. The high peaks around 30 minutes after inhalation and lasts about an hour. Strains vary in potency, cannabinoid, and terpene content, which can affect your experience. Lab-tested products from licensed dispensaries provide accurate dosing.
| Percentage | Effect | User Experience |
| 10% | Mild | Beginner |
| 10-20% | Moderate | Casual Users |
| 20% and Above | Very Strong | Experienced or Regular Consumers |
Vapes
Vapes contain weed oil with 70% tetrahydrocannabinol or more. They produce effects within minutes and peak after 30 minutes. Take one inhalation, wait five minutes to assess your feelings, and then decide if you need more. Vape pens contain highly concentrated extract, so you may need fewer inhalations compared to using flower.
Concentrates
Concentrates are highly potent extracts with concentrations of 70% or more. These concentrates are from extracting and concentrating the plant and come in various forms: shatter, wax, live rosin, resin, hash, and kief. You can smoke, vape, eat, or apply topically.
If you are new or an infrequent user, do not inhale or eat concentrates until you know the amount that works best for you. For beginners, the most common mistake with inhaled concentrates is overdosing, which can happen with a single inhalation. While this can be unpleasant, it is rarely dangerous.
Tinctures
Tinctures are dissolved marijuana in alcohol or oil, taken sublingually, or mixed with food/drink. Effects start in 20-30 minutes when taken sublingually and last 2-3 hours.
The idea is to start with 1-2 mg per dose, up to three times daily. Increase your daily amount by 1-2 mg every 1-2 days until you notice some effects. Even if the effects are subtle, maintain that amount for three days before increasing it further.
Edibles
THC edibles offer a discreet and convenient way to experience cannabis. Cannabis edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and can last several hours. The ideal edibles dose depends on the effects you need to achieve.
| Edible Dosage (mg) | Level | Effects |
| 1 – 2.5 | Microdose | Mild relief of pain, stress, and anxiety Increased focus and creativity No intoxication |
| 3 – 5 | Low | Stronger relief of pain and anxiety Euphoria May impair coordination and perception |
| 10 – 15 | Moderate | Relief for pain, nausea, and anxiety Impaired coordination and perception |
| 20 – 30 | High | Strong euphoria Likely to impair coordination and perception |
| 50 – 100 | Very High | Seriously impaired coordination and perception Increased risk of nausea and heart rate |
| 100 – 500 | Extremely High | Intensely impaired coordination and perception Edible High: likelihood of extreme anxiety for inexperienced users, increased heart rate |
Microdosing
Microdosing cannabis products involves using doses below the threshold of psychoactivity to gain health benefits without getting high. The regular microdose range is 1-5 mg, though this can vary based on tolerance. Smaller doses during the day can provide mental and physical benefits.
A 2012 study in the Journal of Pain found that lower doses of vaporized weed offered effective pain relief with fewer side effects for advanced medical patients. Low-dose use relieves nerve and chronic pain as effectively as higher doses and has fewer impacts on daily cognitive function. While there is no known dangerous dose, when you consume too much, it can lead to anxiety or paranoia.
Finding the ideal amount can involve trial and error with different strains and products. “Start low and go slow” is the best advice so you may avoid adverse effects or accidentally consuming larger doses.
Other Variables to Consider When Choosing the Right Amount to Achieve Desired Effects
When consuming recreational or medical cannabis, especially for beginner cannabis consumers using inhalation, make sure you are in a safe and comfortable place. Invite someone experienced or someone you trust to guide you and watch out for you.
A common mistake is not waiting long enough to feel the effects. Until you know your response, wait five minutes between inhalations, 45 minutes to an hour with tinctures, and one to two hours with edibles.
Track how the product affects you, especially for microdosing, by using a feedback measure like an “Inner Inventory.” Check yourself and rate how you feel before and after using marijuana to determine if the amount is adequate. If your score improves, stay at that dose for a while. You can gradually increase later if you desire stronger effects, but consistent use of the effective dose yields better results.
First-time users may not feel effects initially, likely because the substance sensitizes the endocannabinoid system. Be patient and wait for the next session before exceeding 5 mg.
Find The Ideal Dosage for a Better Experience
Tetrahydrocannabinol can provide remarkable sensations when you know how to choose the right dosage. Start with a low amount and gradually increase it as you become accustomed to the effects. The goal is not to get high immediately but to allow your body to adjust to the compound first. Once your body gets used to it, you can fully experience an actual psychoactive high. GetLoud Cannabis offers a variety of products with different delta-9 THC content to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of weed edibles can get you the best high?
Multiple edible products exist, and all can give you the best high, but the onset of each differs.
- Hard candies and pastilles (like lollipops, gum, mints, and lozenges) and beverages have the quickest onset times, as absorption occurs through the mouth’s tissue.
- Chewy and sweet edibles (like gummies, caramels, and chocolates) have a median onset time since they need digestion but are absorbed faster due to simpler ingredients.
- Baked goods have the longest onset because they are denser and require more energy to digest and metabolize.
Can you overdose on tetrahydrocannabinol?
Consuming too much does not cause brain or organ damage but can lead to unpleasant effects such as dizziness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, pain, and twitching. These symptoms pass within four to 24 hours. High doses can cause grogginess the next day. Avoid excessive doses by following a general guideline.
How much tetrahydrocannabinol is in a joint and pre-roll?
Joints contain 0.5 to 1 gram of cannabis with 15-25% delta-9 content. There are also “infused joints,” which include live rosin or concentrates that raise the psychoactive content to over 30%.