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As the ‘70s folk-rock songsters Brewer and Shipley learned, there really is such a thing as “One Toke Over the Line.” And for many cannabis consumers both new or returning to the fold, “how much THC is a lot” isn’t an idle question. While imbibing too much cannabis is very rarely dangerous, it can be unpleasant. And that’s the last thing we want you to experience.

As experienced cannabis consultants, we’re familiar with many of our customers’ concerns about accidental overindulgence. In the interest of fostering the most pleasant cannabis experiences possible, we’d like to share what we know about how to dose THC and know your limits.

We’ll also include a vital piece of information: a THC mg dosage chart to help you understand exactly how much THC is too much. It’s our goal that you feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and prepared for a positive experience with cannabis. 

This guide covers how much cannabis you can safely consume as a beginner (and what to do if you’ve accidentally overindulged). By the time you’re done reading it, you should have a solid grounding in the mechanics of cannabis dosing.

How Much THC Is a Lot? A Very Personal Question

THC, of course, is the cannabinoid most directly responsible for the marijuana plant’s intoxicating properties. Before legalization, there were many horror stories about cannabis enthusiasts eating one infused brownie too many and vanishing into a black hole of paranoid couch lock. Nowadays, thanks to clearer, more consistent measuring of THC levels on packaged products, it’s easier than ever to make sure you get the appropriate dose for your experience level, metabolism, age, and body type.

But there’s a wrinkle in all this. Have you ever heard the expression “this isn’t your grandparents’ weed”? As the legal cannabis market grows and extraction and processing technologies improve, many cannabis products have become far more potent than they were even a few years ago. As a result, consumers who haven’t indulged since pre-legalization may find the cannabis they encounter is far stronger than expected! 

So: How much THC is too much? The slightly unhelpful—but truly honest answer is—it depends! Some variables include your prior experience with cannabis, your age, your gender, how much food you consumed prior to taking an edible, and other factors. While a given person might feel plenty medicated after ingesting 5 mg, others might not feel much psychoactivity at all.

That’s why it’s imperative—especially for newer consumers—to approach dosages of slower-acting products such as edibles and tinctures with caution. “Start low and go slow” is the watchword here, and we recommend you wait and only gradually increase dosage from there.

Even with rapid-onset formats such as smoking or vaping, we recommend you wait at least 15 minutes before ingesting more cannabis. A given strain might be much more potent that the products you’re used to, and while you can always take more cannabis, you can’t take less.

All the cannabis-infused edibles we sell are clearly labeled with the amount of THC each serving contains, and we strongly recommend you always follow the edible dosage guidelines on the package. Also, keep in mind that this list is strictly for THC, and edibles with a combination of THC and CBD can affect you slightly differently. Why? That’s because clinical research (and anecdotal evidence) indicate that CBD tends to mitigate the psychoactivity associated with an excess of THC. It’s as if the cannabis plant has its own built-in “emergency brake” to make sure the experience isn’t too overpowering!

For the best possible experience, it’s always a good idea to have a real-life conversation with your friendly neighborhood budtender about your familiarity with cannabis, past experiences, and general metabolic characteristics.

How Much THC Is Too Much? Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

Let’s get this out of the way first: If you mean “fatal overdose,” you can’t (although a mysterious case from 2019 did raise questions). But you can definitely have too much and wish you hadn’t. The good news is that, typically, the experience is typically fairly brief.

In many of the cases reported by hospital ERs, patients inexperienced with cannabis have imbibed too quickly and are suffering from delusions: Paranoid behavior, visual or auditory hallucinations, and other such symptoms. It’s important to note that such cases typically occur in people who already suffer psychiatric disorders or are prone to them.

In short, overdosing on cannabis happens most often to people who don’t use THC products often and accidentally exceed their limits. It’s also more common when people mix cannabis with alcohol or other substances that can increase the effects. 

How Many MG to Get High: THC Milligram Dosage Chart

So, how much THC is too much? Here are ranges to help you set general expectations. Again, it’s helpful to remember that everyone’s physiology is a bit different.

1 – 5 mg THC

This is generally regarded as the smallest of THC dosages, making it perfect for beginners as well as those of us who’d like to microdose. At this level we’ll typically feel mild relief of pain, stress, anxiety, and other symptoms. Some consumers experience heightened creativity as well.

5 – 15 mg THC

At this level of dosage, you’ll tend to feel stronger symptom relief. This is also where most consumers tend to feel a heightened sense of euphoria. You might also experience slight impairment of coordination and alteration of your perception of time. Anything under 15 mg is a good choice for helping with insomnia (especially with indica-dominant strains), while more energizing sativa-dominant strains can foster increased social interaction in some users.

15 – 30 mg THC

We recommend caution with inexperienced consumers ingesting dosages above 15 mg. This level is where newbies tend to experience paranoia, while seasoned users enjoy the heightened euphoria and relaxation. It’s also a good choice for cannabis patients who have developed tolerances to lower doses.

30 – 50 mg THC

At this dosage, most people experience impaired coordination and altered perception. That said, medical patients who have difficulty absorbing cannabinoids into their GI tract are helped by edible dosages of this level.

50 – 100 mg THC

This level is only for those experienced with THC. Even in seasoned consumers, negative side effects like paranoia and rapid heart rate can occur. Coordination is almost always impaired at this stage.

Beyond 100 mg THC

This level of dosage is only recommended for the most experienced consumers. Often called a “heroic dose,” it’s only for those who have taken high doses in this range before.

THC Dose: Signs You May Have Overindulged

It’s all very well for us to tell you overdosing on marijuana isn’t dangerous. When you’re in the middle of a bad experience, it can still feel overwhelming. Here are some telltale signs you might have ingested too much THC:

• You feel generalized, free-floating anxiety or paranoia
• You’re confused and unable to distinguish what’s happening from your imagination
• Your heart is racing
• You feel nauseated
• You feel dehydrated

How to Dose THC: What if I’ve Taken Too Much?

Suppose you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, to begin take a few deep breaths! Next, consider these tips to stop feeling so high:

• Stay calm. It might feel like forever, but these effects will only last a few minutes. We promise you’ll feel better soon!
• “Mom” yourself. What are the foods you find most comforting? How about a nice glass of water, or a piece of fruit? Feeding your body something nourishing and straightforward is a great way to get centered.
• Lie down and rest. You’ll feel better if you let your body relax and your mind roam. Find a dark, quiet place where you can be still and dream for a while.
• Get outside. If you’re feeling too anxious to stay still, indulging in a bit of nature time in a familiar place, like a garden or back yard, can help calm and focus your mind.

The most important thing you can do if you think you’ve consumed too much cannabis is try to stay cool, calm, and collected. Remember, this too shall pass!

How Much THC Is a Lot? Final Thoughts

Especially if you’re new to the world of cannabis, knowing how much THC is too much is vital information. We can’t say it enough times: “Start low, go slow.” Trust us, it’ll come in handy.

If you’re interested in learning more about how THC works in your body, we’d love to help! As Washington’s #1 family-run medical marijuana dispensary, we’re dedicated to helping you get the very most from your cannabis experience. Have any other questions about THC dosage? Just ask! We’re always here to help.

New (and seasoned) cannabis consumers can benefit from an understanding of microdosing. Here’s everything you need to know. 

If you’re a seasoned cannabis consumer, you’re likely familiar with the potency race to the top. As cannabis becomes legal in a growing number of states, producers battle to attract consumers with products that pack a more potent punch. 

But stronger doesn’t always mean better! 

There are days when you want to experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, but you still need to get things done. That’s where cannabis microdosing, our Patient Consultant’s secret weapon for sustainable daily cannabis consumption, comes in. So what is cannabis microdosing? And how can you incorporate the benefits of micro-dosed cannabis into your daily routine? Let’s take a closer look!

What is cannabis microdosing?

First things first; what is cannabis microdosing? While the actual amounts of cannabis an individual uses for microdosing can vary from person to person, micro-dosing consists of using a minimal dose of cannabis, either by taking a small amount of a pure THC product or a larger amount of a high CBD, low THC product for a more mellow effect enjoyable over a long period. 

The techniques of micro-dosing cannabis were initially associated with hallucinogens like LSD or mushrooms and have recently been expanded to investigate the potential of low dosage THC.

The idea is to balance the desirable benefits of THC and the sometimes overwhelming psychoactive effects to create a sustainable daily high.

How is cannabis microdosing different from a full dose of cannabis?

When it comes to cannabis consumption, microdosing is all about calibration. Rather than maxing out THC levels for a complete mind/body experience, the small doses utilized by practitioners of cannabis microdosing are designed to deliver precise effects. 

Where consuming a full dose of THC creates a specific bodily experience that some find overwhelming, the effects of microdosing are far more subtle and vary from person to person depending on several factors, including the cannabis strain, dosage level, and your body’s tolerances. Basically–the effects of microdosing are more subtle and controlled, allowing you to experience the therapeutic benefits of THC while continuing to go about your day unimpeded by the psychoactive effects.

What are the benefits of cannabis microdosing?

So, why microdose? The short answer is, it all depends! 

Individuals might try microdosing for a variety of reasons–depending on their physical and psychological needs. Some people enjoy the relief microdosing can provide for bodily conditions like relief from chronic pain or topical treatments for inflammation. In contrast, others turn to the treatment for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

While most academic studies on microdosing have been done on psychedelic substances, consumers often report symptomatic relief; in addition, if you’re new to the world of cannabis consumption, microdosing can be a great way to test your tolerances and find out the right level of THC for your individual needs.

How to start cannabis microdosing?

First things first—let’s get you talking to a professional! 

As with any change in your wellness or supplement routine, you should always check with an expert who understands the ins and outs of consumption to see if cannabis microdosing is right for you. A qualified Patient Consultant will help you determine if cannabis microdosing is right for you and determine the best place to start.

Once you’ve got the professional go-ahead, check out some of our favorite low-dose products! If you’re brand new to the world of microdosing, a high dosage CBD product like Abatin Wellness CBD oil can be a great place to start. A low THC/high CBD tincture like Liberty’s MediHaze allows you to control your dosage drop by drop. Or try a little infused honey for a sweetly light dose. Whatever product you choose, Takoma Wellness’ experienced budtenders are here to help guide you through your cannabis microdosing journey.

Drop by Washington DC’s finest – and first – medical cannabis dispensary today and start your microdosing journey!

New cannabis consumers often approach edibles with a mixture of excitement, fear, and caution. We get it – edibles have an interesting reputation. But they shouldn’t. Our cannabis edibles basics will ensure you have the best experience – every time. 

When it comes to cannabis edibles, there’s an element of mystery that can make taking the first bite of that infused chocolate bar (or oat bar, marshmallow crisp, or cookie in a jar) a nerve-wracking experience. How do you know the correct dosage? And what effects will you experience? 

Unlike more familiar forms of cannabis, like flower and vape cartridges, it’s hard to make a visual assessment of the perfect amount (and variety) of cannabis edibles to suit your needs. 

That’s why we decided to sit down with our favorite professional Patient Consultants to learn the ins and outs of cannabis edibles and how new consumers can ensure a perfect experience every time.

What are cannabis edibles?

Let’s start with the basics: what are cannabis edibles, and how do they work? 

Put simply–a cannabis edible is any cannabis-infused food product that contains either THC or CBD. Some cannabis edibles enthusiasts prefer them for their convenience, while others like the relief of not worrying about the impact of smoking on their lungs. 

These days, edibles come in many forms beyond the familiar pot brownie, from beef jerky to breakfast cereal! With the world of cannabis edible brands growing by the day, it’s easy to find a product to suit your palette (and dosage and effects requirements).

How long does it take cannabis edibles to kick in?

Edibles tend to take longer to kick in than inhalable cannabis products. Typically, you can expect to wait between 30-60 minutes to experience the effects of cannabis edibles. Many factors can affect the timing of cannabis absorption via edibles. Let’s go over a few:

• You might feel the effects of high dosage THC edibles more quickly than a lower dose product.
• Edibles you consume by sucking on them (like lozenges, lollipops, and gum) kick in faster since they’re absorbed directly through your saliva (they’re sublingual). 
• Chewable edibles (like gummies, cookies, or that oat bar we talked about earlier) take longer to kick in since they have to be digested before your body absorbs the THC or CBD they contain. 
• Other factors, like how empty your stomach is and your sex, weight, and cannabis tolerance, can affect how quickly your body reacts to edibles.

If you’ve consumed an edible and don’t yet feel the effects, have patience! Our Budtenders recommend waiting 24 hours before taking a second dose to avoid consuming too much. Instead, try eating something else to kick-start your digestion.

How do edibles make you feel?

One advantage of edibles is the intensity they offer compared to other cannabis products. Cannabis edibles create a more powerful high than some other consumption methods, and you’ll feel the effects longer than inhalable cannabis products. 

That’s why it’s so important to read your labels and consult your budtender before embarking on a novel cannabis experience. Make sure you pay attention to serving sizes–what sounds like a reasonable dose for that chocolate bar you’re chowing down on might just represent the THC content of a single square!

The bottom line: whether you’re brand new to the world of edibles, or a seasoned pro, starting low and going slow is always the best advice. Taking a mindful approach to cannabis edible consumption will ensure you have a blissful, relaxing experience that’s 100% DC Budtender approved.

Do you have cannabis consumption questions? Drop by Takoma Wellness and ask a DC Patient Consultant (Budtender)! We’re here for you.