Cannabis edibles have become one of the most popular ways to consume THC, offering a smoke-free, long-lasting, and often more potent experience. But if you’re new to edibles, figuring out the right dosage can be tricky.
Unlike smoking or vaping, where effects are felt almost immediately, edibles take longer to kick in and can last for several hours. If you’ve ever heard a story about someone eating “too many” edibles, chances are they didn’t understand how to dose properly.
This guide will break down THC edible dosage, how edibles affect your body, and tips for a safe, enjoyable experience so you don’t end up consuming more than you can handle.
Understanding Cannabis Edibles & Their Effects
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food, drink and other edible products infused with THC, offering an alternative to inhalation methods like smoking or vaping. Some of the most common types include:
- THC gummies
- Chocolate bars
- Brownies and baked goods
- Cannabis-infused beverages
- Tinctures and oils (when ingested rather than sublingual use)
- Tablets and Capsules
Unlike smoking, where THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs, edibles must first be digested and metabolized by the liver. This process transforms THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that can be more potent and longer-lasting than inhaled THC.
Why Do Edibles Affect People Differently?
Several factors can influence how strong and long-lasting the effects of an edible will be, including:
- The type of edible: Fast-acting edibles like The CLEAR EFX Tablets and Gummies will produce effects in 15-20 minutes, whereas other traditional edible formats can take 45+ minutes.
- How it’s manufactured: Some edible manufacturers use techniques such as nano-emulsification, which can lead to faster absorption.
- Your metabolism: People with faster metabolisms may feel the effects sooner and for a shorter duration, whereas those with a slower metabolism may experience a slower onset with longer lasting effects.
- An empty vs. full stomach: Eating edibles on an empty stomach can intensify effects, while consuming them with food may slow absorption. Edibles using technology like The CLEAR’s Lipid in-vivo Transport (L.I.T.) can hit faster than normal, even without an empty stomach.
How to Dose Cannabis Edibles Properly
Understanding THC Dosage Levels
Dosing cannabis edibles correctly is crucial for avoiding an uncomfortable experience. Here’s a general breakdown of THC dosage levels and their expected effects:
| THC Dose | Effects | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2.5mg | Mild relaxation or stimulation, subtle effects | First-time users, microdosers |
| 2.5-5mg | Light euphoria, enhanced mood | Newer consumers |
| 5-10mg | Moderate high, increased euphoria | Casual cannabis users |
| 10-50mg | Strong effects, potential sedation | Regular users, higher tolerance |
| 50mg+ | Intense, long-lasting effects | Experienced users only |
Keep in mind the variation in dosages, as the difference between 2.5mg and 5mg may be subtle, but the difference between 10mg and 20mg will be much more noticeable.
How to Read Edible Labels & Packaging
While labeling requirements can vary by state, you can typically find some basic information about dosages and potency on most edible packaging. Here are the main keys to look for:
- Check the total THC per package: A package may contain 100mg total but be divided into 10mg servings. This can vary depending on if you are recreational or medical consumer, where potency limits may be different.
- Look at the serving size: A chocolate bar may come in one piece, but need to be broken into 10 smaller doses prior to consuming. Packaging will typically say something about the recommended dosage (e.g. 10mg/serving).
- Understand the cannabinoid ratio: Apart from THC, edibles may include other cannabinoids to provide various benefits like aiding in sleep, providing energy or relieving stress. Knowing what cannabinoids provide which effects can help you make more informed buying decisions.
What to Expect From Cannabis Edibles
How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?
Unlike smoking or vaping where effects can be felt within minutes, the time it takes for edibles to hit can vary widely. Products like The CLEAR EFX may hit in 15 minutes while others can take over an hour or more. Factors affecting onset time include:
- Metabolism speed
- Edible type (e.g., gummies vs. tablets vs. drinks)
- How the edible was made (nano-emulsified, L.I.T., Traditional)
- Food intake before consumption
It is always recommended to keep track of your edible consumption, specifically when it was consumed through when you start to feel it. This can help you determine if edibles affect your more slowly, whether it has to do with metabolism or not, etc..
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Edibles traditionally provide a much longer-lasting high than smoking or vaping. The effects typically last between 4 to 12 hours, depending on dosage and personal metabolism.
However new products like The CLEAR EFX Tablets are designed to simulate a vape high in an edible format. I.e. you may feel the effects in just 15 minutes, and no longer feel anything after 2 hours.
Due to the large variety in edibles onsets, it is always recommended to Start Low and Go Slow.
Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Edibles Experience
If you’re new to cannabis edibles, follow these simple cannabis edible dosage tips:
- Start with a low dose: 2.5-5mg THC is ideal for beginners and newer consumers. If it is your first time, start with 2.5mg.
- Be patient: Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. While it may seem like a long time to wait, taking more too soon could result in a compounding effect and increasing your dosage.
- Eat a snack beforehand: This helps regulate absorption and prevents an overly strong high. Some foods are recommended as being better than others for absorption—typically fattier foods—as THC binds to fat.
- Stay in a comfortable environment: Avoid trying edibles in unfamiliar places. Especially if it is your first time trying edibles, you want to be in an environment where you feel comfortable and safe.
- Drink plenty of water: While dry-mouth may be one issue associated with cannabis edibles, it is also easy to simply forget to rehydrate in the midst of an edible experience. If you start feeling dizzy or nauseous, a glass of water can make a big difference!
Ready for Eddies?
The most important thing to remember when trying edibles for the first time is that nobody has ever died from a cannabis overdose. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the effects of a cannabis edible, or cannabis in general, just remember that the effects will dissipate within a few hours, and you will most likely be back to normal by the next day at the latest.
Start low, go slow, and enjoy the wide-growing world of cannabis edibles! We hope you learned something from our cannabis edibles dosage guide. If you ever have a question about how cannabis edibles work, how to choose the right cannabis edible dosage or just want to learn about our edible offerings, shoot us a message!
