Cannabis Edibles Dosing Guide:
How Many MG Should Beginners Take?
Start low, go slow. The complete guide to having a perfect first edibles experience.
First-timers: Start with 2.5mg THC
Wait 2 full hours before taking more
Reading time: 10 minutes
Corey
Cannabis Educator & Content Specialist
Corey is a cannabis education specialist at The Library with 5+ years of experience helping customers navigate the New Jersey cannabis market. He creates engaging, accurate content about cannabis products, regulations, and wellness.
The number one mistake first-time edible users make? Not waiting long enough and taking a second dose. Then, two hours later, both doses kick in at once—and suddenly they're way higher than they wanted to be.
This guide will help you avoid that fate. Whether you're completely new to cannabis or an experienced smoker trying edibles for the first time, you'll learn exactly how to dose for a perfect experience.
Why Edibles Hit Different
The Science (Simplified)
When You Smoke/Vape
THC goes: Lungs → Blood → Brain
Time: 5-15 minutes
When You Eat Edibles
THC goes: Stomach → Liver → Converted to 11-Hydroxy-THC → Brain
Time: 30-90 minutes
Key Point: 11-Hydroxy-THC
When your liver processes THC, it creates 11-Hydroxy-THC—a metabolite that's 2-3x more potent than regular THC and crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. This is why edibles feel "stronger" even at the same mg, and why effects last 4-8 hours instead of 1-2 hours.
The Library Tip: Even experienced smokers should start with a low edible dose. Your liver doesn't know you smoke a bowl every night—edibles are processed completely differently.
The Edibles Dosing Chart
Use this chart to find your starting dose. When in doubt, start lower—you can always take more next time, but you can't take less.
Effects: Subtle mood lift, mild relaxation, no impairment
Best for: First-timers, daytime use, anxiety-prone
Effects: Mild euphoria, relaxation, slight impairment
Best for: Beginners, light users, social settings
Effects: Noticeable high, strong relaxation, coordination affected
Best for: Occasional users, evening use
Effects: Intense effects, altered perception, strong body high
Best for: Regular users with tolerance
Effects: Powerful effects, not recommended for inexperienced
Best for: High tolerance users only
Effects: Very intense, long-lasting, may cause discomfort
Best for: Medical patients / very high tolerance
The Golden Rule
Start Low, Go Slow
- • First time EVER: Start with 2.5mg
- • First time with edibles (but smoke sometimes): Start with 5mg
- • Wait AT LEAST 2 hours before considering more
- • You can always take more, but you can't take less
When Will I Feel It? The Edibles Timeline
Understanding timing is the most important factor in having a good edibles experience. Here's what to expect:
You probably won't feel anything yet. This is normal.
Some people start feeling initial effects. Stay patient.
Most people feel effects by now. DO NOT take more yet.
Peak effects begin. This is when you'll know your true dose.
Peak effects continue. Enjoy the experience.
Effects gradually decrease. May feel mild residual effects.
The #1 Mistake (and how to avoid it)
"I don't feel anything after an hour... I'll take another one" — THIS leads to most bad edible experiences. Edibles can take up to 2 hours to fully kick in. Always wait 2 FULL HOURS before redosing.
Choosing Your First Edible
Not all edibles are created equal. Here's how different product types compare:
Gummies
Pros:
- Precise dosing
- Easy to split
- Consistent effects
- Many flavors
Cons:
- Takes 45-90 min to kick in
- Sugar content
Best for: Most beginners - recommended starting point
Cannabis Beverages
Pros:
- Fastest onset (15-30 min)
- Easy to pace
- Familiar format
- No sugar in some
Cons:
- Effects don't last as long
- More expensive per dose
Best for: Social situations, replacing alcohol
Chocolates
Pros:
- Taste great
- Discreet
- Wide variety
Cons:
- Uneven THC distribution in some brands
- High-calorie
Best for: Experienced users who know their dose
Mints/Lozenges
Pros:
- Discreet
- Fast sublingual absorption
- Low-calorie
Cons:
- Limited flavors
- Easy to lose track of dose
Best for: Microdosing, work situations
Our Recommendation: For most beginners, we recommend starting with 2.5mg gummies. They're precisely dosed, easy to split if needed, and provide consistent effects every time. Our budtenders can help you find the perfect starting product.
Your First Edible Experience: What to Expect
Before You Take Edibles - Checklist
Normal Sensations (Don't Panic)
Dry Mouth
Have water ready - this is extremely common
Elevated Heart Rate
Normal at first, usually mild
Increased Appetite
The famous 'munchies'
Heavy Eyelids
Especially with indica edibles
Enhanced Senses
Music sounds better, food tastes amazing
Time Distortion
Time may feel slower - this is normal
What to Do If You Take Too Much
Important: You cannot fatally overdose on cannabis. No one in recorded history has died from a cannabis overdose alone. However, taking too much can be very uncomfortable.
If You've Taken Too Much:
Remember: This WILL pass (usually 2-4 hours)
Stay hydrated - water, not alcohol
Find a calm environment - dim lights, quiet space
Try CBD if available - can help counteract THC
Eat something - may help absorb excess THC
Sleep it off if possible - best remedy
Try the black pepper trick - some find smelling/chewing peppercorns helps
What NOT to Do:
- • Don't panic (anxiety makes it feel worse)
- • Don't take more cannabis
- • Don't drink alcohol
- • Don't drive under any circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for edibles to kick in?
Most people feel effects within 30-90 minutes, with full effects at 2 hours. Cannabis beverages work fastest (15-30 min), while traditional edibles like gummies take longer (45-90 min). Always wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
What does 10mg of THC feel like?
For most adults without tolerance, 10mg produces a clear, noticeable high with strong relaxation, mild euphoria, and potentially some impairment. This is the 'standard' recreational dose but is NOT recommended for first-timers. Start with 2.5-5mg if you're new.
Can you overdose on edibles?
You cannot fatally overdose on cannabis alone—no deaths have been attributed solely to cannabis overdose. However, taking too much can cause uncomfortable effects like anxiety, paranoia, and disorientation lasting several hours. This is why starting low is so important.
Why don't edibles work for me?
About 5-10% of people are 'ednos' (edible non-responders) due to liver enzyme variations. If edibles don't work after multiple attempts, try taking with fatty foods, trying nanoemulsified beverages (absorbed differently), or slightly increasing dose. If 20mg still doesn't work, you may be in the small group edibles don't affect.
How long do edibles last?
Effects typically last 4-8 hours, with peak effects at 2-3 hours. Some people feel mild residual effects up to 12 hours, especially with higher doses. Unlike smoking (1-3 hours), edibles are a commitment—plan your day accordingly.
Is it better to take edibles on an empty stomach?
A light snack is ideal. Empty stomach = faster/stronger onset but potentially overwhelming. Full stomach = slower onset, smoother experience. We recommend a small meal 30-60 minutes before, not immediately before or completely empty.
Are edibles stronger than smoking?
Yes, mg for mg. Your liver converts THC to 11-Hydroxy-THC, which is 2-3x more potent. A 5mg edible may feel stronger than a small joint, even for experienced smokers. This is why even regular smokers should start with low doses when trying edibles.
What should I do if I take too much?
Stay calm—it will pass in 2-4 hours. Hydrate, find a comfortable space, and ride it out. CBD can help counteract THC effects if available. Some people find relief from chewing black peppercorns. Sleep is often the best remedy.
Ready to Try Edibles? We're Here to Help.
Choosing your first edible can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Visit our THC edibles page or browse our full THC store — our budtenders are trained to help first-timers find the perfect product and dose.
What to tell our budtenders:
- • "This is my first time with edibles"
- • Your experience level (never tried cannabis, occasional smoker, etc.)
- • What experience you want (relax at home, social event, sleep aid)
- • Any concerns or anxiety about trying edibles
FDA Disclaimer: Cannabis products are not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions. This guide is for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary—consult healthcare professionals before making changes to your wellness routine. Always purchase from licensed dispensaries to ensure product safety and accurate dosing.
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