How to Dose Cannabis

The Start Low, Go Slow Principle

The cardinal rule of cannabis dosing: start with the lowest effective dose and increase gradually over multiple sessions. This is especially critical with edibles, where delayed onset leads many users to redose prematurely. For medical patients, the goal is finding the minimum effective dose — the lowest amount that provides adequate symptom relief with minimal side effects. This takes experimentation over days or weeks.

Dosing Flower Step by Step

Step 1: Note the THC percentage on the label. Step 2: Take one small puff (not a full inhale). Step 3: Wait 15-20 minutes. Step 4: Assess your level of effect. Step 5: If more is needed, take one more puff. Repeat until you find your comfortable level. For reference, a standard joint contains 300-500mg of cannabis — at 20% THC, that is 60-100mg total THC, but much is lost to combustion and sidestream smoke.

Dosing Edibles Step by Step

Step 1: Check the mg THC on the package. Step 2: Start with half the serving (2.5mg for new users). Step 3: Wait a full 2 hours. Step 4: If no effect, take another 2.5mg. Step 5: Wait another 90 minutes. Never exceed 10mg on your first edible experience. Write down what you took and when to build a reliable dosing log. Onset time is affected by whether you've eaten recently — empty stomach = faster and stronger onset.

Dosing Tinctures

Tincture bottles typically indicate mg per mL (e.g., "10mg per 0.5mL"). Start with one quarter or half a dropper and hold under your tongue for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. Sublingual effects begin in 15-30 minutes. If swallowed immediately, onset is delayed to 45-90 minutes. Tinctures are excellent for precise, incremental dosing. Keep a simple log of dose, time, and effects to identify your optimal amount.