Edibles dosage guide: start low, go slow
Why edibles hit differently, how to find your dose, and how to avoid the classic beginner mistake.
Edibles are the easiest cannabis product to get wrong, not because they’re strong, but because they’re slow. Understanding the timing is the whole game.
Why edibles are different
When you eat cannabis, your liver converts THC into a more potent, longer-lasting compound. The result:
- Onset is slow: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Effects last longer: 4 to 8+ hours
- The peak is stronger than the same dose inhaled
The classic mistake: taking a dose, feeling nothing after 45 minutes, taking more, then both doses land at once.
Finding your dose
In Canada, legal edibles are capped at 10 mg THC per package, which makes careful dosing easier.
| Experience | Starting dose |
|---|---|
| New to edibles | 2.5 mg or less |
| Occasional | 2.5 to 5 mg |
| Regular | 5 to 10 mg |
Wait a full two hours before considering more. Always.
If you take too much
You can’t fatally overdose on cannabis, but too much can be deeply unpleasant: anxiety, a racing heart, nausea. Find a calm space, hydrate, and wait it out. CBD can help blunt the effects. It passes.
Sources
- Health Canada, Cannabis edibles
Frequently asked questions
How long do edibles take to kick in?
Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. The slow onset is why people accidentally take too much. Wait a full two hours before considering more.
What's a good starting dose for edibles?
If you're new, start at 2.5 mg of THC or less. Legal edibles in Canada are capped at 10 mg THC per package, which makes careful dosing easier.
How long do edible effects last?
Typically 4 to 8 hours or more, significantly longer than inhaled cannabis, with a stronger peak.
Can you overdose on edibles?
You can't fatally overdose on cannabis, but too much can be very unpleasant. Find a calm space, hydrate, and wait it out. It passes.
Know your local rules
Legal age, where to buy, and where you can use it all change by province.
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