Dosing cannabis can be challenging, as individual tolerance and sensitivity can vary greatly. The “start low and go slow” approach is recommended for new users, beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing until the desired effects are achieved.
Factors that can influence cannabis dosing include:
- Method of consumption (inhaled vs. ingested): Inhaled cannabis typically has a faster onset and shorter duration, whereas ingested cannabis (edibles) takes longer to kick in but lasts longer. Learn more about edible dosing.
- Product potency (THC and CBD content): Higher THC levels can lead to stronger psychoactive effects, while higher CBD levels might mitigate some of these effects and provide different therapeutic benefits. Read about THC and CBD dosing.
- Individual physiology and tolerance: Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique, so personal factors like body weight, metabolism, and previous cannabis use can affect how you respond to different doses.
- Desired effects and therapeutic goals: Whether you’re using cannabis for pain relief, anxiety reduction, or recreational purposes will influence your optimal dose. Explore a guide to finding the right dose.
It’s important to be patient and listen to your body when experimenting with different doses and products. Keep a cannabis journal to track your experiences and help guide your future dosing decisions. Learn about the benefits of keeping a cannabis journal.
By taking a thoughtful and measured approach to dosing, you can find the balance that works best for you, enhancing your cannabis experience while minimizing potential side effects.