Edible Dosing - tips and tricks for the best experience
Edibles are a perfect option for first-time consumers who want to experience the effects of cannabis without smoking. Taking edibles often results in a more intense high, so first-timers should pay close attention to how much they take.
Check the official Purple Lotus guide to edible dosing and a few other tips to help you have the best experience.
Homemade Edibles vs. Dispensary Bought
Your first choice will be whether to make them at home or buy pre-made edibles from a variety of different brands at a dispensary.
Homemade edibles are relatively easy to make. Simply infuse the cannabis into butter, olive oil, or any other ingredient, and bake away. You have the freedom to choose what goodies to make.
An advantage of making it at home is tailoring your edible to fit any diet, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. You’ll also save money in the long run. The typical edible price range is $3 – $25 depending on the amount of milligrams you need.
Be cautious when making your edibles. The right measurements and equipment prevent you from overconsuming and feeling sick.
Most first-time users buy edibles from a dispensary because the dosages will be exact with a variety of treats to choose from.
Determining the Right Edible Dosing
Everyone reacts differently to taking cannabis. Effects will differ from person to person based on potency, their previous tolerance to cannabis, and how sensitive their endocannabinoid system is.
Cannabis users with no tolerance should start by taking edibles with 1.5 to 5 mg of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The amount of THC can be increased up to 60 mg or more depending on the individual.
Edibles are processed differently in the body, but a general rule is that smoking a 1/2 gram joint is the equivalent of eating a 10 mg THC edible.
Start Small With Edibles and Be Patient
Taking edibles produces a different, more intense high than smoking flowers.
Experts recommend taking low-dose edibles at first because the effects can take as little as 10 minutes or multiple hours.
We suggest first-timers try cannabis-infused drinks. CANN Social Tonics, for example, are available in a wide variety of flavors and have precise THC levels.
Rather than eating entire brownies or cookies, you can also try smaller items like gummies, tabs, or tinctures. These alternatives give you more control over the experience.
Take Edibles in a Comfortable Space
Edibles can be unpredictable, even for the most experienced user. Anytime you’re smoking cannabis or taking edibles, make sure you’re in a comfortable environment.
The most important thing is to remain calm. Being in a familiar place with people you know helps.
Do something you enjoy. Whether it’s listening to music, playing board games, or bingeing Netflix, any activity that will keep you calm and occupied.
You can go outside for fresh air or a walk, but under no circumstances drive or operate machinery.
Drink Plenty of Water
Experienced cannabis users are familiar with the phenomenon known as “dry mouth.” While it causes them to drink more, it isn’t necessarily a sign of dehydration.
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, regardless of whether they use cannabis products. An estimated 85% of Americans are chronically dehydrated but don’t show any symptoms.
Drinking water can relieve the sensation of “dry mouth” but also ensure you are well hydrated.
Don’t Take Edibles on an Empty Stomach
Besides getting plenty of liquids, experts also recommend eating a meal before taking edibles.
Edibles are processed much faster when taken on an empty stomach, but some people have reported upset stomachs or uncomfortable highs.
Many users prefer taking edibles after a meal of high-fat foods. In a 2019 ScienceDaily study, researchers from the University of Minnesota showed that high-fat foods sped up cannabidiol absorption.
If you take an edible on an empty stomach, take a lower dose to be safe.
And never take alcohol with an edible. Not only does alcohol cause dehydration but it’s been found to increase the concentration of THC in the blood. The last thing you want is adverse effects.
Bad Trips Happen — Be Prepared
Things can get scary if a bad trip happens from taking too much THC. This is why paying attention to dosage is important.
If a bad trip happens to you, breathe, and stay calm. Remember that no one has ever died from consuming too much cannabis and the “paranoid” feeling will wear off in a few hours.
CBD also helps – CBD is one of the 100 or more cannabinoids found in the Sativa cannabis plant. CBD is known for easing the psychotic symptoms included by the high THC levels. CBD dampens the effects of THC and the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.
Drinking water helps speed up the digestive process and may relieve a bad trip. Hydrate!
Where to Order Your First Edible?
You can make edibles at home, yet buying them from a licensed dispensary is safer for first-timers.
Edible dosing is more precise and each product is tested in a lab beforehand. Higher-quality cannabis is typically used and customers have more options.
Click here to view a list of available edibles at our dispensary. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today. The staff at Purple Lotus is always happy to help you find the perfect dosage to meet your needs.
Use promo code: EDIBLE15 to start your edible journey today.
