Many consumers have a hard time measuring the exact edible dosage. It’s easy to take more than intended, especially when the gummies are so delicious! Most retail edibles contain 10 mg of THC per serving. This is a standard dosage that should be safe for most recreational users.
How Much Can You Overdose on THC Gummies?
If you’re new to cannabis (marijuana), figuring out how much THC to take can be confusing. Fortunately, most legal marijuana products list their THC content in milligrams, making it easy to do the math and understand how much you’re ingesting. But many novices aren’t sure how much is a safe dose and end up taking too much THC. That can lead to uncomfortable—but not fatal—side effects.
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, produces the high. When absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, it affects mood, behavior, memory, and appetite. Consumers should grasp the delayed impact and exercise caution, especially with edibles like gummies.
Edibles dosing without smoking or inhaling, making them popular for achieving a high. However, the delayed effect and varying THC absorption increase the risk of overdosing.
It’s possible to overdose on THC gummies, but it’s also possible to overdose on any marijuana product. Overdose symptoms can include feelings of drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or even depression and paranoia. But overdoses on THC gummies are not typically fatal unless taken in large amounts.
To prevent THC gummy overdoses, grasp the body’s metabolism and absorption of the drug. For newcomers, experts advise starting with a 2.5mg THC dose to find their ideal level. Researchers use the THC unit as a standard measure, with most adults tolerating around 10mg per day. Recreational users should stay below this threshold.
Edible Dosage
It’s important to note that a safe dose of THC edibles will differ for each person based on a variety of factors like weight, metabolism, and genetics. Nevertheless, starting low and going slow is usually the best way, to begin with any edible.
Edibles generally come in the following dosages:
5 mg:
This is typically the lowest amount of THC in a single edible and is suitable for most beginners. This edible level can provide a range of effects, from subtle pain and anxiety relief to mood elevation, improved motivation, and even altered perception. This is also a common level of THC used for insomnia.
10 mg:
Avoid increasing the initial edible dosage if the desired effects are not felt immediately. Wait until you determine your optimal THC amount, as impatience can lead to overconsumption. Edibles take two hours to take effect, which may contribute to the desire for faster results.
20 mg:
This level of edibles offers a stronger high, inducing euphoria, altered perception, and a sense of loss of control. Recreational users often seek this level for the “high” effect, while it can aid individuals with sleep disorders. Additionally, it can provide an energy boost and enhance appetite.
25 mg:
The highest level of edible dosing can be dangerous for people with certain health conditions and those with a very high tolerance to THC. This dose can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and anxiety in some people. It can also impair coordination and cause nausea.
30 mg:
The higher levels of THC in edibles are typically used for medical purposes and by experienced THC consumers. They can lead to strong euphoria, impaired coordination, and altered perception. For example, people with serious inflammatory disorders or cancer might require these high doses of THC. However, these patients should only consume edibles with a medical doctor’s approval.
THC Gummies & Side Effects
Gummies are a popular and convenient way to enjoy THC. They’re shelf-stable and can be consumed at home, in public places like schools or workplaces, and even on the go. THC gummies offer a range of flavors and potencies, with full-spectrum delta-9 THC being the preferred option for its relaxing and uplifting effects. They are made with natural ingredients in an FDA-registered facility and undergo third-party lab tests for quality assurance.
However, consuming too many THC edibles can cause unwanted side effects. The most common symptoms include feeling uncomfortable, anxious, and paranoid. Typically, these feelings pass as the body metabolizes THC, but they can be uncomfortable while waiting for them to subside.
For some, too much THC may also trigger psychotic episodes that require emergency medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek out medical help immediately.
Edible dosing can be challenging due to the difficulty in estimating intake based on weight and onset time. To address this, start with a low dose, like one gummy, and gradually increase as needed. Check the product label and manufacturer’s website for dosing information. Look for edibles marked with THC content in milligrams if unsure. Dispensaries typically provide this information to prevent overdosing.
Exercise moderation when consuming THC, as it is potent. For beginners, try a 2.5mg THC serving and wait at least two hours before re-dosing. Experienced marijuana users should start with a lower dose and gradually increase it. Consider THC gummies with a THC/CBD mix for a balanced effect.
Prevention Tips for Consuming THC Gummies
For most people, overdoing THC gummies will be uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Self-care techniques, like relaxation and meditation, can make the experience more bearable while you wait for the effects to wear off. For a small number of people, however, high doses can cause psychotic reactions that require medical attention. These reactions can include a loss of touch with reality, delusions, and paranoia. In extreme cases, overdose can also lead to heart palpitations and a rapid increase in blood pressure.
Start with a low dose to prevent overdoing THC gummies, and work your way up. Edible products often indicate the milligrams of THC on the package, allowing you to determine the appropriate dosage. For instance, if a gummy contains 5mg of THC, divide it into four equal sections, resulting in four microdoses of 1.25mg each.
Managing Edible Dosage and Storage for a Positive Experience
When using THC gummies, storing them in an airtight container is important. This will help them retain their freshness and flavor. They should also be kept away from direct sunlight, which can cause them to lose their potency and flavor.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your tolerance to THC will change over time. Overstimulation diminishes cannabinoid receptors, requiring a higher THC dose for the same effect over time. To maintain tolerance control, it is recommended to take regular tolerance breaks.
THC gummies are popular among children and pets. Kids can accidentally ingest too much because they are tasty and easy to swallow. Parents should monitor children closely when consuming THC gummies and other marijuana-based products.
These incidents may drain medical resources but can be prevented with the right precautions. Today, most legal states require that manufactured edibles be easily divisible into smaller portions to avoid overdoses. It’s also a good idea to buy edibles from a trusted source and keep track of your consumption.
