5 Tips to Safely Dose and Enjoy Cannabis Edibles

Have you ever made (or tried) a batch of cannabis-infused edibles and had no idea what their potency was or how much you should consume? Thankfully, with legalization comes standardization, and as more states legalize cannabis for either medicinal or recreational purposes, the edibles industry is facing regulatory requirements that should lead to a safer, more pleasant edibles experience. In fact, brands such as Starbuds are popping up in legal markets like Colorado and California, with the goal of making dosing a lot easier and more intuitive. Thanks to properly labeled edibles packaging, it should only take a little self-discipline to ensure that you don’t accidently launch yourself into the cosmos.

Perhaps you’ve purchased a bottle of Starbuds’s cannabis-infused pineapple bites or some raspberry jellies and are wondering how much to eat or what the general dosing guidelines are. Don’t worry, every newcomer to edibles goes through this thought process of uncertainty and trepidation, which is why we’ve whipped up this handy five-step guide to make sure you have a good understanding of edibles dosage. After all, we wouldn’t want you to end up like that cop who called 911 after he ate one (or several) too many edibles!

1. Read the Package Dosing Guidelines Carefully

Starbuds cannabis-infused watermelon tarts

We’re past the days of playing Russian roulette to determine edible doses. Edibles on the legal market typically label their THC contents in milligrams for easy dosing. The standard dose according to Colorado’s edibles dosing guidelines is 10 milligrams, but a cannabis newbie or low-tolerance consumer should start with half of that.

Example: Starbuds’s recreational product line is dosed at 10 milligrams per piece, so if you’ve cracked into a bottle of watermelon tarts, eat just one to start as each tart will be infused with 10 milligrams of activated THC.

If you’re worried that 10 milligrams is too strong of a dose, you can cut a piece in half or, better yet, try a product line that offers five milligram options (Starbuds’s Organix line is dosed at five milligrams of activated THC per piece for newcomers and low-tolerance consumers).

2. Consider Your Tolerance

Starbuds CBD sweet 'n' sour gummies

Starting with a small dose is always a good idea, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve used cannabis. Experienced consumers might venture into larger doses and eat one or two more 10 mg gummies or cookies.

While it may be difficult to find the perfect amount when splitting up a large multi-dose dessert, reliable dosing delivered in small increments allows you to be more precise in your amounts, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran.

3. Be Patient and Exercise Restraint

Starbuds cannabis-infused peach tarts

We know, it’s hard to wait for the effects to kick in when you have an entire bottle of delicious infused Peach Tarts staring you in the face. You need to keep in mind, however, that with cannabis-infused edibles you can’t mindlessly snack on handfuls like you can with your favorite snack or treat – if you lose track of what you’re eating, you could be in for a bumpy ride.

Instead, take a dose and wait it out – that way, you’re much more likely to have a positive and in-control experience. Because body fat and metabolism vary so much from individual to individual, it’s hard to say when that edible is going to kick in. It could be 30 minutes later, or it could take an hour and a half. Resist snacking on the rest of your edibles until you’ve felt the effects the first dose, then, once you’ve waited long enough (it could be two hours or longer), you can decide whether you want to pop another peanut butter bite into your mouth.

4. Be Mindful of Your Stomach’s Contents

Starbuds cannabis-infused raspberry jellies

Before you dose, consider how much you’ve eaten and what you’ve had to drink. An empty stomach means your sweet ’n’ sour is going to kick in faster, and if this is the case, maybe think about starting with half a dose.

Another thing to keep in mind is how much alcohol you’ve had to drink. Fun fact: alcohol can increase THC blood concentration significantly, so dose modestly if you’re mixing the two.

5. Find a Comfortable Place

Starbuds cannabis-infused sour gummy bears

Edibles are delightfully portable, but keep in mind the importance of consuming in a comfortable setting. Larger doses are best tackled at home, or with people you’re close to. It can be good to have your best friend or partner there with you if it’s your first time – they can help you keep track of how many sour gummi bears you’ve eaten and help if you’re experiencing any discomfort.

With experience come the comforts of familiarity, and with time, it becomes easier to feel at peace with your surroundings when consuming edibles. Until then, gather the people and things you love most and enjoy all the bliss, relaxation, relief, and laughter edibles have to offer in a secure, cozy place.

What’s the perfect dose for you? Share your stories and advice in the comments section!