Edibles Dosage Chart: Dose Marijuana Edibles Safely
Posted by The Purple Shop on 2026 Feb 20th
Ate one, felt nothing, redosed—then it hit too hard
You take a 5 mg gummy at 8:00 p.m., make tea, and wait. By 9:00 p.m., nothing—so you add another 5 mg. At 10:15, the floor tilts. Your heart races a little. The show you were watching feels too loud. Meanwhile, the dog needs out, tomorrow’s meeting looms, and you’re definitely not driving anywhere. The buzz keeps rolling past midnight, and sleep? Patchy. You wake groggy, wondering what went wrong.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—we hear this every week. Edibles can feel unpredictable: slow to start, then too strong, and they last 4–8 hours. You want a simple way to avoid overshooting and still get the result you want. That’s our job. We’ll give you a clear dose-by-goal chart and a step‑by‑step protocol tailored for Canada, plus how to read labels and portion safely. First, a quick why edibles hit differently—so the chart actually makes sense.
Start low, go slow, and match dose to your purpose, product type, and timing. Wait 2–3 hours before adding more.
Why Edibles Hit Harder—and Last Longer Than Smoking
You just read “start low, go slow, and wait 2–3 hours.” Why wait? Edibles take the long way: first-pass metabolism (your liver processes THC before it reaches your brain) creates 11-hydroxy-THC (a stronger, longer-lasting THC byproduct). That’s why effects feel heavier than smoking. For most people, you’ll notice something between 45 and 120 minutes, with a steady build. Peaks commonly land 2–4 hours after you first feel it, then taper slowly. Many report a 4–8 hour total window; higher doses can linger longer. So patience isn’t optional—it’s the safety feature.
Think of inhaling like a light switch—quick on, quick off. Edibles are a slow cooker: low heat early, deep flavor later. A 5 mg gummy at 7:30 p.m. might not show itself until halftime, then peak near 10:00 p.m., and still hum past midnight. Nano-emulsified drinks (tiny droplets for faster absorption) can feel sooner and fade sooner; classic gummies and chocolates run slower and longer. That timing gap is the trap that makes people redose too soon. We’ll keep you out of it.
Your stomach, metabolism, and product type change the clock. A full dinner slows onset but can extend duration; an empty stomach speeds onset for some and can feel sharper. Fast-metabolizers and nano drinks move quicker; capsules and classic gummies move slower. Tolerance matters too. That’s why we always wait the full 2–3 hours before adding more. Set a timer, sip water, and evaluate clearly—no stacking doses back-to-back.
- Onset window: 30–120 minutes
- Peak effects: 2–4 hours after onset
- Total duration: 4–12+ hours depending on dose and person
Dosing edibles is deceptively hard
The label math trips people up first. Is that 10 mg per piece or 10 mg per package? In Canada, many legal edibles cap the whole package at 10 mg—easy to assume it’s per gummy. Impatience is next: nothing at 60 minutes, so another piece goes in. Tolerance swings, too; three vape puffs don’t predict your edible dose. And not all edibles behave the same—nano beverages can hit sooner, while chocolates and capsules cruise in later and last longer. Put together, it’s a perfect recipe for overshooting.
We’ve seen it a hundred times. You buy a 2-piece pack labeled 10 mg THC total, assume 10 mg each, and eat both—oops, that was 10 mg combined, not 20. Or you try a 10 mg beverage on an empty stomach and feel it in 25 minutes, then repeat the same dose with a heavy meal and wait 90 minutes. One client who handles 15 mg gummies fine took 15 mg in chocolate and felt drowsy for 8 hours. Same number, different format, very different night.
Overshooting can feel uncomfortable: racing thoughts, dry mouth, time distortion, and a heavy body load. Plans change—no driving, skipped workout, poor sleep, groggy morning. And the hard part is you can’t just turn it off; you’re riding it for hours. We’ve been there, and we don’t want that for you. A little label math and patience up front prevents a long, anxious evening later.
- Mistaking total mg for per-piece mg
- Redosing too soon (before full onset)
- Ignoring context: sleep vs social vs pain relief
- Using inhaled tolerance to pick edible dose
- Mixing alcohol or sedatives with edibles
What actually shifts your ideal dose
Your best dose isn’t a fixed number. It’s the sum of your goal, tolerance, body chemistry, product type, timing, what you’ve eaten, and your environment. Change any one and the experience changes. That’s normal, not a failure. We’ll account for each variable below so you can choose confidently and avoid surprises.
- Goal/Purpose: Define the outcome—focus, social ease, body relief, or sleep.
- Tolerance: Low (rare use), moderate (weekly), high (daily or medical).
- Body & Metabolism: Weight, sex, hormones, and liver enzymes shift response.
- Product Type: Nano drinks absorb faster; gummies/chocolates slower; capsules slowest.
- Stomach Contents: Fed delays and smooths; fasted speeds onset, can intensify.
- Set & Setting: Company, noise, plans, and mood steer comfort and safety.
- Cannabinoid Profile: THC-only hits sharper; CBD:THC ratios feel steadier for many.
On medications, pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition? Talk to a healthcare professional before using edibles. THC can interact with drugs and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Edibles Dosage Chart: THC mg, effects, timing
If you’re on medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak with your clinician first—then use this chart safely. Start low, go slow, and increase across sessions, not the same night. Wait 2–3 hours for full onset before redosing. In Canada, many edibles cap THC at 10 mg per package—confirm per‑piece vs package totals. Example: a 2‑piece pack labeled 10 mg total equals 5 mg per piece.
| THC dose (mg) | Best for | What you may feel | Onset (min) | Duration (hrs) | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2.5 mg | First-timers, microdosing, sensitive users | Barely perceptible; gentle calm, subtle body relief | 45–120 minutes | 3–6 hours | Journal effects; try daytime first |
| 2.5–5 mg | Cautious beginners, daytime function | Light mood lift; easier sleep onset later | 45–120 minutes | 4–8 hours | Avoid alcohol; wait full 2 hours |
| 5–10 mg | New users seeking clear effects | Noticeable euphoria/relief; mild impairment | 45–120 minutes | 6–10 hours | If unsure, start at 5 mg; split pieces |
| 10–15 mg | Beginners stepping up; casual use | Stronger euphoria; more impairment, dry mouth | 45–120 minutes | 6–12 hours | Do not drive; hydrate; keep CBD nearby |
| 15–20 mg | Intermediate users; pain or sleep | Potent effects; possible couch-lock | 45–120 minutes | 6–12 hours | Try at home in a low-stimulus setting |
| 20–30 mg | Experienced users only | Very strong; focus and judgment reduced | 45–120 minutes | 8–12+ hours | Clear your schedule; avoid redosing same night |
| 30–50 mg | Veterans/medical tolerance | Intense; higher risk of anxiety | 45–120 minutes | 8–14+ hours | Keep CBD on hand; no alcohol |
| 50–100 mg | Only with medical guidance | Overwhelming for most; adverse effects possible | 45–120 minutes | 8–16+ hours | Not recommended for novices |
Educational only, not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional, especially for chronic conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or medications.
Onset and Duration by Edible Type
Form changes the clock because digestion and absorption differ. Beverages can show in 15–60 minutes; gummies and baked goods often need 45–120+. That gap causes early redosing. Use this table to set a timer and plan. Next, we’ll lock it in with a simple six-step dosing protocol.
| Product type | Typical onset | Peak window | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gummies/chews | 45–120 minutes | 2–4 hours | 6–12 hours | Consistent dosing; slower after a full meal |
| Baked goods | 60–120+ minutes | 3–5 hours | 8–12+ hours | Fat content may prolong effects |
| Beverages | 15–60 minutes | 1–3 hours | 4–8 hours | Often nano-emulsified; faster onset |
| Capsules/softgels | 60–120 minutes | 2–4 hours | 6–12 hours | Precise dose; slower onset |
| Lozenges/tinctures (sublingual) | 15–45 minutes | 1–2 hours | 3–6 hours | Hold under tongue for faster onset |
A Simple 6-Step Protocol for Safer, Predictable Edibles
Holding tinctures under your tongue can speed onset, but the rules stay the same: set a dose, set a timer, and be patient. Here’s our 6-step plan to turn the chart into calm, repeatable results.
Step 1: Define your goal and setting; write it down. Relax, sleep, socialize, or relief—pick a calm space and clear schedule.
Step 2: Pick a conservative starting dose from the chart (2.5–5 mg). If sensitive or older, choose the low end.
Step 3: Time your dose with food context; note fasted vs fed. A small snack can smooth; a heavy meal delays onset.
Step 4: Wait at least 2 hours before any increase. Set a timer; sip water; no stacking doses back-to-back.
Step 5: Increase next session by 2.5–5 mg if needed; avoid same‑night stacking. Keep the product and timing consistent when testing.
Step 6: Record effects, sleep quality, next‑day feel, onset, peak, duration, and mg. Use notes to pick your personal sweet spot.
Use a simple dosing journal: date, product, per‑piece mg, total mg, setting, food, onset, peak, duration, effects, sleep, next‑day notes. Consistency reveals your reliable dose in 1–3 sessions.
Microdosing 1–5 mg: Focus, Mood, Comfort, Daytime Plan
That dosing journal you just set up is your microdosing secret weapon. We use 1–5 mg to smooth edges: steadier focus, calmer mood, and light body comfort without feeling high. Try once in the morning (1–2.5 mg), then, if needed, a tiny top‑up mid‑afternoon (1–2.5 mg). Example: 2 mg at 8:30 a.m., optional 1–2 mg at 2:00 p.m. Log dose, timing, food, and how you felt. Patterns appear within three sessions.
Start on a low‑stakes day: admin morning, errands, or a creative block where subtle is perfect. Hold the same dose for three sessions before changing. Examples: split a 5 mg gummy into quarters (~1.25 mg) or halve a 2.5 mg mint (~1.25 mg). If you feel foggy, reduce by 0.5–1 mg; if you feel nothing, add 0.5–1 mg next time. Many pair 5–10 mg CBD for smoother edges. Ready for a noticeable lift? We’ll step into 10–15 mg next.
Prefer a bright, fruity option to fine‑tune your dose? Try BuddaBomb Peach Gummies—easy to cut into halves or quarters so you can dial 1–5 mg without guesswork.
- Start at 1–2.5 mg for three sessions before adjusting.
- Avoid stacking with caffeine until you know your response.
- For workdays, test on a low-stakes day first.
Your First Feel-It Dose: 10–15 mg, done safely
You tested on a low-stakes day—now you’re ready to feel more. Choose an evening or weekend with a clear calendar, have a light snack, and skip alcohol. Hydrate and set a timer. Sit down around 7:30 p.m., take your dose, and keep the night low‑key. Wait the full 2–3 hours before deciding on any change.
Start at 7.5–10 mg if you’re cautious; keep a 2.5–5 mg top‑up only after that 2–3 hour mark. Example: 10 mg at 7:30 p.m., assess at 9:45–10:00 p.m., then optional 2.5–5 mg if needed. Keep CBD on hand, don’t drive for 6–8 hours, and stick to one product type. Patience pays—and if you regularly need more than 15 mg, we’ll cover moderate dosing next.
Want something easy to portion? Try BuddaBomb Grape Gummies: split a 10 mg piece into two 5 mg halves, or take one, wait 2–3 hours, then reassess.
- Do: start at 10 mg unless you’re very sensitive
- Do: create a calm, low-stimulus environment
- Don’t: drive or make important decisions
- Don’t: redose within the first 2 hours
Moderate Doses (20–30 mg): Experienced Only
You didn’t redose within the first 2 hours—great. If you routinely need more than 15 mg to feel satisfied, 20–30 mg belongs to the experienced lane. Expect heavier body load, pronounced euphoria, and real impairment in focus and coordination. Clear your evening, queue gentle activities, and make your couch the destination. Onset still takes 45–120 minutes; peak often lands around hour 3. Don’t drive for at least 6–8 hours, and plan for lingering effects into the morning at the upper end.
Food changes the ride. A big dinner can delay onset but stretch duration; an empty stomach may hit faster and feel sharper. If you’re unsure, split your planned dose into two parts spaced 90–120 minutes apart, then stop. Keep your environment calm, lights soft, and notifications off so you can self-assess. Have tomorrow’s schedule light and transportation sorted. Dosing for sleep? We’ll fine-tune timing and cannabinoid choices next.
Prefer a bold, fruit-forward chew that’s easy to portion? We like BuddaBomb Strawberry Gummies—split pieces to hit 20–30 mg gradually, assess at the 2–3 hour mark, and keep the night mellow.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or sedatives; it can intensify sedation and confusion.
- Let a trusted person know your plan and check-in window.
- Have water and light snacks ready; dry mouth and dips are common.
Sleep Dosing: Timing, Calm, Consistency
Since you’ve got water and light snacks ready, let’s turn that into a bedtime routine. Dose 1.5–3 hours before lights out, dim the room, and keep screens low. New or sensitive sleepers: 5–10 mg THC. Experienced: 10–20 mg. Example: 5 mg at 8:30 p.m. for a 10:00–10:30 bedtime. Higher doses can mean groggy mornings.
Classic (non‑nano) edibles need the longer lead time; nano drinks can be closer to 60–90 minutes. Keep the room quiet, skip alcohol, and set a no‑redose rule after midnight. If you’re exploring blends, CBD (cannabidiol) or CBN (cannabinol) with THC may feel gentler. Journal onset, peak, and next‑day feel.
For a night-friendly choice, our Sleep Gummies Wild Grape 60 Pack makes portioning easy—start at 5–10 mg, track your response, and only adjust on a later night.
- Dim screens 60 minutes before bed; build a simple wind‑down routine.
- Consider adding CBD (cannabidiol) 5–20 mg for smoother effects.
- Avoid redosing if you wake at night; breathe, hydrate, and wait.
High Doses (30–50 mg+): Safety and Precision
Tempted to nibble more if you wake at night? That no‑redose rule matters even more here. Doses of 30–50 mg+ are for very experienced or medically tolerant users only. Effects can feel intense, and they often last 8–14+ hours. Higher doses raise the odds of anxiety, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and disorientation, especially in stimulating environments. We see seasoned users caught off‑guard by duration. Plan a quiet night, park the car keys, and tell a trusted person your check‑in time. Eat a light snack, hydrate, and set a timer for your self‑assessment window.
Be conservative even if you “handle” 25 mg. For example, if a bar is 100 mg with 10 squares, each square equals 10 mg; weigh pieces or follow scoring when precision matters. In our experience, precision prevents panic. Split big plans into spaced portions: take 15–20 mg, then wait a full 2–3 hours before considering another 5–10 mg, and stop there. Skip alcohol and sedatives. Keep CBD (5–20 mg) and water nearby for comfort. If you overshoot, don’t panic—we’ll walk you through quick fixes and calming steps in the next section.
Portion with precision. BuddaBomb Strawberry Yogurt Explosion 250mg is high‑mg; divide pieces to your target: cut 10 mg squares into halves (5 mg) or quarters (2.5 mg). Pre‑bag portions, label the mg, set a timer, and assess before any add‑on.
- Calculate mg per piece before eating: package mg ÷ number of pieces = dose per piece.
- Avoid same-night stacking of large doses; wait 2–3 hours before any change.
- Keep CBD and water available; 5–20 mg CBD can soften intensity for some.
Edible Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes and Prevention
That CBD and water you set aside? Perfect—use them first if things start to feel wobbly. Now scan this matrix: find your symptom, do the 'helps now' steps, avoid the right column, and note 'prevent next time' for your next session.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Helps now | Avoid | Prevent next time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety or panic | Dose too high; loud, stimulating setting | Slow breathing, hydrate, lie down, calm music, CBD 10–20 mg | Caffeine, alcohol, more THC | Lower dose; calmer space; test CBD pre‑dose |
| Nausea or upset stomach | Large dose; rich or heavy meal | Ginger tea, fresh air, small bland snack | More edibles, alcohol, greasy food | Lighter meal; slower titration; split doses |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Low blood pressure; dehydration | Sit or lie down, water, electrolytes, cool room | Standing quickly, hot showers, driving | Hydrate beforehand; avoid large first doses |
| Too sedated or couch‑locked | Dose too high for activity/context | Nap, low‑stimulus rest, water, gentle stretch | Driving, work tasks, important decisions | Use daytime microdoses; save higher mg for evenings |
CBD to Smooth and Balance Your THC
Use daytime microdoses; save higher mg for evenings, and add CBD when you want smoother edges. In our experience, CBD (cannabidiol) can soften THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) intensity for many, though responses vary and it’s not an off-switch. It’s a dial, not a switch. Practical use: pair equal milligrams with THC, or take 10–20 mg CBD if effects feel too sharp. Example: 5 mg THC + 5 mg CBD for daytime clarity; journal how you feel and adjust next session.
- 1:1 Ratio: Match CBD to THC (e.g., 5 mg + 5 mg) for steadier mood and less edgy highs.
- Add-On CBD: Take 10–20 mg CBD at first signs of anxiety or racing thoughts; reassess after 30–45 minutes.
- Avoid CBD Pre-dose (Sometimes): Some prefer THC-only to feel onset, then add CBD later if needed for comfort and clarity.
Tolerance And Frequency: Keep Your Dose Working
Prefer THC-only then add CBD later? Smart—but tolerance still creeps up with frequent use. Your receptors adapt with repeated THC, so the same milligrams feel weaker. Example: a nightly 10 mg can feel flat by week three. Small resets (48–72 hours) and planned “light days” bring sensitivity back, so lower doses work again. We’ll use a simple schedule below—and next, we’ll sharpen label math so you know exactly what you’re taking.
- Week 1–2: Stick to your lowest effective dose; journal onset, peak, and next‑day feel.
- Week 3–4: If needed, bump 2.5–5 mg on one or two test days; no back‑to‑back increases.
- Monthly Reset: Take 2–3 THC‑free days; resume at the last dose that worked, not the highest used.
- Quarterly Break: If tolerance creeps, take 7 THC‑free days; re‑enter with micro or light doses for 2 sessions before adjusting.
Read Cannabis Labels Like a Pro
Re‑entering with micro or light doses after a break? Label math is what keeps you from overshooting again. Always separate per‑piece from per‑package totals. Example: “THC 10 mg per package, 2 gummies” means 5 mg each. A 4‑square chocolate labeled “10 mg THC total” equals 2.5 mg per square. In regulated Canadian stores, many edibles cap at 10 mg THC per package. Potency can vary slightly by batch, so look for a COA (certificate of analysis—a lab report) or QR code showing actual tested milligrams.
Want quick sanity checks? Scan the lines that look like this: “Total THC: 10 mg/package; Pieces: 2; THC per piece: 5 mg.” Or you might see “THC per unit: 2.5 mg; Units per package: 4; Total: 10 mg.” Some products list ranges (e.g., 9–11 mg) due to testing variance—normal. Check allergens and storage too. If you’re outside a regulated storefront, potency may exceed 10 mg per package—do the math before you dose, then set a 2–3 hour timer.
- Total THC per package and per piece
- Serving size and number of servings
- Any CBD content listed (mg and ratios)
- Manufacture date, batch number, and lab/COA link
Rules differ by province/territory; many cap THC per package. Only adults of legal age. Follow local laws and labels; never drive impaired.
Choose Smarter: Quality Edibles, Clear Choices
You’ve got the label and legal basics down—now let’s shop with confidence. Quality shows up in the details: clear per‑piece mg (e.g., 5 mg each, not just 10 mg per package), batch numbers with COA (lab report) QR codes, and consistent piece size so dosing stays predictable. We favor reputable Canadian brands with transparent ingredients and lots of real reviews you can filter by dose and goal. When in doubt, compare formulation notes (nano vs classic) and CBD:THC ratios to match your plan.
- Free Shipping: Orders over $149 ship free across Canada.
- Fast Handling: Same-day shipping on orders placed before 11:30 AM EST.
- Discreet Delivery: Secure, plain packaging with full tracking on every order.
Compare gummies, vapes, and edibles side by side—use the dosing charts above to pick your mg, ratio, and timing. Questions? Our FAQs below cover onset, driving, and storage.
Edible Dosing FAQs
You asked about onset, driving, and storage—here are quick, high‑level answers. We all respond differently, so use these as guidelines and adjust based on your journal.
- Beginner dose: start with 2.5–5 mg, wait 2–3 hours, then reassess next session.
- Redose timing: wait at least 2 hours—ideally 2–3—before any add‑on. Set a timer to avoid stacking too soon.
- Alcohol + edibles: not recommended. It can increase absorption and impairment. Stick with water or tea for safest results.
- Sleep help: dose 60–120 minutes before bed. New 5–10 mg; experienced 10–20 mg. Avoid late‑night redosing to prevent grogginess.
- Too much? Don’t panic. Breathe slowly, hydrate, lie down, calm setting. Optional 10–20 mg CBD may help; avoid more THC or alcohol.
- Microdosing: 1–5 mg for function—calmer mood, focus, light comfort—without feeling high. Try morning, optional tiny afternoon top‑up.
- Food effect: usually slows onset and smooths intensity. Heavy meals delay and extend; empty stomach can hit faster and feel sharper.
- Driving: never while impaired. Plan rides. Leave 6–8 hours after psychoactive doses; longer for higher milligrams or lingering effects.
Dose Smarter—Shop With Confidence
You’ve got the safety window down—no driving while impaired. Now put our clear dosage chart, simple protocol, and goal-based picks to work with edibles you can portion precisely. We test, compare, and curate; you enjoy same-day handling before 11:30 AM EST, discreet packaging, and free shipping over $149 across Canada. Ready to explore by dose?