Cannabis Dosing

Finding the Right Balance for Your Needs

At Wishing Wellness, we understand that every patient is unique, and the key to effective medical cannabis treatment is finding the right dose. Cannabis dosing can be a delicate process, as factors like your condition, tolerance, and the type of product all play a role. Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to fine-tune your treatment, this guide will help you understand how to dose cannabis safely and effectively.

Why Cannabis Dosing Matters

Getting the dosage right is essential for achieving the best possible results while minimizing unwanted side effects. The right dose can vary greatly from person to person based on individual tolerance, metabolism, and medical needs. Medical cannabis can offer relief for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation, but taking too much can lead to discomfort or unwanted psychoactive effects.

The goal of proper dosing is to find the “minimum effective dose” – the smallest amount of cannabis that provides the relief you need without producing overwhelming effects.

Key Factors That Affect Cannabis Dosing

Several factors can impact how your body responds to cannabis. Understanding these factors will help you adjust your dose to suit your individual needs:

• Tolerance: Patients with a higher tolerance to cannabis (often due to regular use) may need larger doses to experience the desired effects, while those new to cannabis or using it infrequently will generally require smaller doses.
• Body Weight: Similar to other medications, your body weight can affect how cannabis is absorbed and processed. In general, heavier individuals may require higher doses.
• Metabolism: Your metabolism plays a role in how quickly cannabis takes effect and how long its effects last. Those with faster metabolisms may need to dose more frequently.
• Consumption Method: The way you consume cannabis (smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, etc.) can significantly impact the dosage. Different methods affect the onset, intensity, and duration of the effects.
• Strain and Cannabinoid Content: Different strains and products have varying levels of cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes, which contribute to their effects. Higher THC strains can produce stronger psychoactive effects, while CBD-dominant strains offer more subtle, non-psychoactive relief.

General Cannabis Dosing Guidelines

Finding the right dose often requires a bit of experimentation, but there are some general guidelines that can help you start off on the right foot.

For Beginners: Start Low and Go Slow

If you’re new to cannabis, it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. This helps you avoid taking too much at once and experiencing unwanted side effects.

• Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping): Start with 1 or 2 small puffs and wait 10-15 minutes to assess the effects. Since inhalation takes effect quickly, this method allows for better control over your dose.
• Edibles: Edibles can be more challenging because they take longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours) and the effects can last longer. Start with a low dose, usually 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC, and wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
• Tinctures and Oils: Start with 1-2 drops under the tongue and wait 30-60 minutes to assess the effects. Tinctures allow for more precise dosing, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for consistent results.

For Experienced Users: Adjusting Your Dose

If you’ve been using cannabis for some time, you may have developed a tolerance and need a higher dose to achieve the desired effects. However, it’s important to balance your dose to avoid overconsumption and keep tolerance levels in check.

• Titrate Slowly: If you need to increase your dose, do so gradually. For inhalation, increase by one puff at a time. For edibles or tinctures, increase by 2.5 mg increments.
• Consider Taking a Tolerance Break: If you find that you need increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects, a tolerance break of a few days to a week can help reset your body’s response to cannabis.

Dosing by Method of Consumption

Each method of consumption delivers cannabis to your system in different ways, impacting the speed and intensity of its effects. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping)

• Onset: Almost immediate (within minutes)
• Duration: Lasts 1-3 hours
• Recommended Dose: 1-2 puffs to start. Effects come on quickly, so wait between inhalations to avoid overconsumption.

Edibles (Cannabis-Infused Foods, Beverages, Capsules)

• Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Duration: Effects can last 4-8 hours
• Recommended Dose: Start with 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC. Be patient and avoid taking more until you feel the effects.

Tinctures and Oils

• Onset: 15-30 minutes when taken sublingually (under the tongue)
• Duration: Lasts 4-6 hours
• Recommended Dose: 1-2 drops to start. Adjust your dose based on the product’s potency and your body’s response.

Topicals (Creams, Lotions, Balms)

• Onset: 15-30 minutes
• Duration: Lasts 2-4 hours
• Recommended Dose: Apply a small amount to the affected area and reapply as needed. Topicals are great for localized relief and do not produce psychoactive effects.

Dosing for Specific Conditions

The amount of cannabis you need may vary depending on the condition you’re treating. Here are some common conditions and general dosing guidelines:

Chronic Pain

• Start with low doses of THC (2.5 mg to 5 mg) combined with CBD, which can help reduce pain without strong psychoactive effects. Topicals and tinctures are great options for localized pain relief.

Anxiety

• High-CBD, low-THC strains or products (such as 10 mg of CBD with less than 2 mg of THC) are often recommended to alleviate anxiety without the high. Avoid high-THC doses, as they can sometimes worsen anxiety.

Insomnia

• Indica-dominant strains with higher THC content (5 mg to 10 mg) are often best for sleep. Start with a small dose and take it 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

PTSD

• Veterans and others with PTSD may find relief with balanced THC-CBD products. Start with 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC, combined with CBD to reduce any anxiety-related side effects.

Signs of Overconsumption

Taking too much cannabis can lead to uncomfortable side effects, including:

• Dizziness
• Anxiety or paranoia
• Nausea
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Increased heart rate

If you feel you’ve overconsumed, remain calm and hydrate. The effects will eventually subside, but it’s important to avoid consuming more until you feel better.

Consult with Our Experts

At Wishing Wellness, we’re here to guide you through the dosing process. Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced user looking for more precise control over your dose, our knowledgeable staff can provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve the best results.

Feel free to visit us in-store or contact us online with any questions about cannabis dosing. We’re committed to helping you find the right balance for your health and well-being.