Start with 2.5 mg or less
A first THC gummy dose is 2.5 mg. Some people start at 1 mg. Wait 2 hours before taking more. Edibles take 30 to 120 minutes to hit. The effect peaks at 2 to 4 hours and can last 8 hours. A second gummy taken at minute 45 stacks on the first one and adds to the total.
Marijuana Gummies Potency and Dosage: Edible THC Guide
Why edibles hit different
Smoked THC reaches the brain in seconds. Edibles pass through the liver, where THC converts to 11-hydroxy-THC. That compound crosses into the brain with more effect per milligram. A 10 mg edible can feel stronger than a 10 mg vape hit. Effects also last longer.
Dose chart for beginners
- 1 mg to 2.5 mg: first-time dose. Low risk of a bad reaction.
- 5 mg: standard single serving in most states. Use after you know how 2.5 mg feels.
- 10 mg: serving cap in Colorado and California. Not a beginner dose for most adults.
- Above 10 mg: not advised for a first or second use.
Timing rules
Set a clock. Note the time you eat the piece. Do not take a second dose before 120 minutes. Do not take a second dose because nothing is happening yet.
Food changes the timing. A gummy eaten after a meal with fat can delay onset and raise the peak. Water does not speed onset.
cbd vs thc gummies dosage differences
Read the label before you eat
Labels list total THC per package, THC per piece, and CBD content. A bag with 100 mg total THC and 10 pieces holds 10 mg per piece. Cut pieces in half or quarters for a 2.5 mg dose. Check for delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, THCA, and hemp-derived claims. State-licensed products carry a batch number and a test date.
Side effects and risk
Common effects: dry mouth, red eyes, fast heart rate, anxiety, poor balance. High doses can cause vomiting, panic, and short-term memory loss. Emergency visits tied to edibles rose after hemp-derived products entered the market. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for a suspected overdose.
Storage
Keep gummies in the original child-resistant package. Store away from heat and light. Lock them up if children or pets live in the home. A 10 mg gummy looks like candy.
Convenience and dose control
Gummies sell because they are portable, pre-dosed, and odorless. That convenience also raises the risk of a double dose. A piece equals one labeled dose when cut to the label. Piece size does not match dose size in all brands. Trim to the label, then wait the full 2 hours.