Most medical cannabis dosing starts at 2.5 mg THC or less per dose, taken once daily and increased slowly until symptoms ease or side effects appear. The form you choose changes how fast that dose takes effect and how long it lasts, not the starting number. Inhaled products work within minutes while edibles can take two hours or more, so the same milligram can feel completely different depending on the format.
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What is the standard starting dose for medical cannabis?
Clinicians who use a start low, go slow model recommend 1 to 2.5 mg THC for first-time users, with increases of 2.5 mg every two to three days. Older adults and people taking sedatives often begin at 1 mg. The correct dose is the smallest amount that controls symptoms without causing noticeable impairment.
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How does dosing differ by form?
Each delivery method has its own onset, peak, and duration. Those three numbers matter more than the milligram count printed on the label.
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Inhalation: flower, vape cartridges, and concentrates
Onset is 2 to 10 minutes, peak is 15 to 30 minutes, and effects fade within one to three hours. One inhalation of flower delivers roughly 1 to 2.5 mg THC, which makes self-titration easier than with any other form. Vape cartridges and concentrates run 60 to 90 percent THC, so a single puff can exceed a full starting dose.
cannabis product dose calculator chart
Edibles and beverages
Onset is 30 to 120 minutes, peak is two to four hours, and duration is four to eight hours. Liver metabolism converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound, so 5 mg eaten can feel stronger than 5 mg inhaled. Wait at least two hours, and preferably four, before taking more.
Tinctures and sublingual oils
Onset is 15 to 45 minutes and duration is three to six hours when the oil is held under the tongue. Dosing is measured with a dropper, usually 0.25 to 1 mg per drop. Pre-marked droppers and metered sprays cut measurement error for people using the same amount every day.
Capsules, tablets, and softgels
Onset is 30 to 90 minutes and duration is six to eight hours. These are the most consistent option because each unit carries a fixed milligram dose, which suits anyone who wants a predictable daily regimen without measuring.
Topicals and transdermal patches
Topicals act locally and produce little to no psychoactivity because THC does not readily cross the skin into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches are built for systemic absorption and release 5 to 10 mg over 8 to 12 hours.
Does the CBD to THC ratio change the dose?
Yes. CBD competes with THC for the same liver enzymes, which can raise THC blood levels and extend effects. Ratios of 1:1 or higher in CBD are common for pain, inflammation, and anxiety, but they still require slow titration.
How long should you wait before redosing?
Wait 15 minutes after inhalation, 45 to 60 minutes after sublingual use, and two to four hours after swallowing. Redosing early is the most common cause of an uncomfortable experience, especially with edibles.
What else influences how a dose feels?
Body weight, tolerance, liver enzyme activity, stomach contents, and product potency all shift the response. Vaping temperature and inhalation depth change how much THC reaches the lungs. A product labeled 10 percent THC is not comparable to one labeled 25 percent, even at the same number of puffs.
When should you talk with a clinician first?
Speak with a clinician before starting if you take opioids, benzodiazepines, blood thinners, or seizure medication. Pregnancy, heart conditions, and a personal history of psychosis also call for medical guidance. Keep a simple log of form, dose, time, and effect for the first two weeks.