Medical cannabis provides an alternative to traditional forms of medication, helping to alleviate pain or treat a variety of different ailments, but cannabis dosage is not quite like that of traditional pharmaceuticals. One of the biggest differences is that cannabis dosages vary greatly from person to person. What works for one person may not work the same for another. For this reason, it’s important to find the dose that works for you.
Start Low
If you’re new to cannabis, one of the best things you can do to find the perfect cannabis dose for you is to start low. Some individuals may be incredibly sensitive, while others may have much stronger tolerances.
Starting low is one of the best ways to find your ideal dose. Begin with 1 to 2.5 milligrams and wait to see the effects. Waiting is essential to prevent accidentally taking too much. You may need to wait a few hours, depending on your method of consumption.
If you feel negative side effects at low doses, you may need to try a different strain of cannabis. Furthermore, if you don’t feel anything, gradually increase your dose until you find the amount that produces the desired effects.
Your Tolerance May Increase over Time
It’s not uncommon for patients taking cannabis to notice their tolerance changing over time. The longer or more frequently you use cannabis, the more likely you are to notice that your tolerance increases. You may notice that you need a higher dosage to get the same effects. At the same time, you may also notice fewer negative side effects and become more functional.
Microdosing Cannabis
Some people may notice that taking small amounts of cannabis (1 to 2.5 milligrams), known as microdosing, is enough to produce the desired effects. Taking more than a small amount may result in negative side effects for these people. You may even notice what is called biphasic effects, where the cannabis produces the opposite of the desired effect at higher dosages.
The Method Matters
How you use cannabis will affect your dosage. Smoking cannabis, vaping, consuming edibles, or using a tincture will cause your dosage to change.
When it comes to smoking or vaping, you may not be able to tell exactly how much THC or CBD you’re ingesting into your lungs, as some can be lost to smoke or vapor. Tinctures, along with pills and patches, provide a way for you to know exactly how much you’re getting.
Other Factors That Affect Your Dosage
Several other things can impact how much cannabis you need. For instance, how much you take when you’re at home by yourself may be different from the amount you need in a public setting.
Your genes also play a role in how much you need to use. Some people metabolize THC and CBD faster than others. Those who metabolize the compounds more quickly often need higher doses.
What to Do If You Take Too Much
Determining the proper cannabis dosage can be a trial and error process. As such, it may be possible to accidentally take too much. If you do take too much, don’t worry—you can generally wait it out and be fine. However, there are a few things that you can do to help.
First, stay calm. Drink plenty of water and lay down if you feel dizzy. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that the effects are only temporary. If you can, get some sleep. When you wake up, you’ll likely feel much better. Keeping a bottle of CBD only oil on hand is essential when you’re learning how to use cannabis. CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC and can be taken to overcome any negative effects of cannabis.
Determining the proper cannabis dosage isn’t always easy. What works for one person may not work the same for another. The best way to find what works for you is to start low with your desired method and slowly work your way up until you achieve the desired results.