Smoking and vaping send THC from your lungs into your bloodstream fast. You feel it in minutes, and it fades sooner.
Edibles work differently. Your body digests the THC, then your liver processes it before it reaches your bloodstream. That extra step changes the experience and usually makes it last longer. The slow start is what tricks people into taking more too soon.
For a plain-language overview of cannabis effects and risks, read the CDC cannabis and public health page.
The rule that prevents most bad edible experiences
Start low and go slow.
You can always take more later. You cannot undo a dose you already swallowed.
A beginner dose that makes sense
In many legal markets, a “standard” serving is 10 mg THC. For a first timer, that is often too much.
A safer first dose is usually:
- 1 to 2.5 mg THC for a very light test
- 2.5 to 5 mg THC for a beginner dose
If your gummy is 10 mg, cut it into 4 pieces. Start with 1 piece (about 2.5 mg).
How to avoid overconsumption with a simple plan
Step 1: Buy from a licensed source
Stick to regulated dispensaries. You want accurate labels and lab testing. Unregulated edibles are a gamble because the dose can be wrong.
Step 2: Read the label like it matters (because it does)
Check two numbers:
- THC per serving
- THC in the whole package
A chocolate bar might be 100 mg total, split into 10 squares. If you eat the whole bar, you did not take 10 mg.
Step 3: Pick an easy first-time setup
Choose:
- A calm day with no responsibilities
- A familiar place where you feel safe
- People you trust, or a quiet solo night
Skip the first-time edible at a party. Too many variables.
Step 4: Eat a normal meal first
Taking an edible on an empty stomach can feel sharper and less predictable. Eat a regular meal about an hour before.
Step 5: Wait the full time before you even think about more
Most overconsumption happens here.
After your first dose:
- Wait at least 2 hours before taking more
- Put the rest of the edibles out of sight
- Set a timer so you do not guess
Step 6: Clear your schedule
Edibles are a time commitment. Effects can last 4 to 8 hours, sometimes longer.
Do not drive. Do not work. Do not plan anything important. Get edibles delivered to your house.
Step 7: Do not mix with alcohol
Mixing edibles with alcohol can raise impairment and nausea. For your first few tries, keep it simple and skip mixing substances.
For more background on cannabis basics, see the NIDA overview of cannabis.
If you took too much
First: you are going to be okay. This passes.
What to do right now
- Move to a quiet, comfortable spot
- Sip water slowly
- Eat a small snack if you can
- Breathe slowly: inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds
- Put on a calm show or music
- Text or call a trusted friend to sit with you
When to get medical help
Get help if you have severe symptoms that feel out of control, like intense panic that will not ease, chest pain, or repeated vomiting. If you are worried, it is fine to ask for help.
