The “right” amount is different for everybody. Some people, choose not to use cannabis at all. Others base their use on factors like potency, tolerance, and timing. The “right” amount is different for each person.
Consider the following:
-
Start low with the amount of cannabis consumed, and go slow when increasing the amount of cannabis you consume over a period of time.
-
Wait for 5-10 minutes after inhaling or vaping one or two puffs of cannabis before consuming more. It is recommended to pause and sit with how you feel before consuming more if desired.
-
For edibles, start with a low amount of THC (such as 2-5 milligrams). You may have to cut your edible in half or quarters or have fewer sips of a beverage rather than taking the entire serving at once.
-
After you have waited and feel safe to increase the amount, if desired, consume the same amount or less than you previously consumed rather than doubling the amount. A common error is not waiting long enough after consuming edibles – which can take up to four hours for their full effect – and then consuming too much.
-
Topicals can be portioned by how much of the product is applied at a time. If a dime-sized amount of lotion is ineffective, increase it to the size of a quarter, and so on.
-
A higher THC percentage (more potent product) does not mean a better cannabis experience. While health risks are mostly defined by the amount of THC you consume, your overall experience also depends on the terpenes and other cannabinoids present in the product.
-
A higher amount of THC may overstimulate your cannabinoid system, increasing the chances for negative effects (such as paranoia or rapid heart rate).