Cannabis dosing for beginners
'Start low, go slow' — the golden rule. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Conservative starter dose plus patience beats any rule of thumb.
CBD sublingual: 10 mg × 2/day, +10 mg per week to target (20–80 mg/day). Inhaled THC: 1 puff, wait 15 min. Oral THC: 2.5 mg, wait 2 h. Classic mistake: re-dosing before peak. Overdose: calm, water, counter with CBD, ER only for cardiac issues.
Why 'start low, go slow'
Cannabinoids are metabolized via CYP2C9/CYP3A4 with 3–5× genetic variability.
Tolerance, set, setting, stomach content and alcohol also matter.
Starter doses by route
CBD sublingual: 10 mg 2× daily.
CBD flower (vape/joint): 1–2 puffs.
4-week titration plan
Week 1: hold starter dose, journal effect.
Week 2: +30–50 % if target not reached.
Overdose
Unpleasant, virtually never lethal. Panic, tachycardia, nausea.
Calm environment, hydration, CBD 10–20 mg sublingual.
FAQ
How do I find my dose?
When the target effect is clear without side effects dominating.
Combine with alcohol?
No — potentiates THC and nausea.
Safe THC for beginners?
Inhaled: 2–5 mg. Oral: 2.5 mg. Never start with a 50 mg edible.
Drug interactions?
CBD inhibits CYP — warfarin, antiepileptics, some antidepressants.
How long does tolerance last?
Builds in 2–3 weeks, largely resets after a 2-week break.