If you’re just starting with cannabis, either for medical or recreational purposes, it can often be difficult to determine how much you should take to feel the effects you want. You’ve likely heard a few stories in the past about how someone took way too much and got too high, and while there’s no physiological danger in that you can’t overdose, taking a large amount at once can still be dangerous. 

There are several different things to take into consideration to ensure you have not only an optimal experience with the plant, but also a repeatable one. In this article, you’ll learn about three of the most important elements for getting the right dose. 

Understanding Weight

The most fundamental aspect of understanding cannabis dosage is weight. You’ll likely have heard people talk about a ‘gram’ or an ‘ounce’ of weed, and these represent the most common methods for weighing the plant. 

Grams are the most basic units in which cannabis is commonly sold, usually in one or two-gram quantities. An ounce is 28 grams, so this is a considerably larger amount. 

While a gram may sound like a very small amount, this can actually last quite a long time. The amount you pack a joint with or a dry herb vape is only a fraction of this, and with low tolerance as a beginner, you’ll certainly get your mileage (check out this handy weed weight conversion guide for more info).

Consumption Methods

No two ways of consuming cannabis are quite the same. Smoking a joint usually has a much more sedative effect than vaping does, and when it comes to edibles, the experience is often strong, more cerebral, and lasts longer. 

These difference can also be effected by dose. Consuming cannabis in a joint or blunt burns through more flower than can be consumed at one time through vaping, and with both of these methods, a little bit goes a long way. With regards to edibles, the same amount you’d vape or smoke has a much more powerful effect due to the way that its metabolised. 

For beginners, it’s best to stick with 3-5 grams if you’re consuming as an edible, and remember to take into account that it can take several hours for the effects to kick in. If you’re inhaling, less than half a gram is best to start, and only take a couple of puffs at once. 

Potency

And finally, there’s how strong the strain is itself. Different strains have different potencies, and this is why it’s important to buy from a legitimate, registered dispensary so that you know exactly what you’re getting. 

The staff there can advise on strengths and inform you of the best strain for your goals and experience level, so don’t just wing it, or you may end up having a bad time. 

Wrapping Up

Taking cannabis for the first time can be both daunting and exciting, but the daunting parts can be mitigated if you take the time to learn about what you’re doing. Just remember to start slow and don’t rush anything, and always have someone with you who’s not partaking to be there for you.