The Complete Edibles Dosing Guide
Cannabis edibles are one of the fastest-growing product categories in Alberta, and for good reason. They are discreet, smoke-free, long-lasting, and available in everything from gummies and chocolates to beverages and mints. But edibles also work very differently from smoking or vaping, and getting the dose right is critical to having a great experience.
This guide covers everything you need to know about edibles dosing, from your very first gummy to dialling in the perfect amount for experienced consumers.
Why Edibles Hit Differently Than Smoking
When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream through the lungs within seconds. Effects peak in about 10-15 minutes and typically fade within 2-3 hours.
Edibles take a completely different path. When you swallow a cannabis-infused product, it travels to your stomach, gets absorbed into your bloodstream through the intestinal wall, and then passes through your liver. Your liver converts delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently and produces a more intense, longer-lasting effect.
This is why a 10mg edible can feel much stronger than smoking an equivalent amount of THC — and why the onset takes 30 minutes to 2 hours instead of seconds.
The Golden Rule: Start Low, Go Slow
If there is one sentence to remember from this entire guide, it is this: start with the lowest dose available and wait at least two full hours before taking more.
The most common edibles mistake is eating a gummy, feeling nothing after 45 minutes, eating another one, and then having both kick in at once. That experience is unpleasant and entirely avoidable with patience.
THC Dosing Chart for Edibles
Here is a general framework based on experience level and desired intensity. Individual responses vary based on body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and whether you have eaten recently.
Microdose: 1-2.5 mg THC - Best for: Absolute beginners, microdosing for focus or mild mood elevation - What to expect: Subtle relaxation, slight mood lift, minimal impairment - Ideal if: You have never tried cannabis or want functional daytime effects
Low Dose: 2.5-5 mg THC - Best for: Beginners and occasional users - What to expect: Noticeable relaxation, mild euphoria, enhanced sensory experiences - Ideal if: You want to enjoy a movie or unwind after work
Moderate Dose: 5-10 mg THC - Best for: Regular cannabis users with some edibles experience - What to expect: Stronger euphoria, deeper relaxation, noticeable body effects - Ideal if: You have tried edibles before and want a more pronounced experience
Strong Dose: 10-25 mg THC - Best for: Experienced users with established tolerance - What to expect: Intense euphoria, significant body effects, potential couch-lock - Ideal if: You consume cannabis daily and need higher doses for desired effects
Very Strong: 25+ mg THC - Best for: Very experienced users and medical patients with high tolerance - What to expect: Powerful, long-lasting effects that may last 8+ hours - Note: Not recommended unless you have extensive edibles experience
Onset Times and Duration
Understanding timing is just as important as understanding dose:
- Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. Some people feel effects in 20 minutes on an empty stomach; others may wait 90 minutes or longer.
- Peak effects: Usually 2-4 hours after consumption.
- Total duration: 4-8 hours for most doses. Higher doses (25mg+) can produce effects lasting 10-12 hours.
- Full clearance: Residual effects (mild grogginess or relaxation) can linger for up to 24 hours after high doses.
Pro tip: Eating a fatty snack 15-30 minutes before your edible can help your body absorb the THC more evenly. Cannabis is fat-soluble, so a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese can smooth out the onset.
Alberta Legal Limits for Edibles
Under AGLC regulations, all cannabis edibles sold in Alberta must comply with these rules:
- Maximum 10 mg THC per package for most edible products
- All products must be clearly labelled with THC and CBD content in milligrams
- Child-resistant packaging is mandatory
- No products that could appeal to children (certain shapes, characters, or colours are restricted)
- All edibles must be produced by licensed processors and pass lab testing
The 10mg-per-package limit is actually helpful for beginners because it means a single legal edible package cannot contain more than a moderate dose. You can always purchase multiple packages if you need more, but the built-in cap prevents accidental overconsumption from a single product.
Edibles vs Smoking: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Smoking/Vaping | Edibles | |--------|---------------|---------| | Onset | 1-5 minutes | 30-120 minutes | | Peak | 10-30 minutes | 2-4 hours | | Duration | 1-3 hours | 4-8+ hours | | Intensity | Easier to control in real-time | Harder to adjust once consumed | | Discretion | Produces smoke/vapour and odour | No smoke, no smell | | Lung impact | Yes | None | | Liver metabolism | No (bypasses liver) | Yes (produces 11-hydroxy-THC) |
Safety Tips for Edibles
- Always read the label. Know exactly how many milligrams of THC are in the full package and in each serving.
- Wait at least 2 hours before considering a second dose. Many bad edibles experiences come from impatience.
- Store edibles safely. Keep them in their original child-resistant packaging, away from children, pets, and anyone who might mistake them for regular food.
- Do not mix with alcohol. Combining edibles with alcohol significantly increases impairment and the risk of nausea.
- Have CBD on hand. Some consumers report that CBD can help moderate the intensity of a THC experience. A few drops of CBD oil under the tongue is a common approach.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after consuming edibles. Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects.
- Do not drive. Alberta law prohibits driving under the influence of cannabis. Plan your evening accordingly.
What to Do If You Take Too Much
Even experienced consumers occasionally overdo it. Here is your action plan:
- Stay calm. The discomfort is temporary and will pass. Focus on your breathing and find a comfortable space.
- Find a comfortable, safe space. Lie down, put on calming music, or watch something familiar and light.
- Drink water and eat a snack. A light meal can help your body process the THC.
- Try CBD. If you have CBD oil or capsules, some consumers find that CBD helps moderate the intensity of THC.
- Call a friend. Sometimes just talking to someone you trust makes a huge difference.
- Sleep it off. If you can sleep, that is often the fastest route back to normal.
Choosing Edibles at Bud Mart
Our budtenders can help you find the right edible product based on your experience level, desired effects, and flavour preferences. We carry a full selection of AGLC-compliant gummies, chocolates, mints, beverages, and more at all Calgary locations.
Whether you are trying your first 2.5mg gummy or looking for a high-potency option, we will make sure you leave with the right product and the knowledge to use it safely.
Visit us in-store or order online for fast weed delivery Calgary — delivered to your door in under an hour.
*All cannabis products sold at Bud Mart are AGLC-compliant, lab-tested, and sold only to adults 18+.*