DIALING IN YOUR CANNABIS DOSE

Take it Slow

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Each one of us has a unique endocannabinoid system (ECS). Since everyone can have different experiences a common approach is to take slow steps, especially if you're new to cannabis. When dosing, people try titration: a slow, incremental adjustment of dosage; taking a little at a time until you have reached your desired “height” to know your dose. Cannabis has a broad spectrum of effect and intensity. What works for you may not work for someone else.

What’s Your M.E.D.?

A person’s response to cannabis can vary due to things like their age, genetics, food intake and prior exposure. A person’s minimum effective dose (M.E.D.) may be a couple puffs from a cannabis flower pre-roll or several long inhalations from a vaporizer pen. To discover what your M.E.D is, consider these steps:

  1. Start with a small dose: For example, half of a low dose gummy or 1-2 quick puffs from a cannabis pre-roll or vaporizer.
  2. Give your body some time to react: The effect of cannabis smoke or vapor can be felt almost immediately upon proper inhalation, while edibles (cannabis that is ingested as food) can take up to 30 minutes or even longer to feel.
  3. Repeat incremental dose or note final dose: After some time, if you find yourself not feeling any effect, continue to adjust your microdose level. If you feel just right, just chill and enjoy. If you feel overwhelmed or "too high", the following ideas have shown to help with tolerating the effect:
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Move yourself to a relaxing location where you can decompress and relax
  • Lay down but don’t close your eyes if you feel dizzy
  • Ask someone to keep you company to take your mind off the high
  • Perform breathing exercises
  • Get some sleep

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance.

Take a Tolerance Break

Moderation is important with any substance, and everyone should use cannabis in a safe manner. After prolonged cannabis use, you may find yourself not feeling the same level of effects. Using cannabis safely can often include taking a "tolerance break". A tolerance break is when a person abstains from cannabis use to clear one's body of cannabinoids like THC and establish good habits and boundaries with using cannabis in a safe and healthy manner. Taking a break may allow for the reverse of tolerance buildup and allow for a consistently positive experience when using cannabis in moderation. Not taking a break can lead to negative effects of overconsumption due to having a higher tolerance level.

If you choose to take a tolerance break, stay healthy with these simple ideas while you learn the right dose to help create balance for your mind and body.:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat healthy
  • Pick up a hobby
  • Stay active (workout, pick up a sport, go on a hike, etc.)
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