Bad cannabis experiences can look like a lot of things (mom eats a whole dosed candy bar, goes to space, forgets where she lives, you take a hit that fuses you with your couch, the largely harmless list goes on).

The theme of these experiences is usually too much weed, too fast. Since knowledge is power (and weed is good and we want you to enjoy all its many benefits), here’s our quick guide, and a less quick guide for the thorough among you, on how to get your dose right, by format.

And when in doubt, the short answer: start with the smallest amount listed for your beginner-friendly format below. Wait the full time before trying more. 

 

BEGINNERS DOSAGE GUIDE 

*small puff = small inhale, like you’re sipping a drink 

 

 

Does THC percentage tell you how high you’ll get?

No, not always. THC percentage tells you how much THC is in the product, by weight. It doesn’t account for your tolerance, terpenes, your body chemistry, how you consume it, or what you’ve eaten.

But generally speaking, 5-10% THC and CBD strains are considered low-potency, 10-20% low to moderate, and 20-30% is considered high. 30%+ could send a beginner to space if smoked quickly.
  

Strains or vapes with low to moderate THC % can be good options for beginners, giving a gentle lift instead of a heavy, immediate high. Key has a lot of options on the menu, from Lemon G (a high CBD strain), Rooted Strawberry Wafers and Glue Dog to Elevate Scooby Snacks and Terpwin Station.

How much of an edible should I take?

Start: 2-5mg for new consumers (10mg+ for regular consumers) 

Onset: 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Duration: 4-8 hours. Edibles are processed by your liver before entering your bloodstream. Your liver converts THC into a compound that’s more potent and longer-lasting than inhaled THC. This is why they take longer and can hit harder.

The most important rule: Wait the full 90 minutes before deciding “it’s not working, more!”  The most common edible mistake is eating more, too early. 

 

Practical tips:

• 5g is a real dose. So is 2.5! Start there if you’re new. 
• Slice the gummy if you need to. A 5mg gummy cut in half is two 2.5mg doses. No shame in it. 
• Eating beforehand slows absorption and makes the onset of effects more gradual. An empty stomach speeds it up and can trigger a more intense (potentially overwhelming for beginners), immediate high. 
• 10mg+ is not a beginner dose. 

 

How much of a cannabis drink should I take?

Start: Don’t drink the whole can! Drink about a shot’s worth for a conservative, beginner dose. (but sip slowly, treat it like a drink, not a shot). Onset: 15–30 minutes (faster than traditional edibles). 

Duration: 2–4 hours.

Most cannabis beverages use nano-emulsion technology where THC is broken into smaller particles that absorb faster than a gummy or chocolate. This faster onset makes it easier to find your level than with traditional edibles.

When they work well: Social settings, outdoor events, situations where you want something to hold and sip. The faster onset also means less guesswork than traditional edibles.

 

How many puffs from a vape does it take to get high?

It can take just one!

Start: One small pull (try “sipping” instead of a big, long inhale). Wait 10 minutes. Onset 1-10 minutes. Duration 1-3  hours. 

Vapes are one of the more beginner-friendly formats because the fast feedback loop lets you find your level before going too far. The key is the “sip” versus full inhale. A short, gentle draw. 

Temperature tip: Lower temperature settings preserve more terpenes and produce smoother, more flavorful hits. Higher temperatures produce more vapor and a stronger effect. If your device has settings, start low. OR if you don’t want to mess with cartridges and batteries, you can go the disposable vape route. Disposables like Elevate Min-E-Bars are an easy entry-point: no battery required, no buttons, just inhale. 

 

How much flower should I smoke?

Start: 1-2 hits. Wait 10-15 minutes before taking more. Onset 5-15 minutes. Duration 14 hours. Flower hits almost immediately and gives you quick feedback, which makes it one of the more forgiving formats for finding your level. The key is pacing, especially with pre-rolls! Finishing a joint in 20 minutes is a different experience than the same joint over an hour. 

 

On low THC flower: lower THC doesn’t mean worse! For many people, especially those prone to anxiety, a 10-15% flower with a strong terpene profile is more enjoyable than a 28% flower that overwhelms everything else. If high-THC strains have made you uncomfortable before, try going lower before you give up on flower entirely.

 

Shopping tip: Tell them how you want to feel, not what percentage you want. That’s the better starting point.  

 

What should I do if I get too high?

You’re okay! It will pass, and there are things to do to ease your too-high experience:

 

• Eat something delicious 
• Drink water (avoid dumping alcohol into the mix)
• Change your environment – fresh air, a familiar room
• Sniff or chew some black pepper! It has terpenes that can help with reducing anxiety and giving you a sensory shift. 

 

Ready to get started?

Come see us! Let your budtender know how you want to feel, and we’ll get you started with a strain or product that fits the vibe. Or check out our menu online, where you can search for products and get recs by THC% mood, and more!