The question of how many milligrams of cannabis edibles you should consume and how long they will affect you are important considerations before beginning this aspect of your cannabis exploratory journey.
More than with any other type of cannabis product, I believe it’s absolutely essential to be careful with the amount you are consuming and as a result, understand the amount of THC you are putting into your body.
Cannabis edibles typically begin to take effect within 30 to 90 minutes after consumption. However, the exact onset time can depend on a bunch of factors including the product’s active ingredients, each person’s metabolism, and whether the edibles were taken on an empty or full stomach. For example, certain fatty foods like avocados are thought to increase absorption and possibly enhance the effects of edibles.
Unlike flower or vapes, the potency of edibles is measured and displayed in milligrams (mg.) of THC, rather than as a percentage. This means that the precise amount of active ingredient in the edible will determine its strength.
Once the effects of an edible are felt, it tends to build, then plateau, before eventually wearing off. Ballpark average duration is probably around four to six hours, but the effects can often be felt for much longer. Some residual effects may linger, potentially for up to 24 hours, especially if a high dosage was consumed. If you take too many edibles, you may be in for 12+ hours of having to ride out an “unpleasant high”.
The edibles experience can also vary greatly between people. Those who are new to edibles should start with a low dose (2.5-5 mg. as a guide) and go super-slowly to avoid overconsumption and unpleasant side effects.