Wellness & Dosing
Start Low, Go Slow: Finding Your Dose
"Start low, go slow" is the golden rule of cannabis: begin with a small amount, wait to feel the full effect, and only then decide whether to take more. It matters most with edibles, which can take up to two hours to take effect. Here's how to find a comfortable amount for you.
What "start low, go slow" means
It's simple: take a small amount first, give it time to take full effect, and only increase on a later session if you want more. A common starting point for edibles is 2.5–5 mg of THC — and many products are scored so you can take half. The mistake newcomers make is taking a second dose too soon because the first "isn't working yet." With edibles, it often just hasn't taken effect.
Onset & duration by format
How quickly you feel a product — and how long it lasts — depends heavily on the format:
- Inhaled (flower, vape): effects begin within minutes and typically last 1–3 hours, which makes it easier to gauge how much is enough.
- Edibles: can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect and last 4–8 hours or more, because they're processed through the liver. This is exactly why patience matters.
- Tinctures: taken under the tongue, they often land somewhere between the two.
Want a fuller comparison? See edibles vs. vapes vs. flower.
What shapes your experience
The same amount affects people differently. Factors include your tolerance, body chemistry, whether you've eaten, the product's THC and CBD balance, and the setting you're in. A few practical habits:
- Read the label. Note milligrams per piece and total per package — our label guide walks through it.
- Keep a simple note of what product and amount worked for you, so you can repeat it.
- Mind the company you keep with alcohol — combining the two can intensify effects.
If you take too much
Taking more than you meant to can feel unpleasant, but it passes. Find a calm space, sit or lie down, drink water, and wait it out — discomfort typically eases over a few hours. Some people find that a CBD-forward product helps balance the experience. Don't drive, and if you're ever genuinely worried about your wellbeing, call a medical professional. There are no reported fatal overdoses from cannabis alone, but mixing substances raises the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
A common starting point for edibles is 2.5–5 mg of THC. Take it, wait to feel the full effect before considering more, and increase only on a later session if you want a stronger experience.
Edibles are processed through your digestive system and liver, so they can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect and last 4–8 hours or longer. That delay is why you should wait before taking more.
There are no reported fatal overdoses from cannabis alone, but taking too much can cause hours of discomfort, and combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances increases risk. Start low and go slow to avoid overdoing it.
Inhaled cannabis typically lasts 1–3 hours; edibles commonly last 4–8 hours or more; tinctures fall in between. Duration varies with the amount taken and your individual body chemistry.
Find a calm space, sit or lie down, hydrate, and wait — it passes over a few hours. A CBD-forward product may help balance it. Don't drive, and contact a medical professional if you're truly concerned.
Sources & Further Reading
Educational content only — not medical advice. Cannabis is for adults 21+ with valid ID. Effects vary by person and product; never drive under the influence, and consult a medical professional with health questions.
Take It Easy
Ask a Unity Rd budtender to point you to low-dose, clearly labeled products at Somerset or Maywood — or browse the menu and start small.