How to Dose Medical Cannabis Safely: Edibles, Tinctures, Vapes, and More

1) The golden rule: Start low, go slow

If you remember one dosing principle, make it this: use the smallest amount that gets you the benefit you’re looking for—then increase gradually only if needed.

Why it matters:

• Everyone metabolizes cannabinoids differently (body chemistry, tolerance, diet, sleep, stress, and medications all play a role).

• Some products take longer to kick in than you’d expect—especially edibles—which can tempt people to “stack” doses too quickly. The CDC notes edible effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to be felt, and that delay is a common reason people take too much.