Edible dosage chart: how many mg, and how long edibles last
What 2.5, 5 and 10 mg of THC mean according to regulators and health agencies, how long edibles take to kick in, and how long the effects last.
Key points
- Starting point from Health Canada: 2.5 mg of THC or less.
- Colorado and Washington cap a serving at 10 mg and a package at 100 mg.
- Onset 30 minutes to 2 hours; full effect up to 4 hours; lasts 4 to 8 hours.
Edibles are measured in milligrams of THC. Health Canada suggests starting with 2.5 mg or less, and Colorado and Washington cap a single serving at 10 mg. Effects begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating, can take up to 4 hours to reach full strength, and last 4 to 8 hours.
Edible dosage chart: what each amount means
| THC in the edible | What an official source says about it |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg or less | Health Canada's suggested starting amount |
| 5 mg | The standard THC unit the National Institutes of Health uses for research |
| Less than 10 mg | Colorado's advice if you are not sure how cannabis will affect you |
| 10 mg | The most allowed in one serving in Colorado and Washington |
| 100 mg | The most allowed in one package in Colorado and Washington |
No regulator publishes a chart of doses by body weight or experience, and this guide does not invent one. These are the fixed points official sources do give. Health Canada, National Institutes of Health, Colorado Cannabis, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
The 5 mg figure needs a note. The National Institutes of Health chose it in 2021 so that studies report THC in the same unit. Its notice is about how research is reported and says the same quantity of THC may have different effects depending on the person and the product.
How many mg should a first-timer take?
Health Canada's advice is to "start low and go slow": look for products with 2.5 mg of THC or less, and wait to feel the effects before taking more.
Colorado's version: if you are not sure how cannabis will affect you, "ingest less than one serving (10 mg) and wait at least 90 minutes and up to four hours before eating or drinking more." It adds that a single 10 mg serving will likely affect your ability to drive, especially for occasional consumers.
Taking a few milligrams at a time is sometimes called microdosing. Washington's regulator suggests dividing a serving into smaller pieces to limit how much is consumed.
How long do edibles take to kick in, and how long do they last?
| Stage | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First effects | 30 minutes to 2 hours | CDC, Health Canada |
| Full effects | Up to 4 hours | Health Canada, Colorado |
| How long effects could last | 4 to 8 hours | Health Canada |
| Lingering effects | 12 to 24 hours | Health Canada |
Compare that with smoking or vaping, where effects are felt in seconds to minutes and could last 2 to 4 hours. Health Canada The slow start is the main risk with edibles: the CDC says they can "take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel intoxicating effects, so some people may eat too much."
Why does the same edible hit differently?
The CDC lists what changes it: the amount eaten, whether it was eaten on an empty stomach, and medications or alcohol used at the same time. It also warns that the amount of THC "is difficult to measure and often unknown or inaccurate as labeled on edible products."
So treat the milligrams on a package as a guide, not a guarantee. Our guide to THC, total THC and potency labels explains how to read the per-serving and per-package numbers.
What if you take too much?
The CDC's advice is to call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 in an emergency. CDC Our guide to greening out covers the signs and how long it lasts.
Keep edibles locked away from children and pets. The CDC notes that some are packaged to look like well-known snacks and candy, and that children who eat them can become very sick.
Common questions
Is 5 mg of THC a lot?
It is twice the 2.5 mg starting amount Health Canada suggests and half the 10 mg serving cap in Colorado and Washington. It is also the standard unit the National Institutes of Health uses for research.
Is 10 mg too much for a first time?
It is a full serving under Colorado and Washington rules. Colorado advises taking less than one serving if you are not sure how cannabis will affect you, and Health Canada suggests starting at 2.5 mg or less.
How long do edibles take to kick in?
From 30 minutes to 2 hours, according to the CDC and Health Canada. Full effects can take up to 4 hours.
How long does an edible high last?
Health Canada says effects from eating or drinking cannabis could last 4 to 8 hours, with some lingering effects for 12 to 24 hours.
Why did my edible not work?
It may not have started yet: full effects can take up to 4 hours. The CDC also notes that an empty or full stomach changes the effect, and that the THC amount on edible labels is often inaccurate.
Sources and further reading
- Health Canada — Cannabis: lower your risks
- Health Canada — Consumer information: cannabis
- CDC — Cannabis and Poisoning
- Colorado Cannabis — Safety with edibles
- Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board — Understanding THC Concentration and Potency
- National Institutes of Health — NOT-DA-21-049, Establishment of a Standard THC Unit to be used in Research
Kush is for adults 21+. This guide is educational; product rules and testing requirements vary by state. Our editorial standards & corrections policy.
