Whenever it comes time to purchase a new cannabinoid product, we can’t wait to see how it’s going to affect us for the better. There is a lot of excitement to the idea of a new cannabinoid to balance our mood, ease our physical discomfort, or simply make us feel more focused to get through the most demanding parts of our day. But, you can only derive the most positive effects out of a cannabinoid if you’re dosing properly, and each cannabinoid can have its own unique dosing guidelines based on the way in which it absorbs into the body and interacts with our endocannabinoid system.
Why is Dosage an Integral Part of Your Hemp Experience?
Basically, how much of a cannabinoid you take makes or breaks your session. For one thing, all cannabinoids have a threshold dosage amount – the amount required to actually derive the desired, expected effects. Besides that, taking too much of a cannabinoid, especially one that’s psychoactive, can give you stronger effects than you bargained for.
Let’s quickly make one thing clear: cannabinoids are non-toxic to the human body. In other words, even a high dosage amount is not going to be putting you at risk of toxicity. But, too much of a cannabinoid can make you feel groggy, and if it’s a psychoactive cannabinoid-like delta-8 THC, THC-O, or THC-P, you can get too high, which can cause feelings of discomfort and anxiety, as well as impairment that can get in the way of your ability to drive, work, etc.
Also, we want to mention that all hemp-based products should come with directions on the label, which may offer more specific dosing instructions. Since each manufacturer knows their product well, it’s always best to follow these instructions. If you have specific needs with a cannabinoid, such as trying to address an ailment with CBD, then you should speak to your doctor for more personalized guidance.
Dosing CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, so even high doses of it won’t get you high. But, you do want to be aware of your dosing, in order to get the full extent of its positive effects. And, taking too little CBD will end up being unable to give you the effects that you’re looking for.
Edibles
CBD edibles are easy to dose since each serving contains an equal amount of cannabidiol according to the milligram. The package should also tell you how much CBD is in each piece. A standard edible dosage for CBD is 10-40mg per serving, with:
10mg being a good amount for someone who is a beginner to CBD and wants to err on the side of caution.
40mg being ideal for a more moderate user who wants stronger effects with each dose.
Flower
Flower refers to raw hemp flower, which is 100% hemp - no milligram amount to determine per dosage. Flower is usually smoked or vaporized, and the recommended amount is 1-3 puffs for beginners, although people can tolerate more than that without any real risk of ill effects.
Vapes
Like flower, vape oils that are found in vape cartridges and disposable devices usually contain 100% pure hemp extract, undiluted. So again, we base the dosage amount on the number of puffs, which follows the same rule as flower: 1-3 puffs for a beginner, or more if the user wants a stronger CBD experience.
Dosing CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s commonly used for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. CBG is a cannabinoid that acts as the precursor to cannabidiol, converting partially into CBD once the plant has fully matured. Because of the similarities between the two cannabinoids, the dosing instructions are the same as those of its counterpart.
Edibles
CBG edibles, like gummies, usually come in 10-40mg per piece, and this is considered the standard dosage amount, just as it is with CBD.
Flower
CBG flower is not actually infused flower – instead, it’s hemp flower that was picked before the cannabigerol converted into cannabidiol, as this means that it has high levels of cannabigerol. It’s vaped or smoked just like CBD flower, and 1 to 3 puffs is considered a good starting amount, with higher amounts being tolerated just fine.
Vapes
CBG vapes, like CBD vapes, come in both cartridge and disposable form, and they contain a 100% pure hemp formula. 1-3 puffs is a good starting amount, and the user can build up their dosage if they so desire.
Dosing THC-P
Now, let’s move on to something psychoactive, starting with the most psychoactive cannabinoid in the hemp plant. Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P) is a powerfully intoxicating cannabinoid that’s about 10x more psychoactive than delta-9 THC. Needless to say, you will need to be a little more mindful when choosing a dosage amount for this cannabinoid, due to potentially not being prepared for THC-P’s strong physical and cerebral high. Even if you’ve experienced with other psychoactive cannabinoids, you should start with the lowest recommended amount as THC-P is just that much stronger.
Edibles
THC-P gummies and other edibles will likely come in lower milligram strength options than those that contain CBD, CBG, and delta-8, since the effects are a lot stronger. We recommend that beginners start with a 2-5mg THC-P gummy if they’re new to the cannabinoid. You may find up to 25mg THC-P gummies on the market for those who have a high tolerance.
Flower
THC-P flower is raw CBD flower infused with tetrahydrocannabiphorol extract. The THC-P amount can vary depending on how much the company has infused into their flower buds. But, a single puff is best for a beginner, and 1-3 puffs is considered a standard dosage.
Vapes
The same thing goes for vaping products made with tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Good starting point is a single puff, just to get a feel for THC-P’s effects in a way that’s better manageable. Like the rest of the delivery methods covered so far, 1-3 puffs is a standard dosage amount.
Bottom Line: Dose Properly for the Best Hemp Experience Possible
The cannabinoids of the hemp plant can improve our daily lives and experiences, but only if we make an effort to take them as they’re meant to be taken. Each cannabinoid is unique, and you’ll need to make sure that you dose according to existing guidelines to reap the full rewards of what it can offer to the mind & body.