How to Dose Cannabis Oil
Article written by
Melissa CampbellSEO Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Featured experts
Mark KasabuskiProvider Operations Manager
Finding the right amount of cannabis oil depends on the product’s strength and how much you can handle. Everyone reacts differently, so what’s right for one person might be too much or too little for you.
Generally, starting with the smallest dose possible is best, paying attention to how you feel and increasing or decreasing the amount as needed.
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How to Dose Cannabis Oils
Cannabis oils can help your health in many ways, but taking the wrong amount might cause unwanted side effects.
Taking the right dose is important by utilizing a few best practices.
Start Low and Go Slow
Marijuana can be powerful, especially strains with high levels of THC, and it’s best to proceed with caution with a low dose.
“I’m definitely a big fan of microdosing. Most patients will experience effects around the 2.5 to 5 milligrams,” says Mark Kasabuski, PharmD, Provider Operations Manager at Leafwel.
“Wait a full two hours before you consider redosing,” Kasabuski explains. “That way, you can try to minimize the risk of having a negative experience with THC,” especially if you’re a new user or trying a new product.
But you can also benefit from the slow, steady approach to dosing even if you’re an experienced marijuana user.
“If you know that 15 milligrams are normally your sweet spot in dosing for you, I recommend going a little lower,” he continues. “Start with 10 just to see how it goes.”
Understand Product Labels
The more you know about your cannabis product, the more likely you are to optimize your cannabis goals, says Kasabuski.
“Erring on the side of caution is always the way to go,” he explains. “Milligram-wise, you want to look at the product label.”
For example, some oil tinctures contain 5mg of THC per drop, while others contain 5mg of THC per milliliter. It’s essential to understand the concentration and the dosing instructions.”
Most marijuana product labels include:
- Total active cannabinoids (TAC) per serving and bottle
- Suggested serving sizes
- Cannabinoid strength and ratio
- Dosing suggestions
- Complete ingredient list
- Safety warnings
- Potential allergens
- Laboratory test results
Use Caution with Other Medications and Supplements
Cannabis interacts with certain medicines and food, such as grapefruit, alcohol, sedatives, opioids, and some types of antidepressants.
If you’re concerned about marijuana’s impact on your prescription drug regimen, consult your doctor or pharmacist, or opt for a Cannabis Guidance appointment with Leafwell.
Other Factors Influencing Cannabis Oil Dosage
Finding the ideal therapeutic dose is critical to optimizing your cannabis oil experience. There are multiple elements to consider as you discover your therapeutic dose.
Tolerance
Cannabis tolerance occurs when your body adjusts to your cannabinoid intake. Recurring or prolonged cannabis use can reduce sensitivity to its effects. Your genetic makeup and cannabis potency are additional factors that may also influence tolerance levels.
New and infrequent consumers who are unaccustomed to the effects of cannabis should use increased caution when consuming products containing THC.
If long-term cannabis use has weakened the effects of cannabis, consider a tolerance break of at least 48 hours to reset your endocannabinoid system and improve your sensitivity to THC.
Body Chemistry
Body chemistry refers to the chemical processes regulating the physiological processes in your body, including metabolism.
The chemical reaction that occurs when your body converts food into energy is thought to impact the effects of cannabis.
Those with higher metabolic rates process the active ingredients of cannabis faster than individuals with a slower metabolism.
As a result, people with a high metabolism may experience a quicker onset and longer duration of effects than those with a lower metabolic rate.
Nutrition and Hydration
Consuming cannabis oil while dehydrated or on an empty stomach can result in adverse reactions such as paranoia, increased heart rate, and intense anxiety. Proper nourishment and hydration can facilitate optimal digestion and metabolization of cannabis while enabling more measured and consistent effects.
Other Ingredients
THC and CBD are the primary cannabinoids found in most cannabis products. Still, many products contain a combination of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other naturally occurring compounds.
CBN and CBG are non-psychoactive cannabinoids known for their anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and antibacterial properties.
Terpenes and flavonoids give plants like cannabis their distinctive aroma and flavor.
When combined, this whole plant profile can treat numerous conditions. “Oils with a higher lavender terpene [linalool] content will help with relaxation sedation,” Kasabuski says.
“Some insomnia products provide a little more whole plant medicine because they contain THC, CBD, and CBN. These products can deliver that entourage and synergistic effect where you get that one plus one equals three reaction types.”
The entourage effect describes a theory that compounds of the whole cannabis plant work more effectively together rather than individually.
Products that contain the entire plant profile are typically categorized as full spectrum.
The Bottom Line
No matter how you choose to integrate it into your wellness regimen, establishing your ideal dose for cannabis oil will take trial and error.
Various factors, including personal tolerance levels and product potency, shape the effects of cannabis. First-time consumers and those with THC sensitivity should start with a small dose and gradually increase until the desired effects have been achieved.
Lastly, whether you consume for medicinal or recreational purposes, mindful consumption habits will help you reap the full benefits of cannabis oil while reducing the risk of unpleasant side effects.
If you’re seeking individualized dosing guidance, book an appointment with a knowledgeable Leafwell Cannabis Guide and get customized advice about the right dosage and cannabis products.
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