Is a 10mg edible too much for a beginner?

May 21, 2024The nama Team
Is a 10mg edible too much for a beginner? namaCBD

10 milligrams of THC is considered a standard dose for experienced users who want to reap the benefits of cannabis without going overboard—but it may be too potent for a beginner.

If you’re new to microdosing cannabis, a 2.5mg to 5mg dose might hit your sweet spot. 

Beginners opt for our low-dose THC gummies because they allow them to experience the benefits without the intense high or overwhelming side effects. Try our Energy Delta 9 edibles. They contain only 2.5mg of THC for a milder, more manageable experience.

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Is a 10mg edible a lot for the first time?

For first-time cannabis consumers, a 10mg edible can be a lot to handle. Ten milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered a standard edible dose in the cannabis industry. For experienced users, this amount produces feelings of relaxation and mild euphoria, offering pain, stress, or insomnia relief. For those who have never consumed cannabis or have a low tolerance, this THC dose may be too potent.

The following factors determine the potency of a 10mg edible for a first-time user:

  1. A person’s tolerance to cannabis
  2. Their body weight and metabolism
  3. Consumption method and onset time of effects
  4. The potency and consistency of the product
  5. A person’s stomach contents
  6. Interaction with other substances

Individual tolerance can determine the potency of an edible

Everyone's endocannabinoid system (ECS) is unique. The ECS is responsible for regulating vital functions in the body, such as mood, appetite, pain sensation, and memory. The way THC interacts with a person’s ECS influences their edible experience.

The influence of your body weight and metabolism 

Those with a higher body weight or faster metabolism may be able to handle higher doses of THC. THC is stored in fat cells, so people with more body fat may experience a more gradual release of THC into their system. (We’re not body-shaming, it’s science.) 

A faster metabolism also breaks down and processes THC more quickly.

Consumption method and onset time of the edible

Edibles are metabolized differently than inhaled cannabis and have more intense and longer effects. When consumed orally, THC from edibles is processed by the liver, where it’s converted into the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC before entering the bloodstream. This takes time, resulting in a delayed onset of effects

You can also feel the effects of edibles much longer than when smoking or vaping. 

The combination of the delayed onset, more potent form of THC, and prolonged duration of effects can make a 10mg edible dose overwhelming for beginners.

The potency and consistency of the edible

The THC potency in an edible depends on:

  • The quality of the cannabis 
  • The extraction method
  • The cooking process

These factors can also impact the potency of the edible. Inconsistencies in THC content may lead to a more potent edible than expected, which can be overwhelming for first-time users with low tolerance. Always check the label, look for third-party lab testing results, and purchase from reputable sources to ensure a consistent and reliable dosage.

You don’t need to worry about inconsistent dosing with our THC edibles. Our gummies contain precise doses of THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabis compounds. Each batch is thoroughly tested to ensure reliable potency and a consistent, enjoyable experience tailored to beginners and experienced users.

Consuming edibles on an empty or full stomach

The contents of your stomach can impact the absorption and onset time of THC in the edible. When you take a 10mg edible on an empty stomach, THC is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, which leads to a faster onset and more intense effects. 

If you consume the edible after a meal, the food in your system can slow down the THC absorption, resulting in a more gradual and manageable experience. 

If you’re a beginner, start with a low dose and consume edibles with or shortly after a meal to minimize the risk of intense, rapid-onset effects.

Interaction with other substances

Some people consume edibles with other substances, such as alcohol or medication, to intensify the effects. This is not a good idea for anyone, especially not for beginners. 

Medications that affect the central nervous system may interact with THC and lead to intense psychoactive effects. Alcohol can amplify the sedative effects of THC and cause dizziness, nausea, and impaired judgment. Besides, alcohol is bad for you and you’re better off steering clear of it.

To embrace the true benefits of our delicious edibles, enjoy them on their own. Don’t mix them with alcohol or other substances that may alter their effects and lead to unpleasant experiences, especially if you’re new to the world of cannabis confections.

What are the effects of a 10mg edible on beginners?

For cannabis beginners, a 10mg edible might produce the following effects:

  1. Intense euphoria
  2. Altered sense of time and space
  3. Increased appetite (“the munchies”)
  4. Dry mouth and eyes
  5. Impaired coordination and balance
  6. Difficulty concentrating
  7. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  8. Anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks
  9. Drowsiness or sedation

The lower edible dosage has a much lower potential of causing adverse effects. Stick to smaller amounts and you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of microdosing more comfortably, whether you're seeking relaxation, improved mood, or a gentle boost in creativity.

Our liquid cannabis edibles offer all that and more. 2.5mg of THC per dropper is the ideal dose for beginners. Infuse your favorite non-alcoholic beverages with our Buzz Drops™ and enjoy our carefully crafted blend of cannabinoids that work in harmony to elevate your mood and well-being.

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What is a good starting dose for beginners?

If you're a newbie in edible products, start with a low amount and slowly increase. A dose of around 2mg of THC is a great starting point for beginners. This amount allows you to experience the beneficial effects of cannabis edibles without diving in too deep. 

If you're looking for a more noticeable therapeutic or recreational effect, aim for 2–5mg edible. Our Bliss Delta 9 gummies are perfectly balanced treats with 5mg of THC complemented by 5mg of CBD for a delightfully mellow, full-spectrum cannabis experience.

For regular users, 10mg is considered a standard dose to induce mild effects of euphoria and relief without going overboard. Venturing above 10mg? Proceed with caution, because doses higher than 10mg of THC can have more intense side effects.

The key is to listen to your body and find the dose that works best for you. You can always take more, but you can't take less once you've consumed an edible. 

How long does a 10mg edible last?

The effects of a 10mg edible can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, sometimes even longer depending on tolerance and metabolism. With a 10mg dose of THC, most consumers report the peak effects hitting around 2–3 hours in and then tapering off gradually over the next several hours. 

We’ve mentioned before that edibles are metabolized differently than inhaled cannabis. The onset takes a bit longer because the cannabinoids are processed through the liver and take longer to enter the bloodstream. This metabolic route also results in more gradual and sustained effects than inhalation methods.

This longer-lasting nature of edibles is one of the main reasons our delicious THC gummies are the most popular consumption methods

How to tell if an edible has kicked in

With low-dose edibles, you'll start to pick up on some delightfully subtle cues that the effects have kicked in. They may include:

  • A warm, tingly relaxation wave is spreading throughout your body.
  • Muscles are loosening up as tension and minor aches start to dissipate.
  • Your mood is improving.
  • Thoughts are flowing a bit more freely and you become more focused.
  • You experience a heightened sensory awareness of sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you.
  • You feel a profound sense of calm settling over both your mind and body.

These smooth-sailing signs indicate that THC and CBD are working synergistically to provide an enjoyably mild buzz along with therapeutic relief. At 10mg doses and lower, the effects are far less likely to cause paranoia, a couch lock, impairment, or other unpleasant side effects commonly associated with larger doses. 

Instead, you can expect a smooth, clearheaded, and functional euphoria that lasts. 

Microdosing with low-dose edibles such as our THC gummies or cannabis-infused beverages provides the perfect balance of relaxation and clarity sans impairment. Try our watermelon-infused Relax Plus gummies. With just 5mg THC and 25mg CBD per gummy, these deliciously blissful edibles melt your stresses away.

“Like the effects this has on me. I can take it to relax, but still be able to concentrate and so things without feeling buzzed.”

Susan H.

Tips for beginners

If you don’t know where to start with microdosing cannabis, here are some tips for you.

  1. Start low and go slow. A low dose (2–5mg of THC) allows you to gauge your tolerance and avoid unpleasant effects. Gradually increase the dose until you find your perfect dose.
  2. Understand your goals. Whether for pain relief, creativity, or mild euphoria, you should know the reasons you’re using cannabis, so you can tailor your dosage and experience accordingly. If you’re looking to have a fun Saturday night, there’s no need to take a higher dose.
  3. Choose the right product. Different cannabis products have different potencies and effects. Edibles won’t have the same effects as inhaled cannabis. Choose lab-tested products specifically labeled for microdosing to ensure precise dosing.
  4. Be patient. The effects of edibles can take up to 2 hours to manifest, so you might be tempted to up your dose when you don’t experience an immediate response. Wait until you can fully understand how your body reacts before considering taking more.
  5. Stay hydrated. Cannabis can cause dry mouth and dehydration, especially if you’ve never consumed it before. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to mitigate these effects.
  6. Listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel and stop if you experience any unwanted effects. 

The best piece of advice we can give you is to always buy quality edibles from trusted sources that offer lab-tested products to ensure quality, potency, and safety—like nama™.

Where to buy the best cannabis edibles

If you’re a beginner in cannabis, it can be tricky to navigate the world of edibles, especially when you don’t know where to start. Our low-dose cannabis gummies are a pretty stellar way to begin your microdosing journey.

At nama™, we understand the importance of quality and consistency. Our gummies and beverages undergo rigorous third-party lab testing to ensure precise, reliable dosing you can trust. Unlike many cannabis products on the market that contain harmful contaminants, our edibles are free from heavy metals and pesticides and crafted with the utmost attention to purity. 

We want you to enjoy your cannabis journey, and not be overwhelmed with side effects.

Whether you're a cannabis novice or an experienced consumer, our microdosed edibles are a safe and enjoyable way to enjoy hemp-derived cannabinoids. Order from nama™, your go-to source for the finest cannabis edibles available.

Edibles for beginners FAQ

An edible containing 100mg of THC is an extremely high dose that can have overwhelming and unpleasant side effects: 

  • Intense psychoactive effects (intoxication)
  • Paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness and impaired coordination
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Confusion and dissociation

Anything over 20–30mg can increase the risk of negative side effects, regardless of your cannabis tolerance. If you’re new to cannabis, have a slower metabolism, or are sensitive to THC, start with a low dose of edibles. If you’re already an experienced consumer, stick to the doses that can produce mild and pleasant effects, and avoid taking as much as 100mg.

Red or bloodshot eyes are one of the telltale signs of cannabis intoxication. THC causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate, increasing overall blood flow. Through the bloodstream, the metabolized THC reaches the optic capillaries in the eyes, causing them to dilate and redden. Red eyes can sometimes be one of the first noticeable effects after ingesting a dosage of edibles, along with dry mouth.

The effects of cannabis edibles depend on the dosage, your individual tolerance, and the specific cannabinoid profile of the edible. Some of the most commonly reported effects include:

  1. Euphoria and an uplifted mood
  2. Increased sensory perception
  3. Altered perception of time
  4. Increased appetite ("the munchies")
  5. Pain relief and muscle relaxation
  6. Reduced anxiety and stress
  7. Drowsiness and sedation at higher doses

Edibles are metabolized differently than inhaled cannabis, leading to longer-lasting effects because the THC is processed through the liver into the potent metabolite 11-Hydroxy-THC. The onset time is delayed 30–120 minutes while the edible dosage travels through the digestive tract.

A 20mg THC dose from an edible is moderately potent, even for seasoned cannabis enthusiasts. For inexperienced users, this level could induce overwhelming psychoactive effects.

The effects at 20mg depend on:

  • An individual's THC tolerance from prior cannabis use
  • Whether the edible is taken on a full or empty stomach
  • The specific edible product's cannabinoid profile (the ratio of THC and CBD and the presence of other cannabis compounds)
  • An individual's unique metabolism
  • Individual body chemistry

20mg doesn’t pose serious health risks, but it may induce unpleasant effects such as anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, or sedation in those more sensitive to THC. If you’re new to edibles, start with 10mg or less, so you can assess your tolerance first.

After consuming cannabis edibles, you should avoid certain activities and situations until you have assessed how a particular dose affects you. They include:

  1. Operating heavy machinery or vehicles
  2. Engaging in tasks that require critical decision-making or focus
  3. Putting yourself in overly social situations if you are prone to anxiety
  4. Consuming additional edibles until the full effects are felt (easy to overconsume)
  5. Drinking alcohol, which can synergize with edibles unpredictably
  6. Doing anything illegal or getting into precarious situations

Have a comfortable, safe space for your first few hours with edibles in case any adverse reactions occur. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, and don't make any major commitments until you understand the peak effects.

Edibles have a limited shelf life and can lose potency or degrade in quality over time. The shelf life of our Delta 9 edibles is around two years. Exposure to air, light, heat and moisture can accelerate the expiration process. Most high-quality edibles will maintain their full potency and effects for around one year if kept in ideal conditions—in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. After that, you may notice a reduction in cannabinoid potency. Most of them also contain some ingredients that spoil, such as dairy.

Not our edibles. We infuse our gummies with pure, high-quality cannabis compounds derived from hemp and fresh, organic fruits, so the risk of spoilage within the expiration date is low. 

Always check for an expiration date on your edible packaging. If you notice a change in taste, texture, dryness, or crumbling of your edible, throw them out and order a fresh batch.

A 10mg edible can be an effective dose for achieving mild euphoria, relaxation, and potential therapeutic effects. While individual tolerance levels and metabolism rate play a role, a single dose of 10mg is a lower amount that can provide the desired effects without overwhelming the user, especially if you have limited experience with edibles. This dosage allows you to experience the mild buzz and potential medical benefits of cannabis while still maintaining control and functionality.

A 10mg edible dose produces longer-lasting effects than a typical cannabis joint or pre-roll. Inhaled cannabis hits harder and faster, but edibles give you more sustained effectsl.

Let us explain.

  • When cannabis is inhaled by smoking, the THC enters the bloodstream rapidly, resulting in more sudden and initially stronger effects. 
  • These effects from inhaled cannabis tend to diminish faster, usually within 1–3 hours.
  • Orally ingested cannabis from edibles takes longer to produce effects, as the THC has to go through metabolic processes in the liver first. Once the effects of an edible kick in, they tend to be more potent and long-lasting, typically persisting for 6–8 hours.

So, the 10mg edible dose may not feel as instantly powerful as smoking, but it will provide longer-lasting and potentially more impactful effects overall.

It is highly unlikely that a standard dose of cannabis-infused edibles, even at amounts of THC higher than 10mg, would cause a person to stay intoxicated or "high" for multiple days straight without re-dosing.  Here’s why:

  • THC from edibles has a relatively short half-life in the body of around 25–27 hours
  • The liver enzymes that metabolize edible THC replenish fairly quickly
  • Cannabis edibles are metabolized and eliminated from the body within 1–3 days after consumption

The effects from most cannabis edibles last somewhere between 6-8 hours depending on a wide variety of factors. After that initial duration, the THC metabolites will clear from your system unless you re-ingest more edibles.

While the effects from a very high dose of edibles may feel intense at the moment, you should start coming down and returning to baseline sobriety within 12–24 hours after the initial ingestion. 

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