From the Guidelines
For someone naive to weed, 10mg of THC in an edible is definitely too much and can lead to adverse effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and increased heart rate. I recommend starting with a low dose of 2.5-5mg for the first experience, as edibles take longer to take effect (30 minutes to 2 hours) compared to smoking, and the effects last longer (6-8 hours) 1. The delayed onset often leads new users to consume more before the initial dose takes effect, resulting in an overwhelming experience. It's essential to start with a low dose in a comfortable environment with trusted people, stay hydrated, and avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances. Everyone's endocannabinoid system responds differently to THC, and factors like body weight, metabolism, and tolerance affect your response.
Some key points to consider when using cannabis include:
- Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing until the desired effect is achieved, especially for older adults and those naive to cannabis and/or cannabinoids 1
- Being aware of potential short-term effects, such as euphoria, sensory enhancement, anxiety, memory impairment, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure 1
- Understanding that high doses of THC may be associated with psychosis and that cannabis use can have long-term effects on mental health and chronic respiratory problems 1
- Avoiding mixing cannabis with other substances, such as alcohol, and being cautious of the risks associated with vaping cannabis 1
It's crucial to prioritize caution when using cannabis, especially for first-time users, and to be aware of the potential risks and adverse effects. Starting with a low dose of 2.5-5mg is a safer and more recommended approach.
From the Research
Edible Cannabis and Naive Users
- The effects of edible cannabis can be intense and long-lasting, especially for naive users 2, 3.
- Edible cannabis products can cause acute psychiatric symptoms, intoxication, and cardiovascular symptoms, especially at higher doses 3.
- A study found that visits to the emergency department related to edible cannabis were more likely to be due to acute psychiatric symptoms, intoxication, and cardiovascular symptoms compared to inhaled cannabis 3.
Dose and Potency
- The potency of edible cannabis products can vary widely, and the dose can be difficult to control 4, 5.
- A dose of 10mg of edible cannabis may be too much for someone naive to weed, as it can cause intense and potentially overwhelming effects 2, 6.
- The effects of edible cannabis can be delayed, and users may not feel the full effects until 30 minutes to 1 hour after consumption, which can lead to over-intoxication 3, 5.
Risks and Precautions
- Edible cannabis products can pose unique public health challenges due to the risk of over-intoxication 5.
- Naive users should be cautious when consuming edible cannabis products and start with low doses to avoid adverse effects 2, 6.
- Education and awareness about the potential risks and harms of edible cannabis products are crucial to prevent adverse effects and promote safe use 5.