Dose sizing can be complicated

by Katherine Golden, RN – Founder and CEO of Leaf411

You may remember when the U.S. government sought to simplify food labeling. This was done to make the connection between serving sizes and calories more clear. Confusion around serving size was causing many people to eat or drink a lot more calories than they realized.

Today, we are at a similar spot when it comes to cannabis products, especially edibles. Some manufacturers put the per-dose strength on the product label and some do not. For example, the package might say “10mg CBD/5mg THC.” However, other manufacturers may put the total amount of THC and/or CBD for the entire package instead. 

Also, laws restricting the amount of THC per edible vary between states that have legalized cannabis. Limits may also be different depending on whether the product is designed for recreational or medical consumer sales. For example, Colorado’s suggested serving size for an edible is 10mg which would be far too much THC to consume for a first time user.

How do you get the dose you want?

  • If you are unsure about the product strength, ask your budtender for help understanding the amount that is in the product before purchasing. Does the package labeling show the amount of THC and CBD per dose, or does it show the amount in the entire package?
  • Check in with our Leaf411 nurses. We’ll help answer your questions about product labels and doses. We can also suggest a good starting point based on your individual needs and goals.
  • Start low and go slow when trying any new product. The Leaf411 nurses always suggest starting with an amount below the suggested serving size for safe consumption. You may not feel an immediate change or symptom relief. However, starting low and moving up slowly will ensure you do not over consume for your body’s tolerance or specific needs.
  • Understand that some product types act more quickly than others. For example, vaping provides more immediate short-term impact, while edibles can take a few hours to take effect. We’ll explain this in detail as we review different types of products below.

It may take some exploring for you to find your favorite method of consuming cannabis or CBD hemp.

Cannabis oil capsules next to cannabis leaf on pink background with the word cannabis spelled in scrabble letters

What’s the Best Way to Use Cannabis for Relief?

What method of ingestion works best for you? If you ask budtenders, friends, or people on internet forums, they will likely recommend what has worked best for them—and that may not match your needs.

Also, high-quality cannabis and CBD hemp products can be expensive. Many of us cannot afford to spend a lot of money testing different options that may or may not work.

Our Leaf411 cannabis-trained nurses have extensive knowledge on how to best use cannabis and CBD hemp for specific conditions. We provide balanced guidance and education that takes into account your individual needs, whether you have a limited budget, live someplace where you cannot access state legal cannabis, or are trying to find alternatives to conventional medications.

The Leaf411 cannabis nurse hotline provides education and directional support to the general public about the safe use of legal cannabis. We partner with select business members who meet our rigorous standards to extend our education and outreach efforts.