Most likely due to the fact that the cannabis industry is still in its conception and maturation phase, there are a plethora of influences out there, and not all of them are looking out for your well-being. When it comes to the proper dosing of cannabis and it’s derivatives, we believe empowerment is the way to go. We offer you this information in the hopes that you will see it’s potential and contribute to its construction as we all move forward together!
Dosing and Administration of Cannabis Products
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Cannabis Dosing
- Fundamental Principles of Proper Cannabis Dosing
- Proper Dosing for Different Categories of Consumers
- Dosing Across Cannabis Market Segments
- Common Misconceptions in Cannabis Dosing
- Concepts Critical to Cannabis Dosing
- Conclusion
- References
Introduction to Cannabis Dosing
Cannabis dosing is a complex and crucial aspect of cannabis consumption, influencing both the efficacy and safety of its use. Proper dosing ensures that users can achieve the desired therapeutic or recreational effects while minimizing adverse effects. This article provides comprehensive guidelines on cannabis dosing, tailored for different consumer categories and product types.
Fundamental Principles of Proper Cannabis Dosing
The “Low & Slow” Approach
The “Low & Slow” principle advocates starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it titrating/titration to find the optimal amount that provides the desired effects without causing discomfort.
This method helps in understanding personal tolerance levels and avoiding overconsumption, which can lead to negative experiences like anxiety or paranoia. Overconsumption, otherwise known as overdosing, is a scourge of canna-kind! At the time of writing, there is no standardized, practical, viable method by which consumers can understand their own tolerances, therapies, and/or toxicities to make more informed decisions. So BTE has taken it upon ourselves to lay the groundwork for the proper identification and understanding of cannabis dosing in individuals.
Understanding Tolerance and Bioavailability
Tolerance refers to the body’s adaptation to cannabis, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Bioavailability is the proportion of cannabinoids that enter the bloodstream. Different methods of consumption (e.g., smoking vs. edibles) have varying bioavailability, influencing the efficacy of dosing.
Proper Dosing for Different Categories of Consumers
| Category | Recommended Dosing Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Newbies/Novices | Start with 2.5 mg THC for edibles. Use balanced THC-CBD products. Avoid high-THC strains. Wait before consuming more. |
| Regular Consumers | Can start with 10-15 mg THC for edibles. Understand personal tolerance and stick to familiar consumption methods. |
| Veteran Consumers | May consume higher doses, such as 50 mg THC or higher for edibles. Use caution with high-potency products. |
Dosing Across Cannabis Market Segments
Flower
- Newbies: 1-2 inhalations, wait 15 minutes.
- Regular Consumers: 3-5 inhalations, adjust as needed.
- Veterans: 6+ inhalations, based on personal preference.
Infused Flower
- Newbies: Small amounts (0.1g), wait for effects.
- Regular Consumers: Moderate amounts (0.3g).
- Veterans: Larger quantities (0.5g or more).
Vape
- Newbies: 1-2 puffs, wait 10-15 minutes.
- Regular Consumers: 3-4 puffs.
- Veterans: 5+ puffs, depending on tolerance.
Edibles
- Newbies: Start with 2.5 mg THC.
- Regular Consumers: 10-15 mg THC.
- Veterans: 50 mg THC or more.
Concentrates
- Newbies: Avoid until tolerance is built.
- Regular Consumers: Start with a rice grain-sized amount.
- Veterans: Larger dabs, up to 0.1g or more.
Beverages
- Newbies: 2-5 mg THC per serving.
- Regular Consumers: 10-15 mg THC per serving.
- Veterans: 50 mg THC or more per serving.
Wellness Products with and without CBD
- Newbies: Start with low CBD-THC ratios (1:1, 2:1).
- Regular Consumers: Higher CBD-THC ratios (4:1, 10:1).
- Veterans: Pure CBD or high-dose CBD products.
Common Misconceptions in Cannabis Dosing
Misconceptions around dosing, such as assuming higher THC always provides better effects, lead to improper use. Another common mistake is misjudging the onset time for slower acting products like edibles, resulting in overconsumption before effects set in. Remember: all edibles are creeper! Low & Slow, Low & Slow.
Concepts Critical to Cannabis Dosing
The proceeding terms, concepts, and definitions stand to provide you the most relevant, enlightening, and clarifying experience possible.
Understanding Cannabis Bioavailability: What Every Consumer Should Know
Inhalation offers higher bioavailability compared to edibles, for example, which must pass through the digestive system, impacting potency and effect.
One of the most crucial aspects of cannabis consumption is understanding bioavailability—how effectively cannabinoids like THC and CBD are absorbed into the body. As we have written previously:
“Bioavailability directly impacts the intensity and duration of effects, influencing both the consumer’s experience and the product’s overall value”. Products that maximize bioavailability deliver a more effective dose and, in turn, better results for medical and recreational users alike. The way cannabinoids are consumed (e.g., smoking, vaping, or edibles) greatly affects absorption rates.
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Uptake
Uptake varies between consumption methods. Inhalation allows for rapid onset, while edibles take longer due to digestion. Typically reported among our clients’ customers are trade-offs between the quick intake and shorter duration. We believe there is an inverse correlation, or at least a congruence, between ease of intake and duration & intensity. Inhalation is easiest, but yields a more fleeting experience than edibles, but edibles take longer, creeping on you. When combined with factors otherwise talked about here today, we can begin to see the fuller picture of the subtleties, nuances, and complexities that consumers are up against.
This is partially why BTE was founded, to ensure all people have access to the best experience they can possibly obtain. We see the future of cannabis consumption on the individual level as one characterized by homogeneity in access, radical personalization, intuitive augmentation, and convenience.
Cannabis Bioabsorption: Maximizing Your High
According to BTE’s insights, “Bioabsorption refers to the actual amount of cannabinoids that enter the bloodstream after consumption.” Different methods have different efficiencies; vaping offers quicker bioabsorption than edibles, for example. This is crucial for customers looking to get the most out of their product, whether for medicinal benefits or recreational enjoyment. Our consultancy provides in-depth guidance on selecting the right method for maximizing cannabinoid bioabsorption based on your unique needs.
Metabolism and Cannabis: How Your Body Affects the High
Budtenders Ethos emphasizes the importance of metabolism in cannabis experiences: “Your metabolic rate determines how quickly cannabinoids are processed and how long their effects last.” Slower metabolism means prolonged effects, whereas faster metabolism can shorten the high. We at BTE help clients understand these differences so they can choose products that align with their individual metabolic needs, ensuring a personalized experience every time. This phenomenon is tied to variability:
Inter-individual variability is the difference in drug effects between different individuals.The same dose of the same medicine might work for you, but can be toxic to another patient. This also applies to the effectiveness, safety, and tolerance of the drugs. Factors that contribute to this variability are age, gender, weight, disease, and many others.
Intra-individual variability is the discrepancy in effects within the same person when taking the same dose of the same medicine.
Its tempting to think that the same medicine always has the same effect in the same person, but this is far from the case. The effect can be influenced by factors such as whether the drug is concomitant (taken with or without something else like food or drink), or the time of the day, or even how a person is feeling around the time of dosing.
It is important for patients to understand the reasons behind different dosing of drugs between individuals. We all manage to dose other substances properly, like sugar, caffeine, chemical dyes, processed foods, cigarettes, fatty foods, and even recreational drug use, and cannabis should be no different. We have to impose limitations on ourselves at the same time we educate the public and cannacommunity on the criticality of education and dosing.
Perceived Effect & Actual Effect
Its true that over the last 50 years cannabis has gotten whole orders of magnitude more potent. Through selective breeding and modern advancements in botany, cultivation, and genetics, the planr itself is capable of physically holding massive amounts of trichomes, anthocyanins, terpenes, flavonoids, and other VOCs. But what hasnt changed is the typical range of human bioabsorption and bioavailability.
Put simply, you can have all the THC you desire, but your bodys ability to pull it in modulates this, which is further governed by its effectiveness. Just because theres high THC available to your body doesnt mean you will absorb that much THC, nor does how much you bring in necessarily dictate the anticipated effect. Its crucial for customers to know what they want and why they want it.
Unfortunately, the continuance of the demand for high-THC products will ensure the perpetuation of all the things that a THC-centric market would produce–just like the one we have today.
THC Inflation: A New Challenge in the Cannabis Market
“THC inflation is a real concern, especially as consumers chase ever-higher potency,” warns our team at BTE. While higher THC levels might seem appealing, it’s essential to recognize that bioavailability and bioabsorption often play a more significant role in the overall experience than sheer THC percentages. We guide our clients on finding a balance between potency and efficacy, ensuring that they are not merely chasing numbers but getting the desired effects.
Budtenders Ethos: Your Premier Source for Cannabis Consulting
At Budtenders Ethos, we don’t just offer products; we provide comprehensive consultancy solutions designed to help consumers and businesses navigate the complexities of bioavailability, bioabsorption, and more. “We’re the only ones at the grassroots level offering such detailed insights into how these factors influence your overall experience, where responsibilities lie, and what measures could be taken.” Whether you’re a dispensary owner looking to educate your staff or a consumer eager to enhance your cannabis experience, we have the solutions you need.
Book your consultation today with BTE, the industry’s soon-to-be premier Consultancy. Let us guide you through the science of cannabis, so you can make informed choices that ensure the best outcomes. Visit our website at Budtenders Ethos to get started! We can also be reached at our appointment site: cannapros.org.
Other consultancies follow the rulebook. We wrote the rulebook. Other consultants sell you services. We offer you tailored solutions. We are not the same.
So What Can Be Said?
Proper cannabis dosing is essential for safe and effective use. By understanding dosing principles, tolerance levels, and the effects of bioavailability, users can make informed decisions for optimal experiences. Educating consumers is key to reducing misconceptions and promoting better outcomes.
References
- Lavender, I., et al. (2023). Cannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder. BMJ Open, 13(8), e071148. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071148.
- Gojani, E. (2021). Beyond anecdotal evidence: The emerging therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD). Neuropsychopharmacology Reports, 41(7), 1125-1135.
- Lowin, D. (2022). Cannabinoid receptors and the treatment of chronic pain: A review. Journal of Pain Research, 15, 2255-2275.
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