Cannabis Dosing Guide

Why Dosing Matters

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your ideal dose depends on body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and consumption method. Taking too much won't cause lasting harm, but it can produce an uncomfortable experience — anxiety, nausea, or paranoia that may last several hours.

The single most important rule: start low and go slow.

Connecticut's Potency Context

Connecticut applies a potency-based excise tax that creates three tiers (per PA 25-166):

• Below 35% THC — lower excise rate (most flower falls here)
• 35–70% THC — mid-tier rate (most vape cartridges and some concentrates)
• Above 70% THC — highest rate (high-potency concentrates)

This means higher-potency products cost more in tax. For beginners, this actually works in your favor: low-potency products that are easier to dose are also the most affordable.

Edible Dosing Tiers

Connecticut caps edible servings at 5mg THC per serving. Here's a general guide to milligram-level dosing:

• Microdose (1–2.5mg): Minimal psychoactive effects. Mild mood elevation or focus. Cut a 5mg serving in half.
• Low dose (2.5–5mg): Noticeable but manageable effects. Light euphoria, relaxation. Recommended starting point for most new users. One Connecticut serving.
• Standard dose (5–10mg): Clear psychoactive effects. Euphoria, altered perception, potential coordination impairment. Two Connecticut servings.
• High dose (10–25mg): Strong effects. Experienced users only. Significant impairment likely.
• Very high dose (25mg+): Intense effects. Not recommended for most consumers.

Dosing by Product Type

Flower (Smoking/Vaping Dry Herb)

Effects begin within 1–5 minutes and typically last 1–3 hours. Most Connecticut flower falls below the 35% THC tier, typically ranging 15–30% THC.

• Beginners: Take one small puff, wait 10–15 minutes, assess effects before taking another.
• A single puff of 20% flower delivers roughly 1–3mg of THC.
• Flower accounts for 44.9% of all Connecticut cannabis sales — the most popular category.

Vape Cartridges

Effects begin within 1–5 minutes and last 1–3 hours. Vape oil is more concentrated than flower, usually 70–90% THC, placing most cartridges in the mid-to-high excise tax tier.

• Beginners: Take one short puff (1–2 seconds), wait 10–15 minutes.
• Each puff delivers approximately 2–5mg THC. Vapes represent 36.9% of CT sales.

Edibles

Effects begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours and can last 4–8 hours or longer. Connecticut caps servings at 5mg THC.

• Beginners: Start with 2.5mg — half a Connecticut serving.
• Eating on a full stomach may delay onset. An empty stomach may intensify effects.
• Effects are processed through the liver, producing a stronger and longer-lasting experience than smoking.
• Edibles account for 15.6% of Connecticut sales.

Concentrates

Effects begin within seconds to minutes and are significantly more potent than flower. Concentrates typically contain 60–90% THC and fall into the highest excise tax tier.

• Not recommended for beginners. Even a small dab can deliver 25mg+ of THC.
• If you do try concentrates, start with the smallest possible amount (a grain-of-rice-sized piece).

Tinctures

Placed under the tongue, effects begin within 15–45 minutes and last 2–6 hours. Allows precise milligram dosing via the dropper.

• Beginners: Start with 2.5–5mg as marked on the dropper.
• Hold under the tongue for 30–60 seconds before swallowing for faster absorption.

Finding Your Dose

Dosing is personal. Consider keeping a simple log of what you consumed, how much, and how you felt. Key factors that affect your response:

• Tolerance: Regular users need higher doses. New users should always start at the lowest tier.
• Body weight and metabolism: Influence how quickly and intensely you feel effects, especially with edibles.
• Food intake: Edibles on an empty stomach hit harder and faster.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated. Cannabis can cause dry mouth.