Starting low: dose, timing and the second-dose mistake

Most unpleasant experiences with cannabis come from the same place: too much, too soon, usually because the first amount had not finished arriving when the second went in. A little patience prevents nearly all of it.

How long each form takes

Food, your own metabolism and what you ate that day all move these times. The ranges are a guide, not a promise.

The second-dose mistake

Someone takes an edible, feels nothing after forty minutes, decides it is weak and takes another. Then both arrive together. Edibles catch people out this way more than any other form, which is why the usual advice is to wait at least two hours before taking more.

Starting with something new

• Start with a small amount. For edibles that often means a single low-dose piece or less.
• Read the label. Florida products state their THC content. Check the amount per piece, not just per package.
• Change one thing at a time. A new product and a new amount on the same day make it hard to tell which caused what.
• Pick a calm setting. At home, with nothing to drive to, the first time.

If you have taken too much

It passes. Find somewhere comfortable, drink water, eat something, and remember the feeling is temporary. If symptoms are severe or something feels medically wrong, seek medical help.

Ask the people who certified you

Your certifying physician knows your conditions and other medicines, and can advise on amounts and on interactions. Dispensary staff can explain products, but they are not your doctor. The doctors map lists Florida's qualified physicians if you need one.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your physician about dosing, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a heart condition.