Start Low & Go Slow: An Approachable Guide To THC Edibles

Flower and pre-rolls are classics in the cannabis world, but there are many different ways to enjoy the benefits of your favorite magical plant - including tinctures, concentrates, and topicals - but, for this piece we’re going to focus on edibles. 

Here at WNC we want to support you in all things cannabis, and that includes helping you get the most out of edibles and have a pleasant experience. You may have heard a few horror stories about cannabis edibles and maybe you have avoided them for that reason. But what you may not know is that the unpleasant experience you heard about likely could have been avoided with more information and education. 

Whether you are an absolute beginner in the world of edibles, someone who wants to give them another chance, or an edible connoisseur, we believe you can find something of benefit here, so let’s get started…

What Are THC Edibles?

THC edibles are food or drink that’s been infused with cannabis extract. The most common cannabis compounds that are included in edibles are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Edibles offer a much different experience than smoking or vaping because they are digested instead of entering the bloodstream through the lungs with inhalation. This means that edibles will often produce a stronger and longer-lasting effect. 

Cannabis edibles come in many forms, such as gummies, candy, baked goods, chocolates, mints, beverages, and more. 

What Are The Benefits Of Cannabis Edibles? 

There’s a lot to love about edibles and these are some of the most common reasons cannabis enthusiasts choose them time and time again. 

• Discreet & Convenient: Edibles are smoke-free and leave no lingering odor, which make them a perfect option for those who want to remain discreet. Their small size and portability - without the need for “gear” such as lighters, rolling papers, devices, etc. - only increases the convenience factor. 
• Reduced Health Risks: When compared to the respiratory issues related to smoking, cannabis edibles are considerably healthier.
• Long-Lasting Effects: You can experience longer effects from edibles, which make them a great choice for extended social outings or long, relaxing evenings at home. This is also a benefit for those who enjoy longer-lasting relief. 
• Precise Dosing & Consistent Experiences: Edibles allow for exact dosing. You know the exact milligram you are ingesting and can, therefore, better predict and control the outcome.

What Dose Of THC Edibles Should You Start With?

The title of this blog says it all - start low and go slow. This is the golden rule of cannabis edibles. Remember, you can always take more later, but you cannot undo what has already been done - so be a tortoise instead of the hare. Now, let’s get into milligram recommendations (or mg as it’s likely listed on the packaging).

• 1mg - 3mg (microdose): This is the best starting point for beginners, those completely new to edibles, and those who may be sensitive when introducing something new into their system. This dose can provide mild relief without intoxication. For this dosage, we recommend our Everyday Gummies.
• 3mg - 5mg (low dose): This is the typical recommended dose for beginners. This amount can provide light euphoric effects and is ideal for social settings or creative projects. An important note for new users: 3mg and above may begin affecting perception and coordination. Many beginners will cut gummies into halves or quarters to get a low starting dosage and to test out effects. For a 5mg dose, we recommend cutting our Flow State Gummies in half.
• 5mg - 15mg (moderate dose): If you are an occasional user and have developed a bit of tolerance, this can be a dose where you begin to experience more pronounced effects such as giddiness, euphoria, and deep relaxation. For this dosage, we recommend our Flow State Gummies or our Chocolates.
• 15mg - 30mg (high dose): This dose will have much stronger effects and should only be reached when users have become comfortable with edibles and have slowly built up their tolerance to avoid unpleasant or unwanted effects from going too fast, too soon. For this dosage, we recommend our Deep Chill Gummies, any of our Live Resin Gummies, or our Krispy Rice Treats.
• 30mg+ (reserved for experienced users): This dose is for those very familiar with edibles and who have a high tolerance. For this dosage, we recommend our Deep Space Gummies. 

How To Scan Packaging For Proper Dosing & A Quick Word About The Entourage Effect

For WNC edibles, it is important to reference the milligrams of Delta-9 (also written as Δ9) THC for proper dosing, as this is the psychoactive component. Some of our products also include CBD, CBG, or CBN and those milligrams will also be listed on the packaging, so don’t get this confused. For example, our Flow State Gummies have 5mg of CBD (non-psychoactive), 10mg of Δ9 THC (psychoactive), and 15mg of CBG (non-psychoactive) so you would want to pay attention to the 10mg of Δ9 THC for psychoactive dosing purposes. 

But the CBD and CBG do play an important role in these gummies that we don’t want to ignore, and this has to do with the entourage effect. This means that these three different cannabinoid compounds (THC, CBD, and CBG) work synergistically to create unique benefits and effects. 

For example, this special blend for our Flow State Gummies works to create a balanced, focused experience that supports creativity and mental clarity. This synergistic combination helps ease tension while gently elevating mood, making it ideal for mindful productivity or artistic flow. With its smooth onset and harmonious effects, Flow State Gummies are crafted for moments when you want to stay grounded yet inspired. 

Although some edibles will include non-psychoactive compounds such as CBD and CBG, don’t dismiss them as they serve an important role in creating a more balanced and pleasurable experience. 

How Long Does It Take For The Effects Of THC Edibles To Begin?

The timing of effects for edibles are vastly different from that of smoking, and this is important to remember. When you experience cannabis by way of smoking, the effects usually begin pretty quickly, sometimes within 2 minutes, and typically within 10 minutes. This is where those who are familiar with smoking - and translate that experience to edibles - can get into trouble. Edibles take much longer to kick in when compared to smoking - think 30 minutes up to 2 hours! This is why it is very important to give yourself a MINIMUM of 2 hours after taking an edible dose before considering adding more. “I don’t feel it yet” is not a valid reason to skip the 2 hour waiting period - period. Many beginners end up lamenting this reasoning. Remember, be a tortoise. 

It’s also important to take into consideration that tolerance, body weight, genetic factors, and metabolism, as well as how much you have eaten before consuming an edible, can have an impact on how fast the effects come on. 

How Long Do The Effects Of Edibles Last?

The duration of effects for edibles are also vastly different from that of smoking. When you experience cannabis by way of smoking, the duration of effects may last anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. However, the duration of effects from consuming cannabis edibles are much longer and can vary widely from 4 hours on the lower end, and topping out around 12 hours at the most. However, most users report effects lasting in the 4-8 hour range. 

Remember, tolerance, body weight, genetic factors, and metabolism, as well as how much you have eaten before consuming the edible, can also have an impact on how long the effects last. 

What If You Take Too Much?

The experience of taking too much of an edible can be unpleasant at the lower end of the scale, and totally panic-inducing on the higher end - no pun intended. If you do find that you’ve taken more than intended, or overestimated your comfortable dose, we have a few tips for you to help you get through…

• Remain Calm & Wait: We know, just saying to calm down doesn’t usually help in any distressing situation. But facts can. Did you know that although being too high can be extremely uncomfortable, it’s very rarely ever dangerous? So, one of the most important things you can do is remember that this discomfort WILL pass. This experience may feel completely overwhelming, but it is TEMPORARY. 
• Create A Relaxing Environment: You’ll want to find a space that’s comfortable to wait out the effects. During this time distraction is your friend, so it may be beneficial to watch a familiar tv show or movie, work on a puzzle, play a video game, do a simple task like sorting laundry, listen to relaxing music, or practice deep breathing. Also, if you can go to sleep, this can be a great way to ride out the storm.
• Drink Water & Eat A Snack: Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea - and avoid alcohol and caffeine. And, if you feel up to it, have a snack - maybe something with healthy fats. 
• Balance Effects With CBD: CBD can often help moderate and counteract the effects of THC, so if you have any CBD available - such as a tincture or gummy - take some as a supportive measure. 
• Reach Out For Support: Call a friend. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can be helpful. It’s even more helpful if you have a friend in person who can make sure you are drinking your water, provide you with snacks, and find a distracting movie to watch with you.

How Should You Prepare For Your First Edible Experience?

There are certain things you can do to prepare for a safe and enjoyable edible experience, especially if it’s your first time. 

• Clear Your Schedule: As mentioned before, the effects of edibles can last 4-8 hours on average. So it would be beneficial to have a full day or an entire evening with nothing planned and no responsibilities. 
• Create A Comfortable Setting: For your first edible experience, it’s usually best to be at home or at a trusted friend's house - somewhere you are comfortable and can relax. You can also gather some things based on the above section such as water and snacks, have movies or tv shows queued up, create a fun playlist, and maybe have your CBD tincture on standby. 
• Eat Something: When you take edibles on an empty stomach the effects can be intensified, so it’s best to have a meal with healthy fats before beginning. Having something in your stomach can regulate absorption and lower the intensity of the high - which is a good thing for your first experience. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your session. Don’t get dehydrated!
• The Edible Itself: Make sure you are starting with a beginner dose (1mg to 5mg). It’s also important that you have a trusted product with clear labeling so that you can rely on accurate dosing. 
• Be Patient: Don’t add a second dose too early. This is the most common beginner mistake. Wait a full 2 hours after your first dose to decide before adding a second.
• Be With A Friend: For your first edible session, having a friend with you (especially one who is educated about edibles) makes for a better experience. 

What Should I Look For When Purchasing Edibles?

Not all edibles are created equal. You want to know that the product you are purchasing is safe and reliable. Here are some important things to consider. 

• Third-Party Lab Testing: Reputable companies will have their products tested by a third-party laboratory. This type of testing is of utmost importance because it eliminates manufacturer bias, guarantees the accuracy of ingredients, and tests for harmful chemicals or contaminants. The lab report from these third-party companies is called a Certificate of Analysis (COA). When you are purchasing edibles, or any cannabis product, you should be able to easily access the COA for the product. If you can’t find it, that should be a red flag. 
• Proper Labeling: All edible products should be labeled properly and include information such as the exact THC content per serving, ingredient list, and manufacturer contact information. 
• Reputable Brand & Product Reviews: What brand is the edible listed under? Have you ever heard of them? Can you visit a website with more information? Does the product have customer reviews? All these questions are important in determining brand reliability. 

At WNC we check all those boxes, so when you purchase a product from us you can rest assured that we have all our products third-party lab tested and have easily accessible COA’s, we label all our products for reliable dosing, and we are a reputable brand with over 25,000 product reviews so you can find the right fit for your cannabis journey. 

Are All THC Edibles The Same?

No, not at all. There are many differences, which is why it is important to do your research. You could try 5 different edibles and have 5 different experiences. Once you have found edibles that have met the quality checks listed above - third-party lab testing, reputable brand, proper labeling, etc. - you may want to try a few different options so that you can dial in your preferences. 

Companies that offer variety bundles are perfect for this because you can try small amounts of different products to find your favorite. 

Let’s share some examples of how three different THC gummies from the same company can have vastly different effects. 

For example, this is a review of our 25mg Lemon Drop Live Resin Gummies, which is a sativa strain - “I eat one before I exercise and can go for hours without realizing it.”

And this is a review of our 25mg Citrus Cola Live Resin Gummies, which is a hybrid strain - “They can be taken in the evening to promote restful sleep or anytime you may need something that will reduce chronic pain during the day and be able to get things done without being overly sedating at the same time.”

And this is a review of our 25mg Black Raspberry Live Resin Gummies, which is an indica strain - “You will sleep like a log.” 

You can easily see the differences between the effects of Sativa, Hybrid, and Indica gummies in the examples above. But not all gummies have this designation. Some descriptions will say whether the gummy is for daytime or nighttime use, or will describe the effects such as fun, rest, balance, etc. And if you’re still unsure, read some reviews of the product and see what users have to say about the effects, or you can reach out to our customer service for help from an expert. Ironically, you may see reviews that contradict one another - one user reports the edible being good for sleep and another user says it's great for creative activities. Although edibles can have generalized effects, they are also individual. This is why it’s important to sample different products and find your right fit. 

How To Best Store Your Edibles?

To maintain quality and potency, edibles are best stored properly sealed in a cool, dark location away from heat and sunlight. Also, please ensure that edibles are stored in a secure location not accessible to children and pets. Although all of our products are in childproof packaging, it is essential that you store your edibles responsibly. 

What Edibles Would Y’all Recommend?

Here at WNC we have your edible needs covered - from beginner to experienced and everything in between. 

Beginner: Everyday Gummies (3mg Δ9 THC)

Intermediate: Flow State Gummies (10mg Δ9 THC)

Experienced: Deep Chill Gummies (25mg Δ9 THC)

Advanced: Deep Space Gummies (50mg Δ9 THC)

For Sharing: Kushies Chocolate Bars (10mg Δ9 THC per square, 100mg Δ9 THC per bar)

Special Treat: Chocolate Treats (15mg Δ9 THC)

Just For Fun: Krispy Rice Treats (25mg Δ9 THC) 

We’re Here To Support You

Is there something we missed? Do you still have questions? Would you like to chat with someone to guide you with your purchase? We’re real live humans and we’re here for you and all your cannabis needs. Call or email us and we would be delighted to connect with you.