How Much THC Is Needed to Avoid Going Overboard? A Look at the Research
Debates continue within California’s cannabis community about a question that’s been around since legalization began: what exactly is considered “too much” when it comes to THC dosage? What’s the optimal strength for cannabis edibles? Typically, edibles are sold in packages containing 500 mg of THC or more. Dispensaries consider this a reasonable amount, though packages often warn beginners to start slow and try a small piece first to gauge their body’s reaction.
California cannabis regulators believe that 100 mg of THC per package is sufficient. If a patient is experiencing severe pain, instead of eating six cookies, it’s better to take a few drops of concentrated cannabis oil. But, as usual, few people listen to the experts.
According to a study published in a journal focused on alcohol and drug dependence, the optimal dose of THC for a typical person to relax is just 7.5 mg. If the dose is increased to 12.5 mg, there’s a high chance of experiencing stress and anxiety. This essentially defeats the main purpose of cannabis—to relieve tension.
Chicago Study: Low vs. High THC Doses
Business Insider reported on an experiment conducted at the University of Chicago. Researchers invited 42 people aged 18 to 40 who occasionally use cannabis. Participants received capsules containing either a low dose of 7.5 mg THC, a high dose of 12.5 mg, or a placebo. Two and a half hours after taking the capsules, volunteers were asked to complete a series of tasks: a mock job interview, simple math problems, casual conversation, and a game of solitaire. Their stress levels were measured throughout.
The study found that participants who took the higher THC dose performed less calmly, and their irritation levels increased with task difficulty. Those who took the lower 7.5 mg dose had the opposite result—they felt more comfortable.
Real-World THC Dosages: A Mismatch
The problem is that most products sold in dispensaries don’t match either the low or high THC doses used in the study. Business Insider noted that just a few puffs from a typical joint deliver more THC than a 1,000 mg “black bar” Korova chocolate (containing 1.25% THC), considered one of the strongest edibles on the market, and more than 12.5% of California’s recommended 100 mg maximum per package.
According to market standards, “mild” edibles contain 25 to 50 mg of THC, while 2.5 mg is considered a “microdose.” In reality, some consumers ingest enough THC in one sitting to knock out a small village.
Limitations of the Research
It’s also difficult to fully evaluate such experiments because participants consumed capsules with pure THC—no other cannabinoids or terpenes were present. Yet, it’s well known that the combined effect of THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes influences the mind and body. For example, cannabis flowers contain significant amounts of myrcene, a terpene with calming properties, which may alter the overall effect.
So, while 13 mg of pure THC might be overwhelming, half that dose could help you relax and go about your day. The researchers themselves admit that more studies are needed. It’s possible that consumers are using cannabis products whose composition is nearly impossible to replicate in a lab.
“These studies examine the properties of cannabis and its pharmacological components under specific conditions because the main goal is to understand how widely it can be used for both medical and non-medical purposes,” wrote lead researcher Emma Childs in a press release. “Unfortunately, existing restrictions make it very difficult to conduct comprehensive research.”
Individual Tolerance and Dosage
Another challenge is that the human body quickly adapts to cannabis. A dose that could overwhelm a casual user might feel like nothing to a regular consumer. That’s why medical cannabis advocates argue that patients with severe pain don’t need to eat an entire package of cookies to get relief.
So, is 100 mg of THC too little or is 500 mg too much? Neither science nor manufacturers have a definitive answer yet. It all depends on the circumstances.