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Start Low, Go Slow

Cannabis products come in many different forms and potencies (strengths). Because of this, it is possible to use too much. If you are trying a cannabis product for the first time, start with a low dose and use it slowly.

Potency: What to Know

The potency of THC in cannabis is often shown as a percentage of THC by weight (or by volume of an oil). THC potency in dried cannabis has increased from an average of 3% in the 1980s to around 15% today.

Some strains can have an average as high as 30% THC. Regular use of high-potency cannabis is linked with increased risk of addiction and psychosis.

Effects of Overconsumption

Overconsumption, or using too much, of cannabis can result in unpleasant effects, including extreme sedation/inability to move, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, rapid heartbeat, or respiratory depression.

Potency of Edible Cannabis Products

Many people know about the immediate psychoactive effect (high) associated with smoking cannabis, but may not know that the effects of edible cannabis products (often called “edibles”) happen much more slowly.

It can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin to feel the effects of edible cannabis, and up to 4 hours to feel the full effects.

The intoxicating effects of edible cannabis products can last up to 12 hours, so you could be affected the next day as well.