Guidelines for First-Time Edibles Users: Starting Low and Going Slow

When it comes to first-time users of edible products, particularly those with a significant dose like 150mg, the approach should be cautious and methodical. It's crucial to understand the impact and duration of the effect to ensure a safe and pleasant experience. Here are some key guidelines to follow to help beginners navigate their first edible usage effectively.

Experiment with a Smaller Dose

For starters, the initial recommendation is to experiment with a smaller dose. Taking 150mg in one go is risky, especially for a first-time user. Instead, divide the 150mg into smaller portions, ideally 1/4, which is about 37.5mg. This smaller dose allows you to gauge the effects without posing an immediate overdose risk.

Here's a step-by-step approach:

Eat a quarter of the 150mg portion. Wait at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) for the effects to kick in. After the 2.5-hour mark, evaluate how you feel. If you don't feel the desired effects, consider eating another 1/4 portion of the 150mg edibles.

Personal Factors and Moderation

The dosage also depends on your individual characteristics and how your body responds. If you naturally have a high tolerance for substances—such as smoking or drinking to excess—be prepared for a more intense experience. It's important to set realistic expectations based on your personal history and tolerance levels.

Some stoners might feel that one 150mg dose is insufficient and go for a higher dose, hoping for a more pronounced effect. However, doing this is highly dangerous and inadvisable. Just like with other drugs, overdose is a real possibility, and the consequences can be severe. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to err on the side of caution by starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing it if necessary.

Setting a Lower Starting Point

Another approach is to start very low for the first time. When using edibles for the first time, it's advisable to begin with a much smaller dose, such as 20mg. This is significantly lower than the standard starting point and provides a safer entry point. The impact of edibles is different from smoking or other methods, as it's much more potent and takes longer to kick in.

Here's how to navigate your first edible experience with a 20mg dose:

Eat 20mg of the edible and wait at least 1 to 2 hours to see the effects. If you feel that more assistance is needed, consider eating another 20mg after a further 15 minutes. However, be cautious not to exceed your comfort level.

Kingpin's Personal Experience

In the personal experience section, we can share insights from a seasoned user who has navigated similar scenarios. The following excerpt is from Skillit, a well-known community member who has a deep understanding of marijuana usage.

Start with 20 mg first. Edibles have a lot more kick to them than a joint does and impact is therefore greater. Also they last much longer in terms of the "high" like several hours. May take an hour or more for them to kick in. So the first time you use it take only 20 mg the first day and see how you handle it.

Conclusion

The key takeaway from these guidelines is to always start low and go slow. Whether you opt to divide a 150mg dose into quarters or use a lower starting point of 20mg, the principles remain the same. By taking the time to understand your body's reaction and adjusting the dosage accordingly, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience with edibles. Remember, moderation and caution are the pillars of safe usage.