How High Do You Want To Fly?
The market for cannabis edibles is evolving into two main camps—high vs. low dose—but who should and likely does opt for which camp may surprise you.
Some of the divergence is being shaped by the industry itself.
Either you’re being marketed low 3 mg-dose seltzers as someone who may want to take the edge off after a rough day at the office followed by a chaser of family dinner, or you’re in the target demo for 100 mg gummies that will turn your brain inside out before sending you into space to frolic with (hopefully imaginary) purple pygmy goats.
Plus, there is an increased interest in treating—formally or informally—a range of maladies with cannabis. At the same time, plenty of people reach for cannabis simply to feel good.
An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (88%) want to see cannabis legalized for medical or recreational use, and most (57%) believe it should be legal for both, according to the Pew Research Center.
As of now, though, the FDA has only approved one cannabis-derived drug (Epidiolex) for the treatment of seizures and three synthetic cannabis-related drugs (Marinol, Syndros and Cesamet) for the treatment of anorexia and chemotherapy-associated nausea, both available by prescription from a healthcare provider.
But because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, research into cannabis has been extremely restricted. While that may change as a proposal to reclassify cannabis as a lower-risk substance is approved, knowing how much cannabis to take (and how, and when, and how often, for what) essentially remains a black box to many consumers.
So what’s the deal? Is a 3 mg seltzer right for bringing to the party or helping you sleep? And what should you do if you want to try to address chronic pain? We reached out to producers and experts to find out more.
Beginners Beware + Consider the Format
The first thing any less-experienced user should keep in mind is starting small.
“Our tagline is ‘Know Your Dose,’” says Roberta Wilson, co-founder of Dr. Norm’s, an L.A.-based cannabis baked goods company that offers low- and higher-dose edibles like the fast-acting cannabis infused Sleepwell line of gummies and the 100-mg Peanut Butter Brownie. “Just as it is imperative to know how many drinks you can have before you’re no longer able to drive a car, you have to know how much cannabis you can consume to have a reliable, consistent and positive experience.”
This is particularly important when it comes to edibles considering their longer onset times.
You also need to think about the format. Edibles take longer to kick in, but they also last longer—something to keep in mind if you’re just hoping for quick relief that tapers off or a more prolonged high.
“Edibles produce a more sustained effect than other methods of cannabis consumption,” says Kirsti Palmer, co-founder and president of Kiva Confections, a line of weed edibles available in gummies, mints, bites and chews. “This is because, when eaten, the cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, THCV) are metabolized and converted by the liver, which is not the case with smoking or vaping.”
When you eat your cannabis, in other words, you can expect a long-term whole-body effect that will last longer, usually four to six hours but up to 24 if you take a higher dose than your body can process. It can take anywhere between 15 minutes and two hours to kick in, depending on your metabolism, height, weight, the food in your system and your cannabis tolerance.
“For beginners, we recommend starting small with 2.5 mg of THC or less and waiting two hours for the full effects before consuming more,” Palmer advises.
High vs. Low Dose
Who should reach for a 50 mg+ dose of cannabis, vs. 2 mg?
“A low-dose user might be looking for functional relief while maintaining the ability to go about their day effectively,” says Matthew Janz, director of marketing for The Source, a Nevada-based cannabis brand. “On the flip side, the high-dose consumer may be someone with high-level needs of severe pain management, appetite stimulation or to aid in the symptoms of a chronic disease.”
Or they may simply have built up a tolerance.
Craig Henderson, founder and CEO of the wellness-oriented Extract Labs CBD, agrees, adding that lower-dose consumers also tend to appeal to the 30+ demographic, while higher-dose options get snapped up by younger partiers.
“Low-dose products like under-5 mg seltzers and snacks go to groups seeking milder, more controlled experiences, whether it’s relaxation, help sleeping, recreation or managing mental and physical health issues,” Henderson notes. “They’re often looking for balance and well-being.”
But higher-dose products are sought after by younger consumers looking for intense experiences or by older people with significant medical needs.
“These users aren’t necessarily looking to get high but need substantial pain relief,” he says.
Cannabis may deliver the mental boost, a fun party or deep and long-term pain relief you want and need—but it may not be in the form or dose a marketer thinks you want and need.
Bottom line with any new drug, whether it’s prescribed or not, is starting small and monitoring how your body reacts in the moment, in the next several hours and even the next day. And always update your doctors on how much you’re taking and how often.
