Cannabis Dosing Guide

Why Dosing Matters

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your ideal dose depends on body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and consumption method. Taking too much won't cause lasting harm, but it can produce an uncomfortable experience — anxiety, nausea, or paranoia that may last several hours.

The single most important rule: start low and go slow.

How Illinois Tax Affects Product Choice

Illinois applies a tiered excise tax based on THC potency that directly impacts what you pay:

• 10% excise on flower and products below 35% THC — the lowest tier
• 20% excise on infused products (edibles, tinctures)
• 25% excise on concentrates and products above 35% THC — the highest tier

With state sales tax (6.25%) and local taxes (up to 7.5% in Chicago), total tax on concentrates in Chicago reaches approximately 41%. For beginners, this works in your favor: flower is taxed the least and is also the easiest product to dose.

Medical patients pay just 1% tax regardless of product type.

Edible Dosing Tiers

Illinois caps edible packaging at 100mg per package with 10mg per serving. Here's a general guide:

• Microdose (1–2.5mg): Minimal psychoactive effects. Mild mood elevation or focus. Cut a 10mg serving into quarters.
• Low dose (2.5–5mg): Noticeable but manageable effects. Light euphoria, relaxation. Recommended starting point for most new users.
• Standard dose (5–10mg): Clear psychoactive effects. Euphoria, altered perception, potential coordination impairment. One Illinois serving.
• High dose (10–25mg): Strong effects. Experienced users only. Significant impairment likely.
• Very high dose (25mg+): Intense effects. Not recommended for most consumers.

Dosing by Product Type

Flower (Smoking/Vaping Dry Herb)

Effects begin within 1–5 minutes and typically last 1–3 hours. Most Illinois flower ranges 15–30% THC and falls in the 10% excise tier — the most affordable option.

• Beginners: Take one small puff, wait 10–15 minutes, assess effects before taking another.
• A single puff of 20% flower delivers roughly 1–3mg of THC.
• Illinois eighths average $20–$40 before tax ($5.72/gram).

Vape Cartridges

Effects begin within 1–5 minutes and last 1–3 hours. Vape oil is more concentrated than flower, usually 70–90% THC, placing most cartridges in the 25% excise tier.

• Beginners: Take one short puff (1–2 seconds), wait 10–15 minutes.
• Each puff delivers approximately 2–5mg THC.

Edibles

Effects begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours and can last 4–8 hours or longer. Illinois caps servings at 10mg THC.

• Beginners: Start with 5mg — half an Illinois serving.
• Eating on a full stomach may delay onset. An empty stomach may intensify effects.
• Effects are processed through the liver, producing a stronger and longer-lasting experience than smoking.

Concentrates

Effects begin within seconds to minutes and are significantly more potent than flower. Concentrates typically contain 60–90% THC and carry the highest tax tier (25% excise + local = up to 41%).

• Not recommended for beginners. Even a small dab can deliver 25mg+ of THC.
• If you do try concentrates, start with the smallest possible amount (a grain-of-rice-sized piece).

Tinctures

Placed under the tongue, effects begin within 15–45 minutes and last 2–6 hours. Allows precise milligram dosing via the dropper.

• Beginners: Start with 2.5–5mg as marked on the dropper.
• Hold under the tongue for 30–60 seconds before swallowing for faster absorption.

Finding Your Dose

Dosing is personal. Consider keeping a simple log of what you consumed, how much, and how you felt. Key factors that affect your response:

• Tolerance: Regular users need higher doses. New users should always start at the lowest tier.
• Body weight and metabolism: Influence how quickly and intensely you feel effects, especially with edibles.
• Food intake: Edibles on an empty stomach hit harder and faster.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated. Cannabis can cause dry mouth.