Edibles and Beverages: What is a dose?

Last updated May 26, 2025 | Published on May 26, 2025

Cannabis-infused edibles and beverages offer a convenient way to consume cannabis. Whether you want to go smokeless, ensure you’re getting a precise dose or try a tasty sip or snack, these products offer a wide range of flavours, formats and cannabinoids to suit your preferences.

This guide will help you make informed choices about consuming cannabis edibles and beverages, so you can find the experience that’s right for you.

What are cannabis-infused edibles and beverages?

Cannabis edibles and beverages are foods and drinks that have been infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids. Some of the products available for sale on the legal cannabis market in Ontario include:

• sweet and sour gummies
• chocolates and truffles
• cookies, brownies and other baked goods
• savoury snacks
• sparkling and still waters
• tea bags and coffee mixes
• flavoured carbonated beverages, sodas and seltzers
• beverage powder mixes

How edibles and beverages work

When you eat or drink a cannabis-infused product, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are absorbed through your digestive system and processed by your liver before entering your bloodstream. This means the active ingredient takes longer to kick in compared to when cannabis is inhaled — when you smoke cannabis, the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream almost immediately. The timing and intensity of the effects you experience can be influenced by a lot of factors, including the amount of THC in the product, your metabolism and mood, and even what you’ve eaten that day.

What to expect when consuming edibles and beverages

Here’s some general guidance on how edibles and beverages may affect you.

• Onset: You’ll typically start to feel the effects of cannabis 30 minutes to two hours after consuming an edible or beverage. Products labelled “fast-acting” or “quick onset” or made using nanoemulsion may have a faster onset.
• Peak: Effects are usually strongest two to four hours after ingestion.
• Duration: Effects can last anywhere from four to 12 hours, with some effects lasting up to 24 hours, depending on your metabolism, the amount of THC in the product and other factors.

Because cannabis edibles take longer to work than inhaled products like dried flower, and last much longer, it’s especially important to start low and go slow. Begin with small amounts of THC, such as 2.5 mg, which Health Canada suggests as a standard dose, and wait at least two hours before consuming more. This approach helps you avoid overconsumption and reduces the risk of unpleasant or overwhelming effects, especially if you’re new to edibles or trying a product for the first time.

What is a standard dose of THC?

In Canada, 2.5 mg of THC is considered a standard dose. This isn’t a recommended amount for everyone, but it acts as a helpful reference, like a “serving size” on a nutrition label. This makes it easier for you to read labels and make informed choices. For example, a package containing 10 mg of THC is equivalent to four standard doses of 2.5 mg each. Some edible products are already divided into these single servings. Others contain more THC per piece and you may have to break them into smaller pieces to get your desired dose.

A quick note on packaging: Each immediate container (such as a single package of edibles or a single beverage) of legal cannabis edibles and beverages may contain up to 10 mg of THC. Multipacks may include several of these containers, with a total THC content that’s equivalent to up to 30 grams of dried cannabis.

Always check the product label to know both the total THC in the package and the amount per piece, so you can confidently manage your experience.

Find more ways to reduce your risk of the adverse health and social impacts of cannabis consumption.

What if I don’t feel anything?

If you don’t feel anything from consuming edibles or beverages right away, don’t worry. It’s normal for effects to take up to two hours to be felt, so resist the urge to consume more THC within that window. Taking too much too quickly can result in stronger, longer-lasting effects than you might expect. Your ideal dose may be higher than 2.5 mg, but it’s safest to gradually increase your dose over time.

How to consume edibles safely

Edibles and beverages also have unique safety considerations. Because they have a slower onset and longer-lasting effects, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time. Always store edibles in their original, child-resistant packaging and keep them out of reach of children and pets, since many edibles look and taste like regular snacks or sweets.

For a safer, more comfortable experience:

• Start with 2.5 mg THC, especially if you’re new to consuming edibles or beverages.
• Wait at least two hours before considering another dose.
• Store edibles securely in their original packaging, away from children and pets.
• Consider set and setting — choose a safe, comfortable environment for your first experience with edibles.

What to do if you’ve consumed too much

Consuming too much THC can lead to unpleasant short-term effects, both physically and mentally, including anxiety, paranoia and panic. The good news is these effects, while uncomfortable, are temporary and will pass. While you wait, stay calm, hydrate, eat a snack and relax in a safe place. Distraction techniques such as listening to music or watching TV can also help. If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, panic attacks or loss of contact with reality, seek immediate medical attention.

Making informed choices around consuming cannabis-infused edibles and beverages can help you avoid overconsumption and have a safer, more enjoyable experience. Remember to start low and go slow, consume in a safe environment and always read product labels thoroughly to understand the dose you’re consuming.