Potency of Cannabis Edibles

Last updated December 13, 2024 | Published on April 28, 2021

Figuring out the right potency for you when it comes to cannabis edibles can be a challenge, especially if you’re a new consumer. Edibles can produce stronger effects than you expect, because of how they are processed in the body. Whether you’re making edibles yourself or grabbing them from an Authorized Cannabis Store, here’s what you need to know. 

Types of edibles

Cannabis edibles and infused beverages come in many different forms and flavours, ranging from sweet to sour to savoury. Some of the options include:  

• gummies, also called soft chews 

• hard candies  

• chocolates  

• brownies  

• cookies, biscuits and other baked goods  

• iced teas and lemonades  

• sodas and other carbonated beverages  

• teas and coffees 

• beverage mixes and powders  

How much of a cannabis edible should I consume? 

The way you consume cannabis will alter the onset, duration and intensity of effects, so if you are trying edibles for the first time, start low and go slow. 

Because some edibles have one serving per package and others multiple, be sure to read the entire package label to know how much THC is in the edible you’re planning to consume and to find the best product for you. 

Unlike smoking dried cannabis, which can produce effects within minutes, the effects from consuming cannabis-infused products can be delayed from 30 minutes up to three hours. This delay happens because when cannabis is ingested, the  THC and other active ingredients in the product enter the body through the digestive tract. They are then absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where they’re metabolized and released back into the bloodstream. These active ingredients then enter the brain and the rest of the central nervous system, potentially producing an effect.  

It’s at this point that you would feel the potential effect of the edible. This delay doesn’t happen when smoking dried cannabis because the active ingredients are absorbed by the blood in the lungs and move quickly to the brain, which produces an almost immediate effect. 

Some edibles are labelled “fast acting” or “quick onset” and are intended to have a faster onset of effects. These products are absorbed earlier in the digestive system and tend not to last as long. Again, be sure to read the label carefully to know what you’re getting. 

To avoid overconsumption, start with a very small amount and wait at least two hours to see how it affects your body before ingesting more.

Because digestion delays the onset of effects of edible cannabis products, there is the potential for overconsumption. To avoid consuming too much, start with a very small amount (2.5 mg of THC or less).  

 This is especially important if you are trying a new product. Make sure to wait at least two hours to see how it affects your body before taking more. 

And remember: The intensity and longevity of the effects produced by edible cannabis products depend on factors such as your weight and sex, amount of food ingested prior to consumption and your metabolic rate. 

Tips for safely consuming edibles

Here are some ways to help you manage the potency and dosage of cannabis edibles.  

• Learn your tolerance. If you’re new to edibles, it’s hard to know how your body will react. Start with small doses of low-THC edibles to understand your tolerance. 

• Choose edibles with lower THC to CBD ratios. If you’re new to buying and consuming cannabis or unsure of your tolerance, try a product that has a low THC to CBD potency ratio, or choose edibles with lower amounts of THC per piece. 

• Start low and go slow. Begin with a low dosage, especially if you’re new to edibles. You can gradually increase the amount based on your experience. Make sure to wait before increasing your dose, as it can take up to two hours for the effects to become apparent.    

• Read the labels. The packaging of all legal cannabis states the CBD and THC content. For edibles, this is indicated as milligrams per unit. Learn more about understanding the cannabinoid content on product labels.  

Why should I buy legal cannabis edibles?

Legal cannabis is a highly regulated substance in Canada — and that’s a good thing. Regulation is what guarantees that cannabis products are produced, manufactured, packaged and sold in a consistent and transparent way that keeps you informed and safe. 

Accurate THC and CBD potency 

When you purchase an edible cannabis product from the legal market, either through OCS.ca or an Authorized Cannabis Store, you can be sure the THC and CBD content in the product is correct. To prevent overconsumption, current regulations allow for no more than 10 mg of THC in a package. Edibles that are available through the illegal market are unregulated, and may contain harmful substances, such microbial or chemical contaminants, and in some cases much higher concentrations of THC than advertised. 

Accurate THC and CBD potency 

Health Canada does not allow the sale of products that are meant to appeal to youth and, therefore, every legal cannabis product is packaged in plain, child-safe, tamper-proof packaging. 

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