Delta 9 THC Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?

If you’re new to delta 9 THC, you might be wondering how much you should take to get the effects you want. It’s a psychoactive cannabinoid, and there aren’t any formal dosing guidelines. 

Thankfully, we do have anecdotal evidence about what works for most people. 

If you’re new to delta 9, you can start by taking 2-5mg of delta 9 at a time. More experienced users can take 10-30mg of delta 9. For a more precise dose, a good rule of thumb is to multiply your body weight by 0.05 – this formula will render a low-strength delta 9 dosage (in milligrams). 

There’s more to know, though. Based on our experience serving thousands of customers, we created a delta 9 dosage chart, guide, and calculator to help you find your ideal dose. 

What is Delta 9?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 THC) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. 

Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the well-known psychoactive effects of cannabis. It’s associated with feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and it’s also been researched for its potential therapeutic benefits for pain, sleep, nausea, and more. 

While cannabis products are federally illegal, delta 9 by itself is legal if it’s derived from hemp, a variant of the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp products contain less than 0.3% THC by weight and are legal under the Farm Bill. 

How Much Delta 9 Should You Take to Get High?

We generally recommend starting with a small dose of delta 9, then adjusting based on your response and desired effects. 

For most people, a dose of 5-10mg of delta 9 is enough to feel noticeable euphoria and relaxation. Beginners may feel a high with as little as 2-5mg of delta 9 per day, while you might need 15-20mg of delta 9 or more if you’re more experienced with psychoactive cannabinoids. 

Ultimately, start with less than you think you need and assess how you feel before taking more. 

While these doses are a good starting place, though, keep in mind that the exact amount that’s right for you will depend on a number of factors, including your body weight, why you’re taking delta 9, the presence of other cannabinoids, your tolerance, and your body chemistry. 

Using a weight-based dosage formula, as we do with our delta 9 dosage calculator, can help you tailor your dose to your body. However, keep in mind that the other factors will still influence that amount. 

Effects of Different Delta 9 Dosage Sizes

Different delta 9 dosage sizes will render different effects. Here’s a look at how different doses might make you feel:

• Microdose (1-2mg THC): Subtle relaxation and mental balance. 
• Low Dose (2-5mg THC): Mild euphoria and relaxation. 
• Moderate Dose (5-10 mg THC): Enhanced sensory perception and joy.
• High Dose (10-25 mg THC): Strong euphoria and deep relaxation.
• Very High Dose (25-50 mg+ THC): Profound relief and intense euphoria for experienced users.

Keep in mind that the exact effects at each dose size can be influenced by factors like body weight, metabolism, and tolerance. 

We always recommend you start with a low dose of THC if you’re new to it, and consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns or are using delta 9 products like delta 9 THC gummies for a specific condition. 

How Much Delta 9 Should You Take the First Time?

If you’re new to delta 9, we recommend taking a low dose of 2-5mg to get a feel for how it affects you. 

Wait for at least 1 hour (longer if you’ve eaten) to assess the effects and decide whether you should take more or less the next time. 

Because delta 9 is psychoactive and has potential adverse effects, it’s always best to start slow until you know how it makes you feel. 

Delta 9 Dosage Calculator

Delta 9 Dosage Chart by Weight

Delta 9 Dosage by Product Type

There are many different ways you can take delta 9, and there are unique dosing considerations associated with each:

• Delta 9 Gummies: With a bioavailability of 10-20%, edibles like delta 9 gummies and delta 9 candies are one of the best consumption methods when it comes to customizing your dose. Gummies offer consistency since each piece has the same amount of delta 9, and you can simply cut them into halves or quarters if you want a smaller amount.
• Delta 9 Flower & Vapes: Flower and vapes have higher bioavailability at 40-50% and act quickly, but dosing is harder to control. Potency can vary from puff to puff, and you can’t easily measure how much delta 9 you’ve inhaled. The best approach is to start with a single hit, wait a few minutes, and adjust gradually until you achieve your preferred effect.
• Delta 9 Capsules: Capsules work similarly to edibles, with about 10-20% bioavailability, but dosing is less flexible. Each piece contains a fixed amount of delta 9 that can’t be split into smaller servings. This makes them convenient for consistent use, but harder to adjust if you want to take a smaller dose. 
• Delta 9 Oils & Tinctures: Oils and tinctures, at 20-30% bioavailability, are the most precise option for dosing. They’re taken under the tongue with a dropper, allowing you to measure down to the exact milligram. You can easily start low, like a quarter or half dropper, and slowly increase until you find your sweet spot. The main challenge is determining how many milligrams are in each dropper based on your product’s strength.

How Much Delta 9 is Too Much?

Generally speaking, doses of delta 9 in excess of 30mg are too much for beginners, although if you’re more experienced with delta 9, this may be a comfortable dose. 

While taking too much delta 9 isn’t a pleasant experience, it’s not fatal. Side effects may include:

• Dizziness & lightheadedness
• Paranoia & anxiety
• An increase in heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Inability to concentrate
• Nausea

To avoid taking too much delta 9, start small and slowly increase your dosage based on how you feel.

What to Do If You Take Too Much Delta 9

If you’ve taken too much delta 9, there are a few things you can to steady yourself while the effects wear off:

• CBD: Like THC, CBD is a cannabinoid in hemp. When taken in conjunction with delta 9, it tend to remove THC’s inebriating effects while enhancing its desired effects (i.e. mental and physical relaxation). Our delta 9 gummies feature a 10:1 ratio of CBD:THC to bring you all of the effects you want and none of the ones you don’t. 
• Hydration: Drinking water can help your system process the delta 9, helping you feel better sooner. 
• Food: Eating something, especially foods high in fat, can help you body metabolize the THC more quickly.
• Rest: Many times, sleeping is one of the best ways to let the effects wear off. 
• Distraction: A great way to take your mind off the discomfort is simply to engage in an enjoyable, calming activity like watching a show or listening to music.

Remember, the effects are temporary and will typically pass within a few hours. However, if you feel severely unwell, it’s important to seek medical attention.

How to Ensure a Good Experience with Delta 9

To have the absolute best experience with delta 9, consider these factors:

• Environment: Pick a setting where you feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable.
• Company: Being with trusted friends can make the experience more fun and supportive.
• Dosage: Start with a small amount, especially if you’re new. Give it time before taking more.
• Hydration: Keep water or a refreshing drink nearby so you stay comfortable.
• Snacks: Light snacks are great for enhancing the experience or balancing things out if needed.
• Activities: Line up some low-key fun, like music, movies, or just hanging out.
• Time: Make sure you’ve got space in your schedule so you can enjoy without stress.

With these steps in place, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable delta 9 experience.

Factors Influencing Your Delta 9 Dosage 

We’ve briefly discussed the different personal factors that will affect how delta 9 makes you feel – and help you determine how much you should be taking. 

Here’s a more in-depth look at these factors:

• Body Weight: Your weight will determine how much delta 9 you need to take to achieve your desired effects; it stands to reason that people with larger bodies will need to take more for it to circulate effectively. Many clinical studies base cannabinoid doses on weight. 
• Use Case: If you’re taking delta 9 therapeutically (e.g. for sleep, discomfort, etc.), we recommend taking just enough to feel the relief you need, then stopping there. On the other hand, if you’re trying to determine the best delta 9 dosage to get high, you’ll want to experiment more to find what dose gives you the sensation you’re looking for. 
• Cannabinoid Blend/Strain: You often won’t be taking delta 9 in isolation – it will be mixed with other cannabinoids in a gummy, or it might be part of a hemp flower strain that you’re consuming. Other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, will influence the effects of delta 9. Cannabidiol (CBD) tends to reduce the inebriating aspects of delta 9 (CBD and THC are a common combination in delta 9 sleep gummies), while cannabigerol (CBG) tends to make the experience more uplifting. 
• Tolerance: If you take  psychoactive cannabinoids on a regular basis, you’ve probably built up a tolerance to delta 9. If this is the case, you might need more than the recommended starting dosage to get the effects you need or want. 
• Body Chemistry: Everyone’s body chemistry is unique, and your metabolism and other individual factors will determine how delta 9 influences you. This highlights the need for experimenting with your doses. 

Delta 9 Dosage: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about delta 9 dosage. 

How much delta 9 should you take?

Most people start with 2-5mg of delta 9 THC to see how their body responds. Experienced users may take higher amounts, but beginners should start low and go slow.

How many mg of delta 9 should you start with?

A good starting point is 2-5mg. Wait at least 1 hour before taking more, especially with edibles, since effects can take time to kick in.

Is 5mg of delta 9 a lot?

For new users, 5mg is a standard beginner dose and can feel strong. If you’re more experienced, 5mg is considered a light/low-strength dose. 

How much delta 9 do you need to take to feel high?

Most people feel noticeable euphoria around 5-10mg of delta 9 THC, though tolerance, body weight, and metabolism can change this.

Delta 9 dosage vs. THC dosage?

Delta 9 is the main type of THC (i.e. the THC most prominent in cannabis), so delta 9 dosage is measured the same as THC dosage. 

When people say “THC dosage,” they’re usually referring to delta 9 THC unless otherwise specified.

Is 500 mg of delta 9 a lot?

Yes. 500mg of delta 9 is an extremely high amount and far beyond typical use. Most people feel strong effects at 20-50mg, making 500mg unsafe for most situations.

How much delta 9 should you take for sleep?

Many people find 5-10mg helpful for sleep, though some may need a little more depending on tolerance. Start low and gradually increase to avoid next-day grogginess.

How much delta 9 should you take for relaxation?

Around 2-10mg is enough for relaxation for most users. Smaller doses tend to provide calm without heavy inebriation. 

How long does delta 9 last in your system?

If you only take delta 9 occasionally, it will clear your system in just a week. If you take delta 9 frequently, it may stay in your system for up to a month.