How many mg of edible should you take?

Maryland’s mg limits

A single edible serving in Maryland cannot carry more than 10 mg of THC, and a package cannot carry more than 100 mg total, with each serving physically separated. One serving can be the full 10 mg, so a smaller start means using only part of a serving. That is state regulation, not a shop’s choice.

Higher-potency edibles, up to 40 mg per serving and 400 mg per package, exist only with special approval from the Maryland Cannabis Administration, and they can only be sold to registered patients and caregivers, not adult-use customers.

Why an edible is not like smoking

Smoked or vaped cannabis reaches your blood in minutes. Eaten cannabis has to go through your digestive system first, so it typically peaks one to two hours after you eat it, with effects usually starting somewhere between 30 and 90 minutes in.

Once it does hit, it lasts a lot longer than smoking does, commonly four to twelve hours from a single dose. Plan your evening around that timeline.

How much to start with

There is no official state-set beginner dose. Many Maryland dispensaries and consumer guides suggest new users start around 2.5 mg or less and wait at least two hours before taking any more. Treat that as general information, not medical advice.

Why "it didn’t work"

A common experience is thinking an edible did nothing and taking more before the first dose has peaked. Effects usually start 30 to 90 minutes after eating. Effects usually start 30 to 90 minutes after you eat it, and THC in the blood typically peaks one to two hours after eating. Give it the full window before deciding anything.

The second-gummy mistake

This is the pattern that gets people into trouble: the first dose has not peaked yet, it still feels like nothing, so a second dose goes in on top of it. A common experience is taking more before the first dose has peaked, so the two doses can overlap and feel much stronger than either would alone.

If you have taken too much

It usually passes with time, even when it feels uncomfortable. Get somewhere safe, sip water, eat something if you can, and rest; do not drive. Seek medical help right away for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or symptoms that feel severe. The Maryland Poison Center can also walk you through what to expect at 1-800-222-1222.

The state cannabis agency puts it plainly: pay attention to how much THC is in a product, because higher amounts are not automatically better and can lead to an uncomfortable experience.