When people talk about high potency edibles, they are often looking for powerful, long-lasting effects. But really what makes an edible “high potency”?
Here’s a quick overview:
- What defines high-potency? An edible is generally considered high-potency if it contains more than 20-30mg of THC per piece, with some options exceeding 50mg or 100mg.
- How should you dose them safely? Beginners should try 5-10mg of THC, while intermediate users might explore 15-30mg. Doses above 50mg are typically for expert users.
- What is the typical timeline for effects? Edibles usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, with peak effects at 2 to 4 hours. The experience can last up to 8 hours.
Generally, anything above 20-30mg of THC per piece is considered high-potency, with some products offering 50mg, 100mg, or more per piece or package.
For users with high tolerances or specific therapeutic needs, a larger initial dose is often required to achieve the desired effect.
The Science Behind the Strength
When you consume an edible, THC travels through your digestive system to the liver. There, an enzyme converts Delta-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC.
This new compound, 11-hydroxy-THC, is significantly more potent and has a longer half-life than Delta-9-THC. This metabolic process is why edibles produce a more profound, long-lasting “body high” compared to smoking.
The delayed onset and extended duration are direct results of your body digesting and metabolizing the edible.
A higher milligram (mg) count of THC in a product means more is available for conversion, leading to potentially stronger psychoactive effects.
Factors That Influence Your Experience
The milligram count is a starting point, but personal factors will shape your experience too:
- Individual Tolerance: A regular cannabis consumer will have a much higher tolerance than a beginner. A dose that is mild for an expert could be overwhelming for a novice.
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism may lead to a quicker onset and shorter duration, while a slower metabolism can mean a longer wait but a more extended experience.
- Body Weight: People with higher body weights may require a larger dose to feel the same effects as someone with a lower body weight.
- Diet and Recent Food Intake: An empty stomach can lead to a faster, more intense onset. A light meal beforehand can create a smoother experience, and fatty foods may improve THC absorption.
- Set and Setting: Your mindset and environment are crucial. A comfortable, positive setting improves the experience, while stress or an unfamiliar environment can amplify negative feelings. Always create a calm, safe space.
High Potency Edibles
Here’s a look at which categorize you can browse to find high potency edibles at Stoops NYC.
Gummies are a favorite for being portable, tasty, and easy to dose.
Chocolates offer a luxurious experience. The fat in chocolate can help with THC absorption, and bars are usually scored for easy dosing.
Baked goods like brownies and cookies offer a classic, comforting experience. While dosing can be a challenge with larger portions, many are now pre-portioned.
Dissolvables are powders or tablets that dissolve in your mouth or a drink. They often have a faster onset as some THC is absorbed sublingually.
Non-Alcoholic Cannabis Drinks are popular for social settings, offering a familiar consumption method with products like infused sodas and teas.
Benefits for Experienced Users
When to choose high potency edibles over lower doses?
Chronic pain management: Edibles may offer long-lasting relief, allowing a single morning dose to provide comfort throughout the day.
Sleep issues: For serious insomnia, a stronger edible can be more effective than a low-dose option, helping users fall and stay asleep for restorative rest.
Stress and anxiety relief: While highly personal, some find that higher doses provide full-body relaxation. However, for others, it may increase anxiety.
Long-lasting effects: The sustained effects, often lasting 6 to 8 hours or more, are ideal for prolonged relief or extended recreational experiences.
Safety Tips
Understanding Your Tolerance: Tolerance changes with frequency of use. If you’ve taken a break from cannabis, your tolerance will be lower.
Start with a moderate dose even if you’ve tried edibles in the past. Our edibles for beginners guide offers more tips.
The Edible Timeline: Onset, Peak, and Duration
- Onset Time (30 minutes to 2 hours): You’ll start to feel effects within this window. It can be faster on an empty stomach or with fast-acting products. Be patient and do not redose early.
- Peak Effects (2 to 4 hours after consumption): This is when the effects are strongest and can last for a couple of hours.
- Total Duration (Up to 8+ hours): The entire experience can last 6 to 8 hours or more, with some lingering effects possible, especially with high doses.
- Comedown: The effects will gently lessen as the THC leaves your system.
Always wait for the full effects to appear before considering another dose. Patience is the key to avoiding overconsumption.
Best Practices for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience
- Create a comfortable environment: Choose a safe, familiar, and relaxing place. Avoid new or stressful settings, especially when trying a stronger product for the first time.
- Stay hydrated and have a friend: Keep water nearby and consider having a sober friend with you for support, especially if you’re inexperienced.
- Eat a light meal beforehand: An empty stomach can intensify effects. A light meal can lead to a smoother, more gradual experience.
- Store properly: Keep edibles in a cool, dark, airtight container to maintain freshness. Most importantly, use childproof packaging and store them well out of reach of children and pets.
Always purchase from a licensed source to ensure quality and accurate labeling. Following these practices sets the stage for a positive, controlled experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I consume too much THC?
It’s a common worry. If you consume too much THC, while it can be uncomfortable and overwhelming, it is not fatal. The feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or nausea are temporary and will pass.
Here’s what to do to get through it:
- Stay Calm & Find a Safe Space: Remind yourself the feeling is temporary. Move to a quiet, comfortable room and lie down if needed.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol. A sugary drink might help you feel more grounded.
- Try a Simple Remedy: Some people find sniffing or chewing black peppercorns helps, as they contain a terpene that may temper THC’s effects. Taking a dose of a CBD-only product can also help modulate the intensity.
- Distract Yourself: Listen to calming music, watch a comforting show, or get some fresh air. Shifting your focus can make a big difference.
- Stay Safe: Do not drive or operate machinery. Focus on your comfort until the effects fade.
How do I choose the right strength of high potency edibles for my tolerance?
Choosing the right edible strength is a personal journey of learning how your body reacts to cannabis. There’s no single answer, but here is how to find your sweet spot.
First, assess your experience level. Are you new to cannabis, an occasional user, or a frequent consumer with a high tolerance? Your answer is your starting point.
Start with the lowest possible dose (2.5mg-5mg). Even with a high tolerance, a small amount is the safest bet when trying a new product, as edibles affect the body differently than inhaled cannabis.
Gradually increase your dosage over multiple sessions. If 5mg wasn’t enough one day, try 7.5mg or 10mg the next time. This helps you safely learn how each dose affects you.
Consider consulting with a budtender who can walk you through our selection of edibles.
How long should I wait before taking a second dose?
Always wait at least 2 hours before considering a second dose.
Edible onset time ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you don’t feel anything after an hour, your body is likely still processing the first dose.
Taking a second dose too soon leads to “stacking,” where both doses hit at once, causing an unpleasantly intense experience. This is the most common cause of overconsumption.
To prevent this, be patient.
It is always better to feel less than you wanted and adjust your dose next time than to take too much and have a bad experience. Trust the timeline and give your body the time it needs.
Grab Edibles in NYC
- Respect the potency: A little goes a long way.
- Dose carefully: Understand milligrams and portion your edibles to find your ideal dose.
- Be patient: Wait at least two hours before redosing to account for the delayed onset.
- Know your body and prioritize safety: Listen to your body, store products securely away from children and pets, and choose a safe environment for consumption.
Stoops NYC offers edibles in Manhattan’s Flatiron District 7-days a week. We’re known for high-quality lab-tested products with reliable label information.
We invite you to shop our edibles menu and experience our shop.