Shopping for cannabis online can feel like a guessing game if you don’t know how to read a label. Without a budtender to guide you, you’re left to decipher milligrams, percentages, and serving sizes on your own. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down so you can shop smarter, feel confident about your dosage, and get the experience you’re looking for.

Why Understanding THC Labels Matters

Unlike flower, where effects can be a little more flexible based on how much you smoke, edibles deliver a precise dose of THC. That means every milligram counts. If you’re not paying attention to the label, you might take way more (or way less) than you intended.

What to Look for on a Cannabis Label

Most cannabis edibles include key pieces of information that help you understand their potency:

• Total THC Content: This tells you how much THC is in the entire package. If a chocolate bar contains 100mg of THC, that means the whole thing adds up to that amount.
• THC Per Serving: This is what you really want to pay attention to—how much THC is in each bite, gummy, or piece. A standard serving is 5-10mg, but some products have smaller or larger doses.
• Number of Servings Per Package: If a pack of gummies says it contains 100mg of THC but has 10 pieces, that means each one has 10mg.
• Ingredients & Type of THC Used: Some edibles use cannabis-infused butter, while others use THC extract—this affects how strong the effects might feel. More on that below.

THC Dosage: What Milligrams Actually Mean

When you’re shopping online, knowing your ideal THC dosage can be the difference between a great experience and overdoing it. Here’s a simple guide:

• 1-2.5mg THC (Microdose): A mild, almost unnoticeable effect. Good for beginners or those looking for a subtle experience.
• 2.5-5mg THC (Low Dose): A gentle high, like having a glass of wine. Best for new users or those who prefer light effects.
• 5-10mg THC (Standard Dose): The most common range—this will get you properly high, with noticeable euphoria and relaxation.
• 10-20mg THC (High Dose): More intense effects, recommended only for people with higher tolerance.
• 20mg+ THC (Very High Dose): Expect strong, long-lasting effects. Only for experienced users or those using edibles for medicinal purposes. 

Smoking vs. Edibles: Why Edibles Feel Stronger (and More Reliable)

If you’re used to smoking a joint or taking a hit from a bowl, switching to edibles can be a whole different experience. That’s because when you smoke cannabis, THC is absorbed quickly through the lungs and broken down rapidly in the body. The high comes on fast but also fades within a few hours.

Edibles, on the other hand, deliver THC in a concentrated extract form—not raw cannabis flower. Almost all modern edibles are made with cannabis extract, which means the THC has already been activated and precisely measured. This changes the way your body processes it:

• Edibles take longer to kick in (30-90 minutes) because THC is absorbed through digestion.
• Once in the liver, THC converts into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound that lasts longer and hits harder than inhaled THC.
• Unlike smoking, where potency can vary based on strain, rolling technique, or how deep you inhale, edibles offer precise dosing—so you get the same amount of THC every time.

This is why 10mg of THC in an edible can feel much stronger than taking a few hits off a joint. The experience is also longer-lasting, often 4-6 hours or more, compared to the quicker rise and fall of smoking.

Since Old Pal Provisions edibles are made with THC extract, you can trust that each dose is consistent, giving you more control over your experience. That’s why checking the label is key—knowing how many milligrams you’re consuming will help you avoid overdoing it and ensure you get exactly the high you’re looking for.

Final Tips for Shopping Online Like a Pro

• Check the THC per serving, not just the total THC in the package.
• Look at the number of servings per package—don’t assume one edible = one dose.
• Know your tolerance. If you’re new, start with 2.5-5mg and wait at least 90 minutes before deciding if you want more.
• Understand the difference between flower-based and extract-based edibles. Extracts hit faster and harder, so dose accordingly.
• When in doubt, start low and go slow. You can always take more, but you can’t take less.

A cannabis label is your roadmap to the right experience. When shopping online, understanding THC dosage, serving sizes, and potency will help you make the best choice—so you can enjoy your edible without surprises.