How Much Should I Take? A Beginner’s Guide to THC Edibles with Delta-8, Delta-9, and HHC

I still remember my first THC edible.

It was a Dealta-8 & THC-P neon green gummy that looked too innocent for what it did. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was taking too much,  and ended up lying on my couch, melting into the cushions, so I thought... 

If you’re here, maybe you’re about to try edibles for the first time, or maybe you’ve had a “too high” moment and want to get it right next time. Either way, welcome. You're in the right place.

This guide is for beginners, by someone who’s been through it, and we’ll talk about Delta-9, Delta-8, and HHC edibles, how they differ, how much to take, and how to stay in the sweet spot between “feeling good” and “why is time moving backward?”

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First, the Basics: What Makes Edibles So Different?

Unlike smoking or vaping THC, edibles take a scenic route through your digestive system. Your liver turns THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which hits harder and lasts longer than anything you inhale.

Here’s what that means for you:

• You won’t feel it right away. (Be patient.)
• When it kicks in, it kicks in. (Plan ahead.)
• It can last for hours. (So don’t overdo it.)

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Delta-9 THC: The Classic

This is the one you’ve heard the most about. It’s the main psychoactive component in cannabis, and it’s powerful.

What it feels like: A strong head high, lots of euphoria, maybe giggles, munchies, or a wave of deep relaxation.

Good starting dose: 2.5–5 mg. Seriously, that’s enough.

Why people love it: It delivers the full cannabis experience.

Why it can backfire: Take too much, and anxiety, rapid heartbeat, or paranoia may crash your party.

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Delta-8 THC: The Gentler Cousin

Think of Delta-8 like Delta-9’s chill sibling. It’s smoother, lighter, and a bit more predictable for many.

What it feels like: Relaxed, calm, maybe a little floaty, good body high, but you’re still clear-headed.

Good starting dose: 5–10 mg.

Best for: People who want the vibe without the mental intensity. Great for easing into THC.

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HHC: The Wild Card

HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is the new kid on the block. It’s made by hydrogenating THC, and the effects fall somewhere between Delta-8 and Delta-9.

What it feels like: Uplifted, mellow, social. Some say it’s more body-focused than heady.

Good starting dose: 5–10 mg.

Why try it: If Delta-9 is too strong and Delta-8 is too mild, HHC might hit your Goldilocks zone.

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Okay, But How Much Should I Actually Take?

Let’s break it down in a table so you can see the dosage landscape clearly.

Pro Tip: If you’re new, aim for the microdose or low-dose category. Seriously. You can always take more, but you can’t un-eat a gummy.

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How to Titrate Your Dose (and Not Freak Out)

Start with a small dose. Then wait. That’s it. Sounds simple, but it’s where most people go wrong.

Here’s a starter plan:

1. Day 1: Try 2.5 mg Delta-9 or 5 mg Delta-8.
2. Wait 2 hours. Still not feeling it? Don’t redose right away. Try again tomorrow.
3. Next time: Bump up by 1–2 mg.
4. Repeat slowly until you find your “just right.”

Keep notes if you want. Write down the dose, how long it took to kick in, and how you felt. You’ll learn your sweet spot faster.

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A Quick Story: My “Too High” Moment

The first time I tried HHC, I was cocky. “It’s not that strong,” I told myself. Took a full 30 mg edible. Big mistake.

About 90 minutes later, I was lying on my bathroom floor, convinced gravity had tripled and that my cat was judging me.

Moral of the story? Respect the milligrams.

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Factors That Affect Your High

THC doesn’t hit everyone the same way. A few things that matter:

• Your body weight
• Your metabolism
• Empty vs. full stomach
• Your tolerance level
• Whether you’ve had THC before

Someone might be fine with 10 mg while another person melts into the couch. That’s normal.

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If You Take Too Much…

Don’t panic. It happens. Here’s what to do:

• Hydrate. Drink water.
• Eat something. Carbs help.
• Distract yourself. Put on a comfort show or music.
• Try CBD. It can tone down THC’s effects.
• Breathe. You’re not dying. It just feels like it.

Pro tip: Keep a 25 mg CBD gummy around just in case.

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Edible Safety Tips

Before you dive in:

• Read the label. Know how many mg are in each piece.
• Cut your dose if needed. A 10 mg gummy? Cut it in half or quarters.
• Don’t mix with alcohol. It intensifies effects unpredictably.
• Stay home the first few times. No driving. No big events.

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Final Thoughts

Edibles can be amazing, relaxing, euphoric, and just plain fun. But they’re powerful, and they take some finesse.

If you’re trying Delta-9, Delta-8, or HHC edibles for the first time:

• Start low (like really low)
• Wait before taking more
• Track how you feel
• And go slow. You’ll thank yourself later.

Cannabis isn’t one-size-fits-all. Think of it like tuning a guitar—you adjust until it sounds just right for you.

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Further Reading & References 

• Abrams, D. I., Vizoso, H. P., Shade, S. B., Jay, C., Kelly, M. E., & Benowitz, N. L. (2007). Vaporization as a smokeless cannabis delivery system: A pilot study. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 82(5), 572–578. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200
• Lachenmeier, D. W., & Rehm, J. (2015). Comparative risk assessment of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other illicit drugs using the margin of exposure approach. Scientific Reports, 5, 8126. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep08126
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA and cannabis: Research and drug approval process. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process