Medical Cannabis Dosing Guide: Australia 2026

The Golden Rule: Start Low, Go Slow

The most important principle in medical cannabis dosing is to start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find your optimal therapeutic dose. Everyone responds differently to cannabis due to variations in:

• Body weight and metabolism
• Endocannabinoid system sensitivity
• Tolerance (previous cannabis use)
• The condition being treated
• Other medications

Understanding Cannabis Measurements

Milligrams (mg) - The Standard Unit

Cannabis dosing is measured in milligrams of cannabinoids (CBD or THC). Common measurements:

• 2.5mg - Microdose, minimal effects
• 5-10mg - Low dose, therapeutic effects
• 10-25mg - Standard dose for most conditions
• 25-50mg - Moderate dose
• 50mg+ - High dose (medical supervision recommended)

Converting Product Formats

Oils: Check concentration (e.g., 10mg/ml means 10mg per 1ml)

Flower: Calculate based on cannabinoid percentage (e.g., 20% THC flower = 200mg THC per gram)

Capsules: Pre-measured (e.g., 10mg CBD per capsule)

CBD Dosing Guidelines

Starting Doses by Condition

CBD Titration Schedule

1. Week 1: Start with recommended starting dose
2. Week 2: If no effect, increase by 5-10mg
3. Week 3: Continue increasing by 5-10mg every few days
4. Ongoing: Once you find effective dose, maintain for 2 weeks before adjusting

THC Dosing Guidelines

Starting Doses by Experience Level

THC Dosing by Condition

• Chronic Pain: 5-30mg, 1-3 times daily
• Insomnia: 5-15mg before bed
• Nausea: 2.5-10mg as needed
• Appetite Loss: 2.5-5mg before meals
• Muscle Spasticity: 5-20mg twice daily

THC Titration Schedule

1. Day 1-3: Try starting dose, assess effects and tolerance
2. Day 4-7: If well-tolerated but insufficient relief, increase by 2.5mg
3. Week 2+: Continue increasing slowly by 2.5mg every 3-5 days
4. Maintenance: Once effective dose found, maintain consistently

Balanced CBD:THC Dosing

Balanced products combine both cannabinoids. Common ratios include 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, and 10:1 (CBD:THC).

Example: 1:1 CBD:THC Product

• Starting dose: 2.5mg CBD + 2.5mg THC
• Typical therapeutic dose: 10mg CBD + 10mg THC
• Higher dose: 20mg CBD + 20mg THC

CBD can reduce THC side effects, making balanced products ideal for patients who need THC benefits with less intoxication.

Dosing by Product Type

Oils/Tinctures (Sublingual)

• Onset: 15-45 minutes
• Duration: 4-8 hours
• Best for: Precise dosing, consistent effects
• Tip: Hold under tongue 60-90 seconds for faster absorption

Capsules

• Onset: 30-90 minutes
• Duration: 6-10 hours
• Best for: All-day coverage, no taste
• Tip: Take with food for better absorption

Flower (Vaporized)

• Onset: 5-15 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Best for: Immediate relief, breakthrough symptoms
• Dosing: Start with 1-2 inhalations, wait 15 minutes

Topicals

• Onset: 10-30 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Best for: Localized pain, skin conditions
• Dosing: Apply as needed to affected area

Factors Affecting Your Optimal Dose

Body Weight

Heavier individuals may require higher doses, though this isn't always the case. Use weight as a general guide, not a strict rule.

Tolerance

Regular cannabis users develop tolerance over time. If you've been using cannabis recreationally, you'll likely need higher doses initially.

Metabolism

Fast metabolizers may need higher or more frequent doses. Slow metabolizers should be cautious with dosing.

Condition Severity

More severe symptoms generally require higher doses. Mild symptoms may respond to lower doses.

Other Medications

Some medications interact with cannabis, affecting how your body processes cannabinoids. Always tell your doctor about all medications.

Common Dosing Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Taking too much too soon: Results in unpleasant side effects and may put you off treatment
• ❌ Not waiting long enough: Oils can take 60+ minutes to work. Wait before taking more
• ❌ Inconsistent dosing: Take at same time daily for consistent effects
• ❌ Stopping abruptly: If on high doses long-term, taper down gradually
• ❌ Not keeping a journal: Track doses and effects to find your optimal dose

Dose Journal Template

Keep a daily log to track your optimal dose:

When to Adjust Your Dose

Increase Dose If:

• ✅ No effect after 1-2 weeks at current dose
• ✅ Effects wear off too quickly
• ✅ Symptoms not adequately controlled
• ✅ No side effects at current dose

Decrease Dose If:

• ⚠️ Experiencing unwanted side effects
• ⚠️ Feeling too sedated or impaired
• ⚠️ Symptoms are now well-controlled
• ⚠️ Starting new medications that interact