{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/dosage/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3742-markdown","title":"Why Does Cannabis Cause Paranoia For Some People","slug":"why-does-cannabis-cause-paranoia-for-some-people","content":"Does weed make you paranoid and anxious? If it does, you're not alone. For years I tried to smoke a joint with friends and ended up an anxious mess, unable to relax and enjoy the moment at the same time my friends were enjoying what they call an \"elevated experience.\" Marijuana is fascinating; for some, it may alleviate anxiety, while for others, it creates or increases already existing nervous tendencies. \n\n### How Cannabis Gets You High\n\nAccording to [Gregory Gerdeman, Ph.D.,](https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19038260/why-pot-makes-you-paranoidbut-mellows-out-your-buddies/) an assistant professor of biology at Eckerd College, when you get high your body is mimicking a process your body has in place to keep anxiety levels in place. The endocannabinoid releases cannabinoids that bind to receptors thorughout our body. This can help us during times of stress, by signaling our bodies and brains to chill out.\n\nWhen you consume cannabis, the plant contains cannabinoids as well. When you ingest marijuana the phytocannabinoids bind to the same receptors, heightening a sense of relaxation and release. Yet, this is not the case for everyone. For some, the rush of phytocannabinoids from weed can create or exacerbate anxiety.\n\n### Why Does Weed Make You Paranoid?\n\nYou aren't crazy, it's all in your brain chemistry. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, interacts with endocannabinoid receptors found throughout your brain. Many of these binding receptors are found within the amygdala. \n\n![Screen Shot 2021-09-07 at 6.38.00 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_07_at_6_38_00_PM_1287bb9628.png)\n\nWana Brand offers a [1:1 CBD to THC](https://www.wanabrands.com/product/strawberry-margarita11-cbd-thc-rec-ca/) gummy that offers a more balanced high. Available in many states including California and Colorado.\n\nThe [amygdala](https://www.simplypsychology.org/amygdala.html) \"plays a key role in how animals assess and respond to environmental threats and challenges by evaluating the emotional importance of sensory information and prompting an appropriate response.\" The main job of the amygdala is to regulate emotions.\n\nWhen we consume cannabis, THC and other cannabinoids react with the amygdala, causing anxiety in some while relieving anxiety and stress in others. There are some ways to mitigate this if you are more prone to having weed-induced anxiety.\n\n### Why Are You More Prone to Cannabis Paranoia?\n\nSome people may be prone to anxiety when they consume marijuana according to [James Giordano](https://www.vice.com/en/article/gy8pa9/weed-causes-anxiety-for-some-people), professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center. \n\n\"THC binds to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, releasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, a neurotransmitter that stops neurons from firing. Increased GABA and serotonin activity inhibits norepinephrine—a neurotransmitter involved in alertness and anxiety—which calms most people down. But for some people, reduced norepinephrine has a rebound effect, stimulating activity in the brainstem’s locus ceruleus and limbic forebrain, which are involved in arousal and excitation\"\n\nThe result is that our sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive, our heart rate increases, while we also release cortisol. The overall perception we have is that of anxiety and sometimes paranoia.\n\n### How Can I Be Less Anxious Consuming Weed?\n\nWe have some simple tools and tips if you'd like to enjoy the more relaxing sensation that some people correlate to consuming weed.\n\n- Higher levels of THC often create anxiety while lower levels have a more relaxing effect. Look for cannabis products that have a lower concentration of THC or are a balanced ratio.\n- Smaller doses of weed can have a more therapeutic effect than larger doses, and [new research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037687161730220X) backs this up.\n- Look for cannabis products that are higher in CBD content or solely CBD. CBD is known to help quell anxiety.\n- Start with the lowest possible dosage of cannabis, wait two hours and then assess how you feel. Try a slightly higher dose until you have the desired effect and titrate your way to perfection.\n- Don't eat the whole brownie or smoke the whole joint. This seems like common sense but with weed, less is often the best route to take!\n\nWant to learn more? HelloMD's educational cannabis 101 content can help you to figure out how to [consume edibles safely](https://hellomd.com/tag/cannabis-101), understand the difference between [medical and recreational](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-difference-between-medical-and-recreational-cannabis/) cannabis, how to find your [ideal cannabis dose](https://hellomd.com/articles/7-tips-and-tricks-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dose/), and more.\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/ee604/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.png","srcSet":"/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/69585/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.png 200w,\n/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/497c6/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.png 400w,\n/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/ee604/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.png 800w,\n/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/f3583/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/58556/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/61e93/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.webp 200w,\n/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/1f5c5/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.webp 400w,\n/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/58556/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.webp 800w,\n/static/8fe3534c0d7ad1d4ba5904a6f9e40a5b/99238/81509bf92893264640fbecec3737aa36.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2962-markdown","title":"\tDIY Recipe: Cannabis-Infused Broccoli Cheddar Soup","slug":"diy-recipe-cannabis-infused-broccoli-cheddar-soup","content":"Winter’s winding down, but there’s a still a chill in the air. So, what better way to make it through the last bit of the cold season than to indulge in a little comfort food? One of my favorite dishes to help keep me warm is broccoli Cheddar soup.\n\nCreamy, cheesy and packed with nutritious broccoli and garlic, this hot dish is sure to leave you feeling warm and toasty. This soup was a favorite for me growing up and has kept me going through many cold and snowy winters. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe infused version of this dish has all of the comfort and rich flavor of the soups mom used to make. Plus, you’ll get even more relief and the warm fuzzies when the cannabis starts to take effect.\n\nTo make things even better, it’s an incredibly easy soup to make. The whole recipe uses just one pot, making cleaning up a breeze. Plus, it’s a snap to make. It only takes around 30 minutes to create, from start to finish. \n\nIf you want to get creative with it, you can add all kind of additions. The soup goes perfectly in a bread bowl, or you can cut bread into cubes and use them for dipping. Some like to add carrots to their broccoli Cheddar soup, so feel free to chop some up and throw them in when you add the broccoli. Or would you rather add some meat protein to the mix? Bacon is a fantastic addition to throw in at the very end. \n\nWhat are you waiting for? Get started, and try this quick and easy edible for yourself.\n\nRELATED: [CONSUMING CANNABIS EDIBLES TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a567e8fc7e0180007a7826c/consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health)\n\n### Ingredients for Cannabis-Infused Broccoli Cheddar Soup\n\n4–6 servings\n\n* 4 tbsp cannabutter*\n* 2 tbsp flour \n* 1 cup milk\n* 12 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese\n* 1/2 tbsp minced garlic\n* 32 oz chicken broth\n* 14 oz frozen broccoli \n* Salt and pepper to taste\n\nOptional:\n* Bread\n* Carrots \n* Bacon\n\n*Check out our [recipe for cannabutter](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b27915fe98a1000c000243/diy-recipe-cannabutter-or-cannabis-butter). Use your best judgment on dosing based on your previous experiences with edibles. If you have a lower tolerance to cannabis and want to make a less potent soup, you can always substitute plain butter for part of the cannabutter. \n\n#### Cooking Tools:\n\n* Large or medium cooking pot\n* Mixing spatula or spoon \n* Measuring cups and spoons\n\n### How to Make Cannabis-Infused Broccoli Cheddar Soup \n\n1. Before you begin, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have all of your ingredients and cooking tools at the ready and out on a clean surface. \n\n2. Put a medium or large cooking pot on the stove, and turn on low heat. Add the cannabutter, and let it melt (watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t start to burn or brown). \n\n3. Once melted, mix in the garlic and flour, and turn the heat up slightly. Watch for about a minute as the flour lightly browns and makes the mixture a light brown color. \n\n4. Add the chicken broth to the pot, turning the heat on high and stirring every few minutes to ensure even heating. Let the broth heat to a low boil. \n\n5. Once the broth is bubbling at a low boil, mix in the frozen broccoli and the milk. (This is also when you’d want to add in carrots if you’re using them.) Let the mixture come back up to a simmer, and then adjust the heat to keep it simmering. Continue simmering until the broccoli is cooked through and soft. You should be able to break the broccoli apart very easily with your spoon or spatula when it’s finished cooking. \n\n6. When the broccoli has finished cooking and is soft enough to break apart with your spoon or spatula, remove it from the heat and mix in all but half a cup of the cheese. Set the other half cup of cheese aside. \n\n7. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese already includes plenty of salt, so I just add pepper. But if you like your soup a bit more seasoned, you may want more. At this stage, you can also mix in bacon, if you’re including it.\n\n8. Serve immediately in a bowl or bread bowl, adding a touch of pepper and some of the remaining shredded cheese as a garnish on top of each bowl.\n\nPhoto credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/14b42/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/f836f/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/2244e/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 400w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/14b42/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 800w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/47498/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/0e329/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/daa73/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.jpg 3648w","srcWebp":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/58556/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/61e93/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/1f5c5/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 400w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/58556/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 800w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/99238/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 1200w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/7c22d/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 1600w,\n/static/c9b84c66a693f89f8c5bfa37692f90b5/af520/b4baa6f5b5c924ef74f9c42f911cf9f7.webp 3648w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2848-markdown","title":"7 Tips & Tricks to Find Your Ideal Marijuana Dose","slug":"7-tips-and-tricks-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dose","content":"When I became reacquainted with cannabis last year, it seemed like a whole new world had emerged while I took time away from the plant. Not only did I discover cannabis strains I’d never heard of before, but I could also pick from a range of marijuana-infused edibles like breath mints, gourmet chocolates and even pre-packaged tea. \n\nThe packaging for these cannabis edibles—and other products like vape pens and concentrates—was beautiful and inviting. But I had no frame of reference when a product would say that it contained x-number of milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Was that a lot? Would I need to take several servings to feel anything? Should I only take part of a serving? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\nThese dosage amounts meant absolutely nothing to me. Before, I never knew the amount of THC I was ingesting. I’d just take a puff from the pipe or joint until I got to where I wanted to go. \n\nSo, in this brave new cannabis world, how the heck was I supposed to know about dosages? What was my dosing sweet spot? How do other people go about finding their ideal cannabis dose?\n\nI spoke to a few people at HelloMD, and here are seven tips and tricks we’ve all used to help us find our perfect cannabis dose.\n\n### 1. When Taking Marijuana, Start Low & Go Slow\n\nStart low and go slow is a favorite saying of ours at HelloMD, but it really is a useful tip. When trying to decide how much cannabis is the right amount for you, you can always take more, but you can’t really take less. \n\nOne of our customer service specialists, Bart S., told me how he goes slow when trying out a new cannabis consumption method or marijuana strain. “I wait until I feel something, then I stop and take a break,” he says. “Then I say to myself, ‘Let me just sit here for a while until it sets in to see how I really feel.’”\n\nAnd when you’re ready to take more cannabis after a period of waiting, it may not always be wise to take another full dose. HelloMD’s Office Manager Melissa N. reminded me that when you feel you need more cannabis to get the effects you want, you don’t always _have_ to take another complete dose.\n\n“When you’re ready to move up, start with a little bit more, but not a full dose,” Melissa says. “And then just add a little bit more each time. You don’t have to double or triple your marijuana dose automatically.”\n\nThe technique that Melissa is talking about is called titrating. Scientists use it in the lab to slowly add one substance to another to accurately analyze the concentration levels and their reactions to each other. It’s a handy way to find out how your body reacts to cannabis a little bit at a time.  \n\n### 2. Don’t Forget to Read Your Cannabis Product’s Directions\n\nMelissa tells a story that I’m sure many of us can relate to: “The first time I ever took a cannabis edible, it was a pop tart that was five doses of 15 mg each. I ate some and at first, I didn't feel anything—but I didn’t read the package. So, about an hour later I ate the rest of the pop tart, and then I still didn't feel anything. Four hours in, it hit me like a train. Since then, I always read the packaging directions of any cannabis product I take,” she laughs.\n\nI bet when you take a medicine or supplement, you read the directions to make sure you’re taking the right amount. You should absolutely do this for cannabis and especially the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. With many of the delicious cannabis edibles on the market, it’s easy to ingest more cannabis than you want.\n\nDanielle L., HelloMD’s health and wellness writer, also suggests looking at the cannabis product packaging and then starting with the smallest dose you can. “I’d go by what was on the box as a dose,” she says. “With edibles, I think the lowest dose you can get is around one to two milligrams, so I’d start with that if you’re not sure about your own personal dose.”\n\nTaking the smallest amount possible may mean breaking a cannabis product down even further than a serving size. Remember, you can cut that marijuana cookie or chocolate into smaller pieces. Don’t be afraid to do that if you really want to start with as little cannabis as possible and work your way up. \n\n### 3. Go With Which Cannabis Consumption Method You Like & Can Easily Track How Much You Take\n\nThough other marijuana products may have directions on the packaging, cannabis edibles are the best example of products that will tell you how much THC there is per serving. For Melissa, this is the easiest way for her to make sure she’s consuming a level of cannabis she can track. \n\nBut Danielle says, vaping cannabis is an easier way to measure her dosing. “Smoking and vaping is so much easier for me to track my dosage,” she says, “because the effects hit you right away. You’ll know in a maximum of sometimes 15 minutes how you feel. For me, it's the easiest way to figure out dosing, because you know exactly what you're getting, and it won't last as long as an edible.”\n\nRELATED: [HOW TO FIND YOUR IDEAL CANNABIS DOSE](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dosage)\n\n### 4. Pay Attention to How You Feel After Consuming Marijuana\n\nPaying close attention to how you feel after consuming marijuana is the only way to know if you need to increase or decrease your dose next time. \n\nRyan G., HelloMD’s customer service manager counsels people experimenting with marijuana dosing. “I would wait for a feeling in my head—you can feel that head change. I would add another 10 minutes and then see how you feel.” \n\nRyan admits it’s not always a straightforward process. “Sometimes it's hard to figure it all out, so you just sort of wait until you feel a little something different and pay attention to that feeling.”\n\nAnother foolproof way to review your marijuana doses and how you feel after taking them is with a cannabis journal. Especially if you end up taking too much THC, having a journal to look back on with all the important details will save you repeating an unpleasant experience in the future. \n\nRELATED: [JOURNALING YOUR WAY TO THE BEST CANNABIS EXPERIENCE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b46588b8904b90007731ad3/journaling-your-way-to-the-best-cannabis-experience)\n\n### 5. Make Peace With the Fact That at Some Point You’ll Take Too Much Cannabis \n\n“I think one of the things when you're trying to find your ideal cannabis dose is that you're going to get too high at some point,” Danielle says. “It’s something that just happens; it’s part of using cannabis as a tool for health and wellness. Of course, there are microdosing products you can take to avoid taking too much, but inevitably you're going to mess up and be too high.” \n\nDanielle’s advice? “Just make peace with that and enjoy it.”\n\nAs much as we’d like to be able to tell you to take a specific amount of marijuana to feel a certain way, that’s not how cannabis works. Everyone’s different and so finding your right marijuana dose means that this is a process of trial and error. There will probably be times that you take more cannabis than you feel comfortable with. \n\n“Just remember,” says Bart, “that feeling you don’t like will go away soon.”\n\n### 6. Think Ahead About What You Need if You Take Too Much Marijuana\n\nWhen trying to find your ideal marijuana dose, Melissa recommends you always do it somewhere you feel comfortable. “If you're experimenting with a new amount of cannabis, be with friends. Don't do it by yourself or be in an uncomfortable place. The last thing you want is to take too much cannabis, get paranoid and be alone,” she says.\n\nDanielle also has some good advice about preparing yourself in the event that you consume too much cannabis: “Think about the things that calm you down or the things that you do to relax when you're not high,” she advises. “Do you watch Netflix? Can you take a bath? Know what to turn to for distraction and comfort. Have an idea of what will calm you down before you consume the cannabis.” \n\n### 7. Keep CBD on Hand to Counteract THC\n\nAnother HelloMD customer service specialist, Veronica B., says, “I didn’t even know before I started working here that cannabidiol (CBD) counteracts the effects of THC. So now I tell cannabis newbies to always have some CBD on hand just in case they take too much THC. The CBD will help the psychoactivity lessen pretty rapidly.”\n\nDanielle also recommends having some CBD handy for that inevitable time you take too much marijuana. “I think it's useful to have a CBD tincture on hand just because I find that if I'm too high, a CBD tincture really helps to even things out.” \n\nFinding the perfect marijuana dose for you will be a personal journey of trial and error. But there are ways to make sure that journey is informative and fun. Let us know in the comments below how you went about finding your ideal marijuana dose.\n\nPhoto credit: [WeedPornDaily](https://www.flickr.com/people/weedporndaily/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDBP/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABzLHWNRjN/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAERIDM//aAAgBAQABBQJmEVBAtBPXmdHVH//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8BP//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhMf/aAAgBAgEBPwHFf//EABkQAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREiEBgf/aAAgBAQAGPwLPHbIYqiH/xAAZEAEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhQTH/2gAIAQEAAT8h4RVWZOvp4zBoj0scBzkt1nu//9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABAL/wD/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQEf/aAAgBAwEBPxCn/8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAIf/aAAgBAgEBPxBIA1Xbv//EABsQAQEAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACExUWFx/9oACAEBAAE/EKKEaN/XrDJK6kQe8LCw9y/ADC7jj858dbjHy40Q3FMrn//Z","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/14b42/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/f836f/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/2244e/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 400w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/14b42/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 800w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/47498/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/c6327/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 1466w","srcWebp":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/58556/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/61e93/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/1f5c5/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 400w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/58556/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 800w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/99238/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 1200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/3d11d/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 1466w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2688-markdown","title":"4 Ways to Find Your Perfect Dose of Cannabis ","slug":"4-ways-to-find-your-perfect-dose-of-cannabis","content":"Dosing marijuana is hard. Even with legalization gaining traction across the U.S. and the multitude of cannabis brands and consumption options available, folks new to cannabis still struggle with finding how much cannabis—and what kind—is appropriate for them.\n\nFor now, the best we can tell cannabis consumers in their quest to find the perfect dose is to “**start low and go slow**.” Cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs are stepping up to the plate and giving consumers a wide array of options to solve their problems around figuring out the right amount when dosing. \n\nThe first attempt at a solution was the rise of [microdosed](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/microdosing) cannabis products. Now, some businesses and organizations are adding science and technology to the mix in hopes of improving dosing accuracy. \n\nOther companies are helping consumers figure out not just how much cannabis they require but also what type of cannabis products best suits their needs. From the tailored consumer highs touted by companies like [Canopy Growth](https://www.canopygrowth.com/) and [AbsoluteXtracts](https://www.abx.org/) to the “layered” effects of [Level Blends](https://levelexperience.com/), consumers now have a few ways to tackle the cannabis dosing problem. \n\n![Hello2-min (26).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_26_b45b29ac52.png)\n\n### 1. Microdosing—It Isn’t Just for Cannabis Edibles & Tinctures \n\nMicrodosing was first associated with **[psychedelics](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/psychedelics)** like lysergic acid diethylamide ([LSD](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-lsd-psychedelics-101)) and [psilocybin](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-psilocybin-psychedelics-101)—the psychoactive component of ***magic mushrooms***. Young professionals reported using small enough doses of these substances to elicit certain responses, like depression relief, without any larger hallucinogenic effects that could inhibit everyday activities. \n\nThis concept quickly gained in popularity in a cannabis space that was initially focused on products with high amounts of [tetrahydrocannabinol](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc) (THC). Now, microdosing is all the rage with products like [Kiva’s Petra Mints](https://www.kivaconfections.com/brand/petra) and [Terra Bites](https://www.kivaconfections.com/brand/terra), which come in at a manageable 2.5 mg of THC per mint and 5 mg of THC per bite. \n\nEdible makers still have to address their own dosing problem: Multiple reports in U.S. states with recreational cannabis markets have found that [the amount of THC on the package doesn’t necessarily correlate with how much of the molecule is in the edible](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/medical_marijuana_edibles_mostly_mislabeled_study_shows) itself. \n\nLuckily, microdosing edibles aren’t your only options: **Tinctures** offer a more accurate way to dose, and there are also inhalable alternatives. Low-THC prerolls like those sold by [The Garden Society](https://thegardensociety.com/) are a burgeoning option. They allow newbies or those with a low THC tolerance to smoke flower with little fear that they’ll accidentally overdo it. And [dosist](https://dosist.com/) vapor pens vibrate after 2.5 mg of THC has been inhaled, letting users know exactly how much they’ve had.\n\nThere are also a number of cannabis inhalers available that are designed to give metered doses. Israel-based Syqe Medical has managed to attract the attention of [Teva Pharmaceuticals](https://www.tevapharm.com/) with a medical cannabis inhaler that delivers standardized doses of cannabis. The device is already in use in Rambam Hospital in Israel and has even undergone [a small clinical trial to test its dosing accuracy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25118789). \n\n![Hello6-min (12).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello6_min_12_66859b92da.png)\n\n### 2. Technology That Tracks Your Cannabis Dosing\n\nIf you’re having trouble keeping track of your cannabis consumption, never fear: There’s—unsurprisingly—an app for that. [Releaf](https://releafapp.com/) is a digital cannabis journal. Consumers note what they’ve taken, how much of it and how it made them feel. All of the data are recorded in the app, which creates reports you can share with your doctor or another appropriate caregiver.\n\nOther brands like [Resolve](http://www.resolvedigitalhealth.com/) are also using technology to help customers find their perfect dose. The company’s “smart inhaler” pairs with an app where users input their pain levels. Based on this report, the app calculates an appropriate dose. The app then pings the user, asking them to record how they feel 10 minutes after consuming. By aggregating this data and offering a way to precisely consume cannabis, the consumer can have an easier time determining how much of Resolve’s product is needed for pain relief.\n\n![Hello4-min (24).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_24_8240521b5f.png)\n\n### 3. Cannabis Products That Are Designed & Touted for Their Effects\n\nWhile some companies are focusing on helping consumers hone their dosing levels, other companies are “designing” cannabis effects to help consumers figure out what they should take. By controlling the amount of [cannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential) and [terpenes](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-how-do-they-work) in their product, companies aim to create predetermined effects that eliminate the uncertainty that sometimes happens when consuming cannabis—especially edibles. \n\nReconstructing cannabis highs is common among vapor pen companies like AbsoluteXtracts and dosist. Both companies use components of the cannabis plant to create particular effects.\n\nIn AbsoluteXtracts’ case, the company reconstructs strain profiles to give consumers effects they recognize from their favorite cannabis strains, like [Jack Herer](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/jack-herer), [Blue Dream](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/blue-dream), and [Sour Diesel](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/sour-diesel). While dosist uses the same principle to elicit effects like bliss, relief, passion, calm, arouse and sleep. \n\nOther companies, like [Canopy Growth](https://www.canopygrowth.com/), are taking this idea and attempting to apply it to the burgeoning cannabis beverage market. The company is collaborating with MillerCoors to develop a cannabis beer that mimics the effects of alcohol. The beer will even “hit” drinkers in the same amount of time it takes for an alcoholic beer to take effect. \n\n![Hello1-min (25).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_25_08bb84ad6d.png)\n\n### 4. Layering Cannabis Can Help You Achieve Certain Effects\n\nLayering is a concept that experienced cannabis consumers have likely been doing for a long time, perhaps without even knowing it. Layering is mixing and matching various cannabis products to achieve a certain effect. According to HelloMD Co-founder [Pamela Hadfield](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-hadfield-19a986), layering can be done in two ways:\n\n* within a product line\n* by using different cannabis consumption methods together \n\nLevel Blends has taken the idea of tailoring cannabis highs to the next, well, level. In addition to tailoring highs with products like [Elevate](https://elevatecannabis.co/), [Soothe](https://soothelife.com/) and [Remedy](https://www.remedyyourself.com/), the company’s line of tablinguals is also designed so customers can mix and match different products to obtain the effect they’re looking for.\n\nFor example, if you’re looking to relax but still be engaged, you might combine Soothe with Elevate. The mixing and matching are up to the individual consumer, but the company also provides an [infographic](https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIIEMBhqrf/?taken-by=level.blends) to give folks an idea of how they might use their products in concert. \n\nIf you’re already an experienced cannabis consumer with a wide array of products at your disposal, layering with different consumption methods might help you achieve a desired effect. “If you have chronic pain, maybe start with your vape pen, then move on to your edible and then your topical,” suggests Pamela. \n\nEven with the advent of new technologies in cannabis dosing, finding the right amount and the best consumption method still requires some experimentation. Hopefully, with some of the products and methods listed here, you’ll be on your way to finding your perfect dose. If all else fails, remember the basics: Start low and go slow. \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post.\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/ee604/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.png","srcSet":"/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/69585/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.png 200w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/497c6/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.png 400w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/ee604/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.png 800w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/f3583/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.png 1200w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/b9e4b/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.png 1254w","srcWebp":"/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/58556/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/61e93/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.webp 200w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/1f5c5/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.webp 400w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/58556/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.webp 800w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/99238/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.webp 1200w,\n/static/0d114338b12508dcb35c7bd311a74d80/3c324/aa0a35ebf2656a4e92a23432a0a439a3.webp 1254w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2444-markdown","title":"How to Find Your Ideal Marijuana Dosage","slug":"how-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dosage","content":"If you’re new to using cannabis, you may be wondering how to find your ideal dose. Dosing with cannabis can be tricky. Many variables—from genetics to gender—can affect appropriate dosing. As well, each person possesses a unique biochemistry that determines how much cannabis they need to treat a particular condition or set of symptoms.\n\nWhile there’s no one-size-fits-all dose when it comes to consuming cannabis, you can follow some basic guidelines to hone in on what’s right for you. In this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we provide tips and advice on how to avoid the overwhelming “high.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Titrate Your Cannabis Dosing \n\nThe effects of cannabis can swing from one extreme to another based on the person in question. I worked with one patient who was so sensitive that even topicals made her feel uncomfortably high. On the other hand, I’ve had patients who started with relatively large doses and didn’t feel a thing. That said, it’s hard to say what dose is good for patients who are just starting out with cannabis. \n\nTo find the best dose for you, the safest method is to start with a very small amount and then slowly increase your dosage until you find a level that helps relieve your symptoms. This process, called titration, will help you steer clear of the discomforts that come with getting “too high.” \n\nWhile titrating, it’s important to start with a very small dose:\n\n>* If you’re smoking or vaporizing, this might mean taking only one puff to start.\n>* If you’re using edibles or tinctures, this means taking a tiny fraction of the product. Be sure you know the cannabinoid content of your edible or tincture.\n\nThough 10 mg is a common recommended dose for new patients, I suggest starting even smaller with 1 to 2.5 mg on your first time out. \n\nOnce you’ve had your first dose, wait to see its effects. You should wait at least an hour with smoked or vaporized cannabis, and two hours with edibles before you take an additional dose. It can take a while for cannabis to reach its peak levels, and it’s common for patients to accidentally dose again before they’ve felt the effects of the first dose. Be patient, or you may take a dose that makes you feel uncomfortably high.\n\nOnce you start feeling the effects of your first dose, notice how you feel:\n\n>* Does it help with your medical needs?\n>* Do you feel overwhelmed by any negative effects?\n\nIf you experience negative side effects—paranoia, anxiety or rapid heartbeat, for example—at these low doses, you may not do well with the particular type of cannabis you’ve tried and should think about moving on to something else. Otherwise, continue to increase your dosage until you find an amount that helps you with your medical needs, without any of the negative effects. \n\nRELATED: [ACCURATE DOSING WITH CBD & THC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5820cd89cd3edf000b8d8fce/accurate-dosing-with-cbd-and-thc)\n\n### Microdosing Marijuana Works\n\nYou may be surprised at how well cannabis works at low doses. Researchers have found that [microdosing cannabis—using very small doses of marijuana—can be highly effective](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain) at treating certain conditions and symptoms. For some folks, cannabis actually becomes less effective if too much is used.\n\nWhile titrating your dosing, notice how you feel with the very small doses. You may not need to increase your dose much at all if you’re able to microdose and achieve relief. It’s important to know, however, that not all conditions respond well to microdosing. For example, research shows that [patients often need more than 100 mg of cannabinoids to ease their migraine symptoms](https://www.ean.org/amsterdam2017/fileadmin/user_upload/00_EAN_Journal_2017_Book.pdf). Titrating is the best way to find out if microdosing works for you. \n\n### Tolerance Goes Up as You Use More Cannabis\n\nAs you increase your dose or the frequency of your cannabis use, you’ll likely notice your tolerance shifting. Patients tend to be less affected by cannabis the more they use and the longer they use it. What this means is that you may need to increase your dose to get the same effects. This may frustrate some folks, but the upside is that patients report fewer negative or overwhelming side effects from their medicine as their tolerance rises. This allows you to become more functional when using your medicine.\n\nIt’s important to note that tolerance can be tied to the particular product you’re using. If you use the same product or strain regularly, and feel like your tolerance has gotten too high, try switching to another product. You may find that your tolerance is much lower to a cannabis you aren’t used to. Remember to titrate with your new product, instead of going with the same dose you’re accustomed to taking with your other products, as your tolerance to it may be much lower. \n\n### Set & Setting of Marijuana Use Matters\n\nYour tolerance to cannabis may also shift depending on your set and setting. If you’re used to using cannabis at home alone, you may feel quite functional on a certain dose. But if you try that same dose in another context—say, at work around coworkers or out shopping at a store—you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed or simply too high. \n\nTitrate your cannabis use in new contexts the same way you would when switching to new products. The change in setting can be a much bigger factor than you might think.  While many folks are highly functional using cannabis in a wide variety of contexts, it can take some getting used to with each new setting. Take your time and ease into your new environment until you know how your products will affect you.  \n\n### Different Dosing for Different Methods\n\nDosing can also vary from method to method. If you’re smoking cannabis, your dosing considerations will be different than if you’re eating cannabis, vaping it or taking marijuana sublingually. In the next edition of our Cannabis for Newbies series, we’ll look at the many different ways to use cannabis and go over special dosing considerations for each. \n\nPhoto credit: [Brian Shamblen](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23972840@N04/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/14b42/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/f836f/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/2244e/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 400w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/14b42/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 800w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/47498/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/0e329/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/663ff/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 1849w","srcWebp":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/58556/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/61e93/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/1f5c5/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 400w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/58556/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 800w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/99238/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 1200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/7c22d/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 1600w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/0a616/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 1849w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2391-markdown","title":"How Much Cannabis Is Too Much?","slug":"how-much-cannabis-is-too-much","content":"Recently, four men in England hiked the country’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike. But when it came time to descend, they had to call the authorities for help. Turns out they’d become “incapacitated” from ingesting too much marijuana. British rescue authorities along with air support and an ambulance were deployed, and the group was successfully guided back down the mountain. The authorities and much of the general public in the UK and abroad weren’t too happy with what they deemed a bunch of “idiotic” stoners wasting the local government’s time and money. Needless to say, the incident cast a negative light on cannabis and those who consume it. \r\n\r\nDepending on where you stand, the case may be funny or maddening, but it raises some good points about cannabis dosing, delivery methods and the question: How much marijuana is too much for me? \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Effects of Cannabis May Vary\r\n\r\nAlthough the Scafell Pike incident isn’t a common occurrence, it does prompt a second look at making sure that people know enough to recognize their limits when it comes to marijuana. Every cannabis plant has different amounts of various compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the primary cannabinoids in marijuana that are responsible for:\r\n\r\n>* improving your mood.\r\n>* reducing inflammation.\r\n>* acting as an analgesic.\r\n>* helping to manage pain.\r\n\r\nPlants that are higher in THC produce psychoactive results, while plants with more CBD tend to be non-psychoactive. This is why it’s recommended you start low and go slow when consuming. And it’s important to pick the right strains, consumption method and dosing that will give you the effect you want, whether that’s relaxation, pain relief or a creative spark. \r\n\r\n### What to Consider before Consuming Cannabis\r\n\r\nEveryone should take a few things into consideration before consuming cannabis including tolerance level, what you’ve eaten or had to drink that day and how you’re consuming. Although similar, smoking will give you a different effect than vaping, just like eating an edible will produce a different experience than taking a tincture.\r\n\r\n### How Much Marijuana Is Too Much?\r\n\r\nHonestly, the answer to this question is all up to you. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique, meaning dosing is also unique to each individual. Whereas one person might remain completely lucid and calm when ingesting 20 mg of THC, another person consuming the same amount could experience panic attacks, paranoia and impaired motor skills.\r\n\r\n“For some people, cannabis can help them attain a psychological space that blocks out extraneous things and focus on their mind, body and one repetitive motion,” Dr. Perry Solomon, the chief medical officer of HelloMD, shares in a [recent article for _Vogue_ magazine](https://www.vogue.com/article/stoned-climbers-best-cannabis-lifestyle-brands-dose-vape-pens-wellness-california-scafell-pike-england). \r\n\r\nDr. Solomon adds that “you can use the same [marijuana] product one day and feel a different affect another day.”\r\n\r\nAgain, it all depends on the individual as well as the medicine. In fact, keep in mind that some variances can arise between products, batches and strains with the same names.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [VIDEO: HOW DO I KNOW HOW TO DOSE CANNABIS CORRECTLY?](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57ce228bdd1d330007adf3df/how-do-i-know-how-to-dose-cannabis-correctly)\r\n\r\n### Learning Your Limits with Cannabis\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYT0GxugAEX/` \r\n<br>\r\nThe best way to figure out what dosage works for you is to experiment on a day off when you don’t have to work, drive or fulfill any other obligations—just in case it ends up being too much for you. Try sampling small amounts and observing the effects before increasing in small increments. With smoking, you can take breaks between puffs to see how you feel. If there’s a new tincture that you’ve never tried before and you’re unsure of your tolerance, begin with half or less of the dosage recommended on the package and wait at least two hours before having more. This allows you to pay attention to how you feel so you ingest the amount of cannabis that’s right for you. \r\n\r\nIf you find you’ve had too much and are feeling anxious or on edge, consider taking a product that’s high in CBD. A lab-tested CBD oil in particular can help most folks counteract the effects of THC. That said, your individual makeup and genetics as well as the level of anxiety you’re feeling will factor into how you respond to the CBD.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [@dmat](https://unsplash.com/@dmat)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/14b42/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/f836f/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.jpg 200w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/2244e/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.jpg 400w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/14b42/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.jpg 800w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/47498/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/a3c2c/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.jpg 1397w","srcWebp":"/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/58556/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/61e93/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.webp 200w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/1f5c5/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.webp 400w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/58556/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.webp 800w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/99238/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.webp 1200w,\n/static/fbf7eab5e9259f1989ebca5b942e8337/1defc/45b61cd095d0e7166f189c6e73b2cb6f.webp 1397w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5206,"name":"Dosage","slug":"dosage","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}