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Markt Dispensary

Edibles 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Edibles

Weed
By Markt. Editorial TeamReviewed by the Markt. store team, October 2026

Quick answer

Cannabis edibles are foods and drinks infused with cannabis. In California, adult-use edibles are capped at 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg per package. They take longer to kick in than smoking, and timing varies by person, so start with a low dose, wait, and read the label before taking more.

What are cannabis edibles?

Cannabis edibles are products you eat or drink rather than smoke or vape. Gummies and chocolates are the most familiar, but the category also includes mints, baked goods, chews and cannabis-infused drinks. Each one contains a measured amount of THC, CBD or both.

Many people like edibles because there is no smoke and no smell, and the dose is printed on the package. That makes them easy to measure, as long as you take the time to read the label and give them time to work.

The catch is that edibles behave differently from inhaled cannabis. They take longer to kick in and the experience can last longer. Most first-time problems come from not knowing that.

How much THC is in an edible?

California sets clear limits for adult-use cannabis edibles. A single serving can contain no more than 10 mg of THC, and a whole package can contain no more than 100 mg. A 100 mg chocolate bar, for example, is scored into ten 10 mg pieces.

Every licensed edible lists two numbers on the label: THC per serving and THC per package. Read both. A gummy pack might hold ten pieces at 10 mg each, while another product might use smaller servings. Some edibles also list CBD, and some combine THC and CBD in a set ratio.

Never assume that one piece equals one serving. Check the label every time, especially with a brand you have not tried before.

How should a beginner dose cannabis edibles?

The simplest rule is to start low and go slow. Many first-time users begin with half a 10 mg serving or less. You can always take more on another day, but you cannot take less once it is in your system.

A few habits help:

  • Choose a product with clearly marked, easy-to-split servings, such as scored chocolate or individual gummies.
  • Eat a normal meal beforehand rather than taking an edible on an empty stomach.
  • Write down the product, the amount and the time you took it.
  • Keep water nearby.

Effects vary by person and product, so what works for a friend may not work the same way for you. The label and your own notes are the most useful guides you have.

How long do edibles take to kick in?

Much longer than smoking or vaping. With edibles, THC is processed through digestion, so onset is slower and varies a lot. Some people notice something within half an hour, while others wait two hours or longer. Food, metabolism and the type of product all play a part.

This delay is the source of the classic mistake: taking a second piece because the first one does not seem to be working. When both doses land, the result can be far stronger than intended. Wait at least two hours before even thinking about more, and if in doubt, wait until another day.

Drinks and some fast-acting products may be noticed sooner than a standard gummy, but the same advice applies. Follow the directions on the package.

What should you avoid when trying edibles?

A few simple rules keep the experience safe and comfortable:

  • Do not drive. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and dangerous. Plan to stay put or arrange a ride.
  • Do not mix with alcohol. Combining the two can make effects harder to predict.
  • Do not double up. Wait out the full onset window before taking more.
  • Do not use in public. California law does not allow cannabis use in public places or anywhere smoking is banned.

Choose a time with no plans, work calls or responsibilities. If you feel uncomfortable, find a quiet place, drink some water and remember that the feeling passes with time. If you feel seriously unwell, call 911.

How do you store edibles safely?

Edibles look like ordinary candy and snacks, which is exactly why storage matters. Keep them in their original child-resistant packaging with the label attached, so the dose information stays with the product.

Store edibles out of sight in a locked box or high cabinet, away from children, pets and guests. Follow any storage directions on the package, since some chocolates and baked goods do better in a cool spot.

Once a multi-piece pack is open, reseal it fully every time. If you move pieces into another container, label it clearly with the product name and the THC per piece. Never leave cannabis edibles loose in a bag, a car or a shared fridge where someone could mistake them for a regular snack.

The California Department of Public Health offers advice on safe storage on its Let's Talk Cannabis page.

Where can you buy edibles near Universal City?

Buy edibles only from a licensed retailer. Licensed products have passed required state testing and carry accurate labels, which matters most when the dose is something you swallow.

Markt. is a licensed dispensary at 3625 Cahuenga Blvd W, near Universal City, open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can compare gummies, chocolates, drinks and more on our edibles menu, where brands such as Kiva, Camino, WYLD and Kanha often appear. Stock changes, so check the menu for what is available today.

When you are ready, you can order online for in-store pickup. Bring a valid ID showing you are 21 or older, and ask our staff to walk you through any label you are unsure about.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good first dose of an edible?

Many beginners start with half of a 10 mg serving or less, then wait at least two hours before deciding whether to take more. Effects vary by person and product, so read the label, keep notes and increase slowly over separate sessions.

Why do edibles feel different from smoking?

Edibles are absorbed through digestion instead of the lungs, so onset is slower and the experience often lasts longer. That delay makes it easy to take too much by accident, which is why waiting before a second serving is so important.

What is the most THC an edible can have in California?

Adult-use edibles sold in California are limited to 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg of THC per package. The label shows both numbers, so check them every time, even with brands you already know.

Can I eat an edible before driving?

No. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in California and unsafe. Because edibles can take a long time to kick in and their effects can last for hours, plan to stay home or arrange a ride before you take one.

Related pages

Official sources

This guide is general information for adults 21+, not legal or medical advice. Written with AI assistance and checked by our team against the sources above and our live menu.

Browse the menu, then come see us

Check what is in stock today, place an order for pickup, or stop by the store on Cahuenga Blvd W. Bring a valid ID showing you are 21 or older.

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