Pills all at once or throughout the day- metformin question!

Hello lovely people! I am on 1,000 mg metformin as well as MJ right now and my doc is increasing me to 1,500 mg. I am currently taking the Early Release(ER) 500mg for breakfast and 500 for dinner. What is best timing to have the pills? Should I be having them before my meals, during my meals, or right after my meals? Also, can I take all 3 of them during one meal? Would love other's opinions! Currently no side effects from the metformin.

Thanks for reading/ opinions!!