One of the most common questions we hear from newbies is, “How long will it take for edibles to kick in?” If you’re new to cannabis-infused treats, the waiting time before the magic begins can be a bit of a surprise.
Unlike the immediate hit from smoking, edibles require patience as they travel through your digestive system before the THC makes its way into your bloodstream.
But why such a long wait? And what can you do to better predict when the effects will start?
In this guide, we examine the workings of edibles, from the science behind the digestion process to the various factors like metabolism and body weight that influence how long the effects take to show. We will equip you with all the information you need to confidently approach your edible session.
How Much Time Edibles Can Take To Kick In?
The time it takes for edibles to kick in can vary significantly depending on several factors. Typically, edibles start to work anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes after consumption. However, this timing can be influenced by:
- The type of edible consumed: The form in which the cannabis is ingested, be it gummies, chocolates, cookies, or drinks, can affect how quickly it is digested and starts to work.
- Your metabolism: Faster metabolisms will process edibles more quickly, leading to a faster onset of effects.
- Your body weight and composition: Body fat percentage and overall biochemical makeup can influence how THC is absorbed and metabolized.
- The last meal you ate: Eating edibles on an empty stomach can lead to quicker absorption, whereas having them with a meal, especially a fatty one, can slow down the process but potentially increase the effects.
- Your tolerance to cannabis: Regular users might find that it takes longer to feel the effects, or they may need higher doses to achieve the same effects as occasional users.
How Much Should You Take?
Determining how much of an edible to take can be a bit tricky, especially for people who are new to cannabis. A good starting point for beginners is 10mg edibles. This dose is commonly recommended because it offers a manageable level of effects for most people without being too overwhelming.
If you’re trying 10mg edibles for the first time, it’s wise to start with half the dose—about 5mg—and see how it affects you over a couple of hours. This cautious approach helps mitigate any discomfort from taking too much too soon. Remember, the effects of 10mg edibles can last several hours, so it’s important to understand how you feel before considering an additional dose.
For regular users, 10mg edibles might be just right or a starting point, depending on their tolerance. It’s always better to be cautious and start lower, particularly with new or unfamiliar edibles. As a general rule, understanding how 10mg edibles interact with your system through careful experimentation is key to enjoying a positive and safe experience.
Why Use Edibles?
Choosing to use edibles can be a preferred method for many looking for the benefits of cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping. Here are some reasons why strong edibles are often favored:
- Discretion: Strong edibles provide a discreet way to consume cannabis, as they don’t produce smoke or a lingering odor. This makes them ideal for users who prefer to keep their cannabis use private or need to use cannabis without drawing attention.
- Long-Lasting Effects: One of the main reasons people choose strong edibles is for their prolonged effects. While it might take longer for edibles to kick in, the effects can last much longer compared to smoking or vaping, often extending for several hours.
- Dosage Control: Edibles are often precisely dosed, making it easier to consume a consistent amount of cannabis. This is particularly beneficial for medical users who rely on exact dosages to manage conditions like chronic pain or anxiety.
- Healthier Alternative: For those concerned about the potential respiratory risks associated with smoking, strong edibles offer a safer alternative. By bypassing the lungs, edibles eliminate the inhalation of potentially harmful smoke.
How Do Edibles Work?
Edibles work differently from other forms of cannabis consumption, such as smoking or vaping, primarily because they are ingested and processed through the digestive system. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how edibles work:
- Ingestion: When you consume an edible, it enters your stomach and begins to break down. This is the first step in the journey of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, into your system.
- Digestion: From the stomach, the edible moves to the intestines, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. Here, the THC is still in its original form, THCA, which is non-psychoactive. As it continues through the digestive process, it converts into THC due to the heat and the body’s metabolism.
- Liver Metabolism: The key transformation happens when THC reaches your liver. The liver metabolizes THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent form of THC that has a stronger and longer-lasting effect compared to the THC inhaled through smoking.
- Effects: Once metabolized, the 11-hydroxy-THC enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, where it interacts with the central nervous system, causing the psychoactive effects associated with edibles. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on various factors like metabolism, body weight, and recent meals.
- Duration: The effects of edibles can last significantly longer than those from smoking or vaping—typically anywhere from 4 to 12 hours—because the THC is released slowly as food is digested and metabolized.
Conclusion
Edibles are a great option for safely enjoying the benefits of cannabis. It can take longer to kick in than smoking because it needs to be digested, which means the effects are delayed but last longer. This can be ideal for those seeking prolonged relief or enjoyment.
Use this knowledge to better plan your edible experience. Knowing how to manage your intake effectively ensures that each experience is both enjoyable and safe.
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