Yummy cannabis edibles are nothing new but are definitely making a glow-up in the industry. Baked goods, chocolates, and gummies are just the surface of edible cannabis products available. Edibles are known for providing a more intense and longer-lasting high compared to smoking. The most important thing to know when it comes to figuring out how long edibles take to kick in largely depends on each person’s body and health.

Consuming cannabis edibles vs. smoking cannabis

For some of us, the impact of consuming edible cannabis can be more intense than the effects we get from smoking or vaping the equivalent amount of dried cannabis. This heightened effect is largely due to your liver converting THC into a more potent form once swallowed.

When you consume cannabis through edibles, it will undergo a process called first-pass metabolism in the liver. This causes the combination of THC, in its original state (Delta-9 THC), and the more potent version created by your liver (11-hydroxy-THC) to control your ‘high’.

Absorbed through the digestive system

The absorption of THC from edible cannabis into your system is a slow process. This means that THC remains in your body for a longer time than when it is inhaled/smoked. It also means that the duration of the effects of consuming an edible is significantly longer than if you were to smoke it. By significantly longer, we are talking up to 12 hours, with possible lingering effects into the next day.Typically, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects of edibles to kick in. The reason for this delay is due to the time it takes for the THC to be metabolized and absorbed into your bloodstream.

Types of edibles

Fast-acting edibles

Some edibles are specially formulated to have a quicker onset of effects compared to traditional edibles. This is typically done by using advanced delivery methods like nanoemulsion or microencapsulation technology.

How do fast-acting cannabis edibles work

Nanoemulsion

This method breaks down the cannabinoids into tiny droplets, increasing their surface area and making them easier for your body to absorb.

Microencapsulation

For this method, cannabinoids are encapsulated into smaller particles which your body absorbs much quicker.

When these methods are used for fast-acting edibles, the effects can potentially kick in within 15 to 30 minutes.

Find the best fast-acting edibles

Wana Quick 20mg Appletini Gummies Experience the effects within 5 to 15 minutes and enjoy the benefits for 2 to 4 hours. Feel the delta-9 “head high” sensation similar to smoking. You get spoiled with the all-natural flavors and colors, enhanced with a unique combination of over 30 terpenes.

Come into LIV today and check out the several fast-acting edible cannabis products we have!

Effects of edibles

So, we have to look at how many milligrams you consume and the factors that come into play.

1 to 5 mg: This is a great microdose amount. Check out WYLD gummies at LIV for smaller-dose edibles.

5 to 10 mg: Edibles with this dose amount are an all-around great starting point. You will feel a reduction in anxiety and pain, plus feel a sense of euphoria. Some people can experience intoxicating effects with doses even this low.

10 to 20 mg: Best for people who have experience with THC and how it affects them individually. Many chocolates and baked goods are sold in 200 mg packages. This means that there are 10 to 20 individual doses you can get out of the whole edible.

25 mg and higher: Usually, any dose over 25mg in edibles is used in the medical side of cannabis. Since it provides such intense effects, people with chronic pain get huge benefits from high THC edibles.

Factors that affect how edibles work

Tolerance: Your individual tolerance to cannabis can impact how edibles work. If you are a frequent edible user, it’s likely you have developed a higher tolerance to THC when being consumed. This means that you may require higher doses of edibles to achieve the desired effects, while occasional or first-time users may be more sensitive to lower doses.

Body Weight and Composition: THC is known to be fat-soluble, meaning it can bind to fat cells in the body. People with higher body fat percentages may experience a longer duration of effects, as THC can be stored in the fat cells and released slowly over time.

Food Intake: Consuming edibles on an empty stomach versus a full stomach can impact the onset and intensity of the effects. When consumed on an empty stomach, edibles can be absorbed more quickly, resulting in a potentially faster onset. However, consuming edibles with a meal or snack can slow down the absorption, leading to a delayed onset.

Strain and Cannabinoid Profile: Different strains of cannabis contain varying levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. These variations contribute to differences in the effects of edibles. For example, indica strains are often associated with relaxing and sedating effects, while sativa strains may be more energizing and uplifting.

Tips to make the most of edibles

1. Start with a low dose

Edibles can be potent, so you’re better off starting with a low dose. You are able to gauge your tolerance and avoid an overwhelming experience when you start low and go slow.

2. Be patient!

This can be a tough and anticipating skill to have when consuming cannabis edibles. You might catch yourself thinking, “It’s been 30 minutes; why am I not feeling anything!?” The next thing you want to do is eat more edibles. If you do go this route, try a half dose first. For example, if you took a 5mg gummy an hour ago and aren’t feeling any effects, don’t take another 5mg gummy; just take half of one.

3. Choose a comfortable spot

Since you are putting yourself into a more intense and longer-lasting state of euphoria, prepare yourself for the next several hours. It can be a surprise sometimes when you consume different types of edibles. It’s possible that a 5mg chocolate bar allows you to run errands and have dinner with the family with no problems. You can’t have the same exact mindset when, for example, you randomly go to try a 5mg hard candy. You might just find yourself staring into the void of your favorite TV show or video game.

4. Stay hydrated and have snacks

There is no running away from the cottonmouth you get from smoking. Edibles don’t necessarily cause dehydration, but you might experience a very dry mouth after consuming your edible. Plus, there is nothing worse than having that edible kick-in and getting the munchies. Figuring out a DoorDash order… crafting up a 5-course meal, these aren’t easy tasks for some of us after taking an edible.

5. Read the room

Being mindful of your surroundings might be natural for you while in a sober state. Edibles can altar your perception and cognitive functions. This means you shouldn’t drive, go to a job interview, perform surgery, or do anything that requires your full concentration. Once you are fully aware of how an edible affects you, then you do you.