Are you looking to try cannabis edibles for the first time? Then, like most people, you might have wondered how long edibles last.
Whether you want to avoid overconsumption or plan your evening right, understanding edibles is key.
Generally, edibles take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in, with the effects lingering for 6 to 8 hours. However, that’s just a ballpark! Factors like the dosage, metabolism, and even what you ate beforehand can stretch or shrink that time.
Keep reading to understand the timeline for edible effects better and to make your next batch of brownies or gummies a smooth ride!
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food items infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other cannabinoids.
Instead of inhaling smoke or vapor, you’re ingesting THC (or other compounds) in the form of cookies, gummies, candies, or even sparkling soda.
Marijuana edibles have become super popular because they’re discreet (no lingering smells!) and can have long-lasting effects. Many people find them a fun, tasty alternative to smoking or vaping.
How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Take Effect?
If you’ve tried smoking cannabis, you know the effects can hit fast—often within minutes. Edibles, though, have a different path. They must move through your digestive system before getting to your bloodstream and brain, thus taking longer to kick in.
Depending on the potency and dosage, you can expect to feel the first wave of psychoactive effects in 30 - 60 minutes.
If you consume on an empty stomach, that onset can arrive faster, but if you’ve just had a big meal, it could be an hour or more before you feel anything.
The type of edible you are ingesting also plays a part:
- THC Gummies (30–45 minutes): Because they’re soft and dissolve quicker, you might feel the effects sooner.
- Brownies (45–90 minutes): Dense, chocolaty treats can slow absorption, so the high may take longer to set in.
- Hard Candies (20–40 minutes) start dissolving in your mouth, leading to a slightly faster onset than heavier baked goods.
- Beverages (10–15 minutes): Drinks like THC-infused sodas or teas may be absorbed quicker, giving you a faster onset compared to most solid edibles.
Other major factors that will affect how long it will take for the intoxicating effects of edibles to kick in include:
- Your tolerance to THC
- Individual metabolism
- Your gender
- Frequency of cannabis use
- The ratio of CBD to THC
- Body weight and overall health
Because edibles take longer to kick in, it’s easier to overconsume accidentally. We recommend waiting at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before taking another dose so you can gauge how your body reacts.
How Long Does an Edible High Last?
Edibles might take longer to kick in, but on the flip side, the high tends to be intense and last much longer. Compared to smoking, an edible cannabis high can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours—or sometimes even longer. Why is this?
It comes down to a unique process in the liver that breaks down THC and turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is more potent than the delta-9 THC found in smoke or vapor.
Typically, the peak of an edible high is felt around 2 to 3 hours after consumption, and it starts to fade gently after that point.
Of course, this also varies based on your metabolism, tolerance, and how much mg of THC you consume.
Higher doses lead to stronger and longer highs. At the same time, folks with a faster metabolism might burn through the active ingredient more quickly. Others report effects that last up to 12 - 24 hours. Either way, you’re in for a ride! The important part is to enjoy it without letting it spiral out of control.
How To Dose Edibles Properly
As we have seen, the magic (and sometimes the trouble) with edible cannabis products is the effects can sneak up on you! Maybe you take a bite of a THC-infused cookie and then wait… and wait… You start to think it’s not working and decide to have more. Next thing you know, you’re feeling way more than you bargained for.
Also, the amount of THC in an edible can sometimes be confusing, especially if the labeling isn’t clear. One cookie might have 10 mg of THC, while another bag of Lozenges could clock in at 50 mg each. How do you know where to start?
- Begin With a Low Dose: If you’re new, think about 2.5–5 mg of THC. That’s considered a low dose and helps you avoid overconsumption.
- Wait It Out: Give it at least 90 minutes after eating. Don’t take a second serving too soon!
- Watch for Cumulative Effects: If you dose again after an hour and a half, remember you’re stacking on top of the first dose.
- Consider Your Own Tolerance: If you’re a seasoned user, you might need a higher dose, but even then, proceed with caution.
Remember, the goal is to have fun! Edibles are not a race to see who can eat the most. Go slow, enjoy the journey, and adjust your dose as you learn what works for you.
Common Types Of Cannabis Edibles
Thanks to the legalization of cannabis, you can find an incredible range of types of edibles out there, including:
- Gummies
- Chocolate
- Mints
- Chews
- Brownies
- Lozenges
- Drinks
- Lollipops
- Cookies
- Hard candies
- Tinctures
Common Effects of Edibles
When you eat an edible, you’ll likely notice a deeper, more body-centered experience than smoking cannabis. Here are some common effects of cannabis edibles:
- Relaxation: A soothing calm that melts away stress.
- Euphoria: That lifted mood or “giggly” feeling.
- Increased Appetite: You might get those munchies, craving salty snacks or sweet treats.
- Altered perception: Changes in time, sound, or visual perception.
- Impairment: Difficulty focusing or slower reaction times.
- Possible side effects: Also, be aware of potential side effects, like dry mouth and drowsiness. Intensified effects like anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks are also reported in cases of overdose.
Tips for Enjoying Edibles Safely
Enjoying THC edibles should be a pleasant experience. Here’s how to make sure it stays that way:
- Read the Label: If you’re trying something new, check the packaging for the THC content or ask at the dispensary.
- Start Small: Resist the urge to indulge in that cookie immediately.
- Set the Mood: Try them in a comfortable setting with friends or a loved one you trust, as they can guide you if needed.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol: Combining edibles with alcohol can amplify the effects and lead to unwanted surprises.
- Stay hydrated: Keep water or a non-alcoholic beverage handy to combat the dry mouth effect.
A note of caution: never drive or operate heavy machinery if you’re under the influence. Always wait until you know how your body will react. Impairment from edible cannabis can last longer than you expect, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
FAQ:
Do Cannabis Edibles Expire?
Yes! Like other food products, edibles have a shelf life. Check the packaging for expiration dates. Over time, the potency of THC may decrease, and the edible itself could go stale or moldy.
To prolong the shelf life of your edibles, store them in a cool, dry place as exposure to heat, light, and oxygen accelerates the degradation process.
How Long Do Edibles Stay In Your System?
After ingesting edibles, the THC can remain detectable in your system for days or even weeks. It depends on factors like metabolism, body fat, frequency of use, and dose. Here is a general timeline depending on the type of drug test:
- Blood: 3 - 4 days.
- Saliva: 1- 3 days.
- Urine: 3- 30 days.
- Hair: up to 90 days
Do Edibles Show Up on Drug Tests?
Yes, edibles will show up on a drug test since these tests look for THC metabolites. It doesn’t matter if the THC came from smoking cannabis or vaping or from those delicious THC brownies. If it’s in your bloodstream, it can be detected in blood, urine, saliva, or hair tests.
So, if you’re faced with a drug test, keep in mind that edibles are not a “safe” workaround.
Is 100mg of THC in an edible too much for a beginner?
Absolutely. For most beginners, 100 mg is definitely a high dose—way too high for a first experience. We recommend starting with a low dose (2.5 -5 mg).
Taking 100 mg of THC can lead to overconsumption, causing unwanted side effects like paranoia, increased heart rate, nausea, or an uncomfortable high that can last for hours.
Are THC Edibles Bad for You?
THC edibles are safe for most people when used responsibly. Just remember moderation is key as they take longer to kick in to avoid accidentally overdoing it.
If you have any medical conditions or concerns, talk with a healthcare professional first. Otherwise, approach edibles with care, respect, and a focus on enjoyment!
Where to buy the best THC Gummies?
We recommend checking out Bay Smokes if you’re looking for tasty gummies with reliable THC levels. They’re a trusted online dispensary known for quality cannabis products.
Bay Smokes carries federally legal cannabis gummies in delicious flavors! We offer discreet delivery nationwide!
Final Thoughts
Edibles are a fantastic option for those seeking the desired effects of cannabis without the need to smoke cannabis. How long they last will vary from person to person. Still, on average, you can expect anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of intoxicating effects.
Now that you’re armed with the facts on how long edibles last and how to dose properly, go forth and enjoy—safely and responsibly!