Edibles have become a popular way for people to consume cannabis, offering a discreet and delicious alternative to smoking or vaping. But if you’re new to edibles, you may be wondering how long it takes for the effects to kick in and how long they last. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect how quickly edibles take effect and how long you can expect to feel their effects.
The Basics of Edibles
Before we dive into the specifics of how long edibles take to kick in, let’s review the basics of what edibles are and how they work. Edibles are food products that are infused with cannabis, typically using an extract or tincture. When you consume an edible, the cannabinoids in the cannabis are absorbed through your digestive system and metabolized by your liver before entering your bloodstream.
Because the cannabinoids are absorbed through your digestive system, the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping. However, edibles can also offer a longer-lasting and more potent high than other methods of consumption.
Factors That Affect How Quickly Edibles Take Effect
Several factors can affect how quickly you’ll feel the effects of an edible, including:
Dosage
The dosage of an edible is one of the most important factors in determining how quickly it will take effect. Generally, the higher the dosage, the longer it will take for the effects to kick in. This is because your body needs more time to process and metabolize the cannabinoids in a higher-dose edible.
Metabolism
Your individual metabolism can also affect how quickly edibles take effect. If you have a fast metabolism, you may feel the effects of an edible sooner than someone with a slower metabolism.
Type of Edible
The type of edible you consume can also impact how quickly it takes effect. For example, edibles that are designed to dissolve in your mouth, such as lozenges or mints, may take effect more quickly than edibles that need to be digested, such as brownies or gummies.
Empty Stomach
Whether or not you have an empty stomach can also impact how quickly edibles take effect. If you consume an edible on an empty stomach, you may feel the effects more quickly than if you eat a large meal beforehand.
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Now that we’ve explored the factors that affect how quickly edibles take effect, let’s talk about how long they last. Generally, the effects of edibles can last anywhere from 4-12 hours, depending on the dosage, your metabolism, and other individual factors.
Because the effects of edibles can be long-lasting, it’s important to start with a low dosage and wait at least an hour or two before consuming more. It can be tempting to eat more when you don’t feel the effects right away, but this can lead to overconsumption and unpleasant side effects.
Tips for Consuming Edibles Safely
If you’re new to edibles, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you consume them safely:
Start with a Low Dosage
As we mentioned earlier, starting with a low dosage is key to consuming edibles safely. A good rule of thumb is to start with 5-10mg of THC and wait at least an hour before consuming more.
Be Patient
Because the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping, it’s important to be patient and wait at least an hour or two before consuming more. Resist the urge to eat more if you don’t feel the effects right away.
Don’t Overconsume
Overconsuming edibles can lead to unpleasant side effects like paranoia,
