How Long Do Edibles Take To Kick In?

Introduction

Cannabis edibles have gained immense popularity among both medical and recreational users due to their discretion, prolonged effects, and ease of consumption. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles provide a unique experience by delivering cannabinoids through the digestive system, leading to a different onset and duration of effects.

This comprehensive guide explores how long edibles take to kick in, how long their effects last, potential risks, and alternative consumption methods. Understanding these factors will help users make informed choices and optimize their cannabis experience.

Related: Smoking vs. Edibles- The Pros And Cons

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

The effects of edibles typically take between 30 and 90 minutes to start, depending on various factors such as metabolism, body weight, and the edible's ingredients. Unlike smoking, where THC is absorbed rapidly through the lungs and reaches the brain within minutes, edibles must first pass through the digestive system before the liver metabolizes THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound responsible for a stronger and longer-lasting high.

Factors Influencing Onset Time

1. Metabolism – Individuals with a faster metabolism may feel the effects sooner.

2. Body Weight – A person's weight can influence THC absorption and distribution.

3. Edible Type – Solid foods (e.g., brownies, gummies) take longer to digest, while liquids (e.g., cannabis-infused beverages) may have a slightly quicker onset.

4. Empty vs. Full Stomach – Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can lead to faster absorption, whereas a full stomach may delay effects.

5. Sublingual Absorption – Some products, like tinctures or lozenges, dissolve under the tongue, allowing THC to enter the bloodstream directly, leading to a faster onset.

How Long Do Edibles Last?

The duration of an edible high is significantly longer compared to smoking or vaping. Most users report effects lasting between 4 and 12 hours, depending on dosage, individual tolerance, and metabolism.

A study analyzing 5,000 social media mentions of edibles found that 12% of users experienced prolonged and intense effects, further highlighting the extended duration of edibles compared to inhaled cannabis.

Comparison: Edibles vs. Inhalation

When consuming cannabis, two of the most common methods are edibles and inhalation (smoking or vaping). Each method has distinct characteristics, including onset time, duration of effects, potency, and potential risks.

Edibles take significantly longer to produce effects compared to inhalation. Since edibles must pass through the digestive system and undergo liver metabolism before THC enters the bloodstream, the onset can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. In contrast, inhalation delivers THC directly into the bloodstream via the lungs, leading to almost immediate effects within seconds or minutes. This rapid absorption allows users to better control their dosage and effects in real-time.

Another major difference is the duration of effects. Edibles provide a prolonged high, lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 hours depending on the dose and an individual’s metabolism. The high typically peaks around 2 to 3 hours after consumption. Inhalation, on the other hand, leads to a shorter experience, with effects peaking within 15 to 30 minutes and subsiding after 2 to 3 hours. This makes inhalation preferable for those seeking a quick but manageable high, while edibles may be more suitable for longer-lasting effects.

Potency is also a key factor in this comparison. When THC is processed through the liver after consuming edibles, it is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is known to be more potent and produce stronger psychoactive effects than the THC absorbed through inhalation. As a result, users often find edibles to be more intense and long-lasting, even if they consume what seems like a moderate dose. Inhalation provides a more immediate and predictable high, but it may not be as potent or long-lasting as edibles.

There are also health considerations associated with each method. Inhalation, especially through smoking, exposes users to potential lung irritants and harmful byproducts, which can increase respiratory issues over time. While some studies suggest that cannabis smoke is less harmful than tobacco smoke, it is still a concern. Vaping may reduce some of these risks but is not entirely without health concerns. Edibles, on the other hand, eliminate respiratory risks but pose other potential dangers, such as accidental overconsumption due to their delayed onset or accidental ingestion by children.

Risks and Side Effects of Edibles

While edibles offer a smoke-free alternative, they come with certain risks due to their delayed onset and potent effects. A common issue is overconsumption, where individuals take additional doses prematurely, not realizing the effects have yet to kick in.

Potential Side Effects of Edible Overconsumption

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Increased heart rate

• Blood pressure fluctuations

• Temporary psychosis (in rare cases)

• Impaired motor function and cognition

Studies have shown that emergency room visits related to edible-induced overdose are more common than those related to smoking cannabis. A 2017 review noted that even experienced cannabis users can consume a higher dose than intended when using edibles.

You May Also Read: How to Get Rid of Marijuana Headaches

Safe Consumption Guidelines

To prevent overconsumption and adverse effects, follow these guidelines:

• Start Low, Go Slow – Begin with 2.5-5 mg of THC if you are a new user, and wait at least 24 hours before taking another dose.

• Read Labels Carefully – Many edibles contain multiple servings per package, so check the total THC content.

• Avoid Mixing with Alcohol – Combining cannabis edibles with alcohol can intensify effects and increase impairment.

• Keep Out of Reach of Children – Edibles often resemble candy or baked goods, posing a risk for accidental ingestion.

Alternative Cannabis Consumption Methods

For those who prefer alternatives to edibles, there are multiple ways to consume cannabis, each with its own onset time and duration:

1. Smoking and Vaping

• Fastest onset (seconds to minutes)

• Effects peak within 30 minutes

• Shorter duration (2-3 hours)

• Potential lung health concerns

2. Sublingual (Tinctures & Sprays)

• Onset in 15-45 minutes

• Bypasses digestion for faster effects

• Lasts 3-6 hours

3. Cannabis Topicals

• No psychoactive effects (unless transdermal patches with THC are used)

• Localized relief for pain and inflammation

• Effects last several hours

Conclusion: Finding the Right Cannabis Experience

Edibles offer a unique cannabis experience with long-lasting effects, making them a preferred choice for many users. However, their delayed onset and potent effects require careful dosing to avoid unwanted side effects. By understanding how edibles work and exploring alternative consumption methods, users can enjoy cannabis safely and effectively.

Whether you choose edibles, smoking, vaping, or sublingual absorption, always consume responsibly and within legal guidelines. If you're new to edibles, start with a low dose, be patient, and prioritize safety over intensity. It is always important to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before starting any new medication, including cannabis.

FAQ

• How long does it take for an edible high to kick in?

  Edibles take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping because they must pass through the digestive system before THC enters the bloodstream. On average, effects begin within 30 to 90 minutes, but factors like metabolism, body weight, and the last meal can influence onset time. Peak effects typically occur around 2 to 3 hours after consumption.

• What does an edible high feel like?

  An edible high is often more intense and long-lasting than smoking or vaping, with strong body relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception. Many users report a deep, full-body sensation accompanied by heightened sensory experiences and mental effects that range from calmness to deep introspection. Because the effects are stronger and last longer, it’s important to start with a low dose and wait before taking more.
  
  

• What will 100 mg of an edible do?

  A 100 mg edible is considered a very high dose, typically reserved for experienced users with a high tolerance. It can cause strong psychoactive effects, including intense euphoria, altered perception of time, deep sedation, and potential side effects like paranoia or dizziness. For most users, doses between 5 to 10 mg are recommended to avoid overwhelming effects.

• Do edibles hit harder before or after you eat?

  Edibles tend to hit harder and faster on an empty stomach because there is less food to slow down THC absorption. However, consuming them with or after a meal can lead to a more gradual onset and potentially longer-lasting effects. Eating before taking edibles can help prevent an overly intense high and reduce the risk of discomfort.

• What happens when you sleep high?

  Sleeping while high can lead to deeper relaxation and potentially longer sleep duration, especially with indica strains known for their sedative effects. However, THC may also reduce REM sleep, which is important for dreaming and cognitive function. Some users report feeling groggy or sluggish the next morning, particularly after consuming high doses.