Cannabis edibles have gained immense popularity for their ease of use and the different experience they offer compared to smoking or vaping cannabis.
However, one of the most frequently asked questions about edibles is, “How long do they take to kick in?”
The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. Various factors contribute to the onset time and the intensity of the experience.
Why Edibles Take Longer than Doobies
When you smoke or vaporise cannabis, the inhaled smoke or vapour goes directly into your lungs and then into your bloodstream, allowing you to feel the effects almost immediately.
However, cannabis edibles have to go through the digestive system, which means they are metabolised in your stomach and liver before you start to feel any effects.
This process takes considerably longer, usually around 45-60 minutes, and often results in a much more mind bending effect. People have reported floating above their bodies and also not being able to move for hours. Be prepared if you intend to go down this rabbit hole!
The general advice for those new to cannabis edibles is to “start low and go slow.” This means starting with a low dose and waiting for at least 45-60 minutes to feel the effects before considering taking more. If you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, it’s advisable to start with as little as 2.5 mg and then gradually increase the dose if needed.
It is worth noting that the edible cannabis experience can be a lot more like taking LSD or mushrooms than it is smoking a joint. Some folks don’t seem to appreciate this difference. Cannabis edibles really are not to be taken lightly.
If you do not start slow and be patient, you run the risk of having a lengthy uncomfortable experience, especially if you are not used to being in such messed up states. Police Officer Edward Sanchez demonstrates below what can happen if you have to much. Beware.
What Influences Onset?
Several variables can affect how quickly you feel the effects of an edible. The type of edible you consume is one such factor.
For instance, edibles like gummies, baked goods, and drinks usually take around 45-60 minutes to kick in.
On the other hand, edibles like lozenges and such like are absorbed sublingually and can kick in much more quickly, as the THC is absorbed directly into your bloodstream.
Dosage is another crucial factor. Higher doses may kick in more quickly than lower doses. Your tolerance level, body weight, and metabolism also play a significant role in determining how potent an edible will be for you and how long it will take to feel its effects.
How to speed things up a little
If, for some reason, you’re impatient to feel the effects of your edible, there are a few tricks you can try to speed up the process.
Having a few days off the weed can make the effects of an edible kick in quicker and feel stronger.
Another option is to go for sublingual edibles like tinctures, mint strips, or lozenges, which are absorbed much more quickly.
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can also lead to faster effects.
Just try not to call the emergency services if things go south. It will pass.
