Whether you’re looking for an alternative to inhalable products, or you simply want to expand your options, edibles can make a valuable addition to your weed experience. However, consuming cannabis offers a vastly different experience from inhaling it. The effects can take longer to appear and be stronger when they finally arrive. So, the inquiring cannabis community wants to know: how long does it take for edibles to kick in? We answer that question and cover the essentials of edible effects and timelines below.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are food products containing cannabis extracts — particularly CBD and/or THC. They can include:
- Gummies
- Baked goods
- Beverages
- Lollipops
- Lozenges
- Syrups
- Butter or oil
- Hard candy
If you ingest it orally, it’s an edible. However, you don’t necessarily chew and swallow all edibles. Some edibles are consumed sublingually (under the tongue), while others (like butter or syrup) are added to other foods, and still others (like tincture) can be drunk.
When you consume an edible, the cannabinoids have to go through your digestive tract before they are absorbed into your bloodstream. Next, it reaches your liver and is metabolized into compounds that can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. From there, it finally crosses the blood-brain barrier, and you start to feel its effects. If you choose a sublingual edible, you bypass the digestive system. Instead, the product interacts with the mucosal tissue in your cheeks, gums, and under your tongue before passing directly into the bloodstream.
As you can see, a few steps need to take place before you feel the effects of an edible. Comparatively, when you inhale your cannabis product, it hits your bloodstream right after entering your lungs for faster effects. That said, while edibles might take longer to kick in, once the effects show up, they’re more powerful and long-lasting than inhaled cannabis.
Comparing THC and CBD Edibles
When picking out edibles, the labels contain a cannabinoid profile that tells you the THC and/or CBD content.
Here are a few of the basics when it comes to THC and CBD:
- THC gets you high. THC is the psychoactive ingredient that’s responsible for that elevated feeling you get when you consume certain cannabis products.
- CBD impacts your body. CBD is not psychoactive and does not have mind-altering effects. Instead, it’s known for more physical effects, like calming the body, reducing inflammation, and combatting chronic pain.
- Research is pending for both. The medicinal benefits of both THC and CBD are speculative. Always consult with a doctor before relying on cannabis products to treat any condition.
Now the question is, how long does it take for an edible to hit if it contains THC as opposed to CBD? Products containing any amount of THC will likely kick in faster than CBD-only products. Furthermore, the higher the THC dosage, the faster the effects will show up. Products containing roughly 30 to 50 mg of THC are considered “high dosage.” However, these measurements are all relative because other factors, like weight and tolerance, influence how THC impacts an individual.
CBD-only edibles tend to produce effects more slowly than THC products. However, since CBD doesn’t produce mind-altering effects, it can sometimes be difficult to notice when it’s kicked in. CBD can cause you to feel sleepy or calm — but these are sensations you can feel with or without CBD, which is why identifying its effects can be harder than THC.
Typical Edible Timeline
One of the most common questions our cannabis experts at Sky’s the Limit get when selling our CBD gummies is how long does it take for an edible to set in. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Still, we know what the average timeline looks like for most consumers.
- Most edibles take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. Sublingual effects can show up faster, though, with some appearing as soon as 15 to 45 minutes after consumption.
- Expect peak effects in the two to four-hour range. Regardless of the type of edible — like cookie versus gummy versus lollipop — most edibles produce peak effects somewhere in the two to four-hour range.
- Effects can last from 6 to 24 hours. We understand that that’s a pretty wide range. When you take an edible, you might be in for an enjoyable afternoon or an altered 24 hours.
Unpredictability is one of the most commonly reported side effects of edibles. That’s why it’s especially important to understand your product and your body if you want a reliable experience.
How Long Does it Take For Edibles to Kick In?
While we’d love to provide a hard-and-fast rule for when the effects of edibles kick in, we can’t. Every product and consumer is different. Below, you’ll find the factors that impact these timelines, and demonstrate why the answer to “when do edibles kick in” is more complicated than you might think.
Metabolism
Because edibles go through the digestive system and are processed like food, your unique metabolic rate will impact how quickly you feel the effects of consumed cannabis. If you have a fast metabolism, you will likely feel the effects sooner than someone with a slower metabolism.
Dosage
The dosage also influences how quickly a product’s effects appear, how pronounced they are, and how long they linger. This is especially true for edibles containing THC. Below is a general guideline for dosage based on your tolerance/experience:
- Beginners/low tolerance. Start with 5 mg
- Occasional consumers/moderate tolerance. Try between 10 and 20 mg
- Frequent consumers/high tolerance. Up to 25 mg might be right for you
This is just a guideline; other factors will influence your desired experience.
Type of Edible
The type of edibles you enjoy will also play a role in your experience. Sublingual products, including lozenges, lollipops, and gum, can produce effects in as little as 15 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, chewables/drinkables like baked goods, gummies, and beverages take longer to produce effects (30 to 60 minutes).
Even within the same product category, there can be differences in effect timelines due to ingredients. Edibles with high fat contents are more bioavailable, meaning you absorb more THC and/or CBD and will experience a stronger effect. A high sugar content can also lead to longer absorption times, which can mean a delayed onset but stronger effects.
Biological Differences
Your genetic makeup and physicality can also affect how you experience edibles. Some factors that can influence your experience include:
- Body weight. Individuals with a higher weight generally need a higher dosage to have the same experience as someone with a lower weight.
- Genetics. Some individuals are genetically disposed to be more sensitive to THC than others.
- General health. Underlying health conditions can impact how you experience edibles.
Given the many factors that affect how edibles make you feel, it’s especially important for beginners to start with a small dose.
Empty vs. Full Stomach
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can lead to a faster onset because your body absorbs the cannabinoids faster. Alternatively, having a large meal before consuming an edible can delay the onset of effects. The only exception is a meal high in fat, which can actually increase your body’s absorption of the edible, leading to faster, more potent effects.
Signs Your Edible Is Taking Effect
While smoked cannabis creates an almost instantaneous high, edibles take longer to kick in, which can leave you looking for signs that they’re “working.” Here are signs your edible has taken effect:
- A sense of euphoria.
- Feeling slightly sedated.
- A state of relaxation.
- Increased sensitivity to stimuli.
- Feeling more social.
- Feeling more creative.
If you enjoy the appropriate dosage, you should experience at least a few of the above pleasant sensations. However, if you overdo it, you might experience what we in the cannabis community call “greening out.” This can come with:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
Greening out is rarely dangerous, but it’s never fun. That’s why it’s important to understand the dosages of your edibles and create the right atmosphere for an enjoyable experience.
How to Optimize the Onset Experience
At Sky’s The Limit, we aspire to help you have the exact cannabis experience you’re looking for. So below are our expert tips on getting the most out of your edibles — and avoiding any unwanted effects.
Start Low and Go Slow
Even if you’re experienced with inhalable cannabis products like joints and vapes, edibles have more pronounced effects. So, start with a low dosage to avoid accidentally greening out and having an unpleasant experience. Once you see how you respond to a low dosage, you can slowly increase your dosage with time.
Plan Your Environment
Because the effects of edibles can last for over six hours, it’s essential to enjoy your products in a pleasant environment where you feel safe and calm. Here are some tips for creating the ideal environment:
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- Choose somewhere familiar. Your experience is less likely to become unpleasant if it’s set in a location where you feel comfortable.
- Keep plenty of beverages on hand. Cannabis products can cause dehydration, which can lead to dizziness and nausea. So, keep plenty of hydrating beverages nearby.
- Play comforting media. Whether it’s a favorite movie or a relaxing playlist, comforting media can enhance the relaxing effects of your product.
- Surround yourself with friends. Enjoy your edibles with people you know and trust. They can be a comforting presence in the event you accidentally overdo it.
By following these steps, you can ensure you create a memorable experience you’ll want to have again and again.
Avoid Mixing with Alcohol
Don’t consume alcohol when you’re doing edibles. Alcohol can intensify the effects of cannabis, making it difficult to predict how you’ll feel. Mixing alcohol with edibles also increases your risk of unwanted side effects, like nausea, panic, sweating, and reduced cognitive functions.
What to Do If You Don’t Feel the Effects
While it can be tempting to take more edibles if you don’t feel the effects after a couple of hours, hold off. Remember, the 30 to 60-minute window for onset is just a general guideline. It’s true for most people but not for everyone. If you don’t feel the effects at the 60-minute mark, wait at least another hour before taking more of an edible.
Savor the Edible Experience with Sky’s The Limit
Ready to have an enjoyable edible experience? If you follow our guidance on dosage, be patient with the effects, and create the right environment, you’ll be on your way to an awesome edible session. If you’re looking for premium CBD gummies, browse our selection at Sky’s the Limit. Our cannabis experts can help you select the edibles with the perfect cannabinoid profile for the experience you’re after. We’re always happy to answer your weed questions, from how long for an edible to kick in to what’s the best gummy for a social setting to other inquiries. Contact us today to elevate your cannabis journey with top-shelf products and insightful tips.
FAQs
Whether you’re new to edibles or need a refresher on them, we’ve got you covered with answers to common edible FAQs.
When do edibles peak?
Most edibles peak around two to four hours after consumption. However, several factors, including dosage, tolerance, and biological differences, will dictate the exact time edibles peak for you.
Do edibles kick in after eating them right away?
No, chewable edibles like gummies and cookies can take 30 to 60 minutes to have their effect, while the effects of sublingual edibles can start after 15 to 45 minutes.
How long do CBD gummies take to kick in?
CBD gummies generally take 30 to 60 minutes to affect users.
How long for gummies to kick in if they contain THC?
Both THC and CBD gummies begin influencing users 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. However, THC gummies are known to get things going faster than CBD gummies.
