Marijuana products have come a long way over the years, thanks to the legalization of cannabis in many states across the country. In your parents’ generation, edibles may have been limited to pot brownies and other baked goods, but there are so many ways to enjoy edibles today.
Cannabis enthusiasts turn to edibles for a number of reasons, whether for taste, a particular high, or convenience when traveling. However, edibles usually take longer to reach their full effect compared to other forms of cannabis. So when do edibles kick in? Here’s what you need to know to choose the best product for your needs.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are foods infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. When you eat something that has THC in it, the chemical is absorbed into your bloodstream and gives you a nice high. Many people who don’t like smoking marijuana choose edibles since they don’t come with any respiratory risks and are often more discreet than other forms of cannabis.
Choosing edibles over other kinds of products might be more convenient because they are relatively easy to transport, and you can achieve a high with just a quick bite. One thing to know, though, is that it takes longer for edibles to kick in. Just how much longer depends on a couple of different variables.
Different Types of Edibles
Brownies most likely come to mind when you think of edibles, but there’s actually a whole world of edible products out there to explore. Some common edibles that cannabis users enjoy are:
- Mints or hard candies that dissolve in your mouth
- Gummies
- Baked goods, like brownies and cookies
- Chocolates
- Cannabis drinks
- Syrups
- Jerkies
- Water-soluble cannabis powder that can be added to different foods
In the past, edibles needed fat, like butter or oil, to carry the THC, which is why baked goods and chocolates were an easy choice. Now, new advances and techniques can extract THC and mix it with an emulsifier that makes it soluble in water. This allows cannabis producers to create a variety of new products to suit users’ tastes, so much so that entire gourmet meals or tasting experiences can be prepared using THC edibles.
Effects of Edibles vs. Other Forms of Cannabis
When you smoke marijuana, THC enters your lungs and gets absorbed into your bloodstream relatively quickly. You’ll immediately start feeling the effects that you’re looking to achieve, but perhaps not too intensely. That’s one of the differences between smoking and ingesting edibles.
When you eat an edible, it has to go through your digestive system and is processed by both your liver and stomach. During this process, the liver makes the THC stronger. This stronger form of THC, plus the original form, can make your high last longer and much more intense than other cannabis products.
If you’re new to edibles or cannabis in general, it’s best to start out slow. First, limit yourself to ingesting just 2.5 mg of THC until you know how you’ll react to edibles. Make sure that in the first few times you take edibles, you’re in a safe environment with people you trust, as your high can be stronger than you think.
How Long for Edibles to Kick In?
While edibles give you a stronger high, they take longer for you to start feeling the benefits. So, when do edibles take full effect? In general, it takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to start feeling the effects. If the edible has a higher concentration of THC, it may kick in sooner. Products that dissolve in your mouth, like hard candies or gum, will also work faster than edibles that need to pass through your digestive system.
Other factors that can affect the time it takes for edibles to kick in are your:
- Current tolerance to cannabis products
- Metabolism
- Weight
- Diet
- Gender
Consider also the dosage and potency of the edible. Since edibles are usually small and take time to kick in, don’t be tempted to eat too much early on. Start small and see how you feel in a few hours.
So, how delayed can edibles be? It can take almost an hour to feel your edible working, and you’ll most likely reach a peak high around three hours in. Keep these things in mind when you take your edible so you can reach your desired high at the right time.
When Do Edible Effects Wear Off?
When you smoke marijuana, you’ll likely feel the high for around one to three hours, depending on the dosage. This is not the case with edibles. Since it takes up to three hours to achieve a peak high after eating an edible, you can expect to keep feeling the effects for the next 6–8 hours after ingestion. Some studies show that certain edibles can last even longer for up to 12 hours, with residual effects lasting 24 hours after ingestion.
Since the effects last a long time, make sure to time your edible so that it works out with your schedule. While there are plenty of fun or relaxing activities that you can do with cannabis edibles, you shouldn’t drive or use machinery while under the influence. If you’re still experimenting with edibles, clear a day on your calendar and see how your body responds to them in a safe, relaxing atmosphere.
Get All Your Favorite Edibles and More at DDM Cannabis
DDM Cannabis, a minority-owned retailer based in Blackstone, is excited to offer customers a great selection of top-quality edibles and other cannabis products. Our unique location lets us reach customers in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, to whom we can offer a great range of products at competitive price points.
To make sure that you have the best shopping experience, our expert staff can answer any questions you may have as you choose the best cannabis products for you. Our budtenders are ready to attend to your needs and help you find the right products to reach your desired high. Stop by DDM Cannabis today to check out our tasty selection of edibles and other cannabis products.
