Edibles are a whole other world when compared to vapes and joints. Whether a gummy, a cookie, or an infused beverage, edibles take longer to kick in than inhaled products, and the effects last longer, too. But how long should you expect edibles to last? This guide will help you understand what to expect when eating (or drinking) your cannabis.
How long do edibles last?
Expect cannabis edibles to last a few hours at least. The precise amount of time edibles may last varies, as different edible types can influence the duration of your sesh. Additionally, your own tolerance and body chemistry may change how edibles affect you. The same gummy that leaves you locked on the couch may barely register at all for someone else.
What is 11-hydroxy-THC, and how does it affect edibles?
The major reason why edibles last longer is because of how THC is transformed in your digestive system. Cannabis produces 11-hydroxy-THC as it’s digested. Some consumers may find that 11-hydroxy-THC results in a more potent, long-lasting high, though others may not notice a major difference. While some consumers feel the effects of edibles start to ease within a few hours, the results for others can linger for up to 12 hours – with residual effects lasting up to 24 hours in some cases.
How long do edibles take to kick in?
Generally, edibles will take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to kick in. The amount of time it takes to feel the effects of an edible depends on your tolerance, body chemistry, and how recently you’ve eaten. It also depends on whether your chosen product has fast-acting nano or not (it’ll say so on the label). It’s always best to start with a low amount and give it at least an hour to evaluate how you’re feeling before consuming more.
What is ediblocking?
Some consumers don’t experience any effects from edibles at all. While we may not yet know how or why this happens, there’s a name for this phenomenon – ediblocking. Some researchers think ediblocking is caused by variations in liver enzymes responsible for breaking down THC, while others theorize that some consumers cannot process THC at all. There is still more research needed on this topic, but even without the research, it’s clear to see that not everyone responds to edibles the same way.
Are nano edibles different than regular edibles?
Nanoemulsified cannabinoids have a higher bioavailability than other cannabis extracts, which means that more cannabinoids are absorbed by your body. This means there’s a good chance you’ll feel nano edibles faster and perhaps with more intensity than regular edibles. Keep an eye on the dose here, too: You may need less to feel the same effects.
What factors into an edible’s duration time?
Variations in the onset time and duration of edibles effects depend on factors such as dosage, metabolism, and edibles types.
Dosage
How much you eat generally plays the most significant role in the effects and duration of edibles. It’s important to remember that the ideal dosage is different for everybody and that the amount you consume influences the strength and length of an edible’s effects.
The correct dosage for you depends on factors like your tolerance, body chemistry, and environmental context. Generally, beginners should start with 5mg, although there are plenty of options for smaller amounts and even microdoses. If you’re no stranger to edibles, though, you’re less likely to feel the effects of 5mg.
Keep in mind: Just like for any other cannabis product, who you’re with, what you’re doing, and where you’re hanging out can play a role in how you feel after trying an edible. Use your experience and personal comfort level to judge whether it’s a good idea to have an edible before a concert or if that’s best situated for hanging at home. The right circumstances can help you feel quite at ease after eating an edible, while it may exacerbate anxiety in others.
You can always consume more if you need to, but it’s impossible to consume less after the fact. So if you’re looking to gauge your tolerance for edibles, and especially in a new setting, we recommend consuming no more than 5mg THC to start, and doing so in a safe, comfortable environment.
Type of edibles
Your choice of edible plays a significant role in the onset and duration of its effects. In general, products you chew and swallow or drink through a straw take longer than edibles that are taken orally but don’t make their way into your digestive system, like sublingual (under your tongue) products.
Here’s an overview of some common types of edibles you might encounter in a provisioning center and what to expect from each:
- Gummies: Chewable edibles, such as gummies, tend to have longer onset times than options like tinctures or beverages because absorption first occurs in the digestive tract. When eating an edible, the cannabis is digested through your stomach and liver and can take 30 minutes to an hour to take effect.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are consumed both sublingually and ingested orally, which is known as biphasic. A tincture partially absorbs through capillaries in your mouth, where it bypasses your digestive system and gets to work faster. The remaining bit that’s swallowed is digested just like an edible. That means tinctures take effect quicker and last longer, although not as long as edibles. Expect the effects of tinctures to last between three to eight hours depending on dosage.
- Beverages: Some cannabis beverages tend to have a faster onset time than gummies or capsules for similar reasons as tinctures. Because the stomach absorbs liquids more quickly than solids, THC beverages are popular among those who want a faster acting option than solid edible options. While edibles can take hours to start kicking in, cannabis beverages work relatively quickly – often in as little as 15 minutes.
Metabolism
Your metabolism and overall body composition will also play a role in edibles’ duration and onset time. Generally, if you have a faster metabolism, you’ll likely start to feel something within an hour after consuming an edible. But if your metabolism is slower, it could much longer for you to feel any effects at all. Things like gender, body weight, and activity levels effect our metabolism.
How recently you’ve eaten
How much and how recently you’ve eaten will also factor into your experience with edibles. With an empty stomach, for example, the effects of the edible will be much more potent. Consuming edibles on an empty stomach may also cause feelings of nausea for some consumers. It’s always a good idea for new or experienced consumers to eat a full meal before consuming an edible.
Cannabinoids are also fat-soluble, meaning they need fat to absorb into your body. For this reason, consuming edibles with fatty foods may enhance their effects. Even eating a meal after consuming an edible may influence your consumption experience.
So, how much should I take?
The ideal edible dosage is different for everyone. It’s always a good idea to talk to the provisionary associate, but you can generally base your dosage on the following guidelines:
- Up to 5mg: Doses of less than 5mg THC are generally used to manage minor aches and pains. Doses as low as 1mg THC can be effective if you’re interested in microdosing, while 5mg doses can be significant for edibles first-timers or those looking for minor relief.
- 5mg – 10mg: Edibles that contain 5 to 10mg of THC are generally best suited for more experienced consumers with higher tolerances. With this amount, you can expect potent effects and significant pain relief. Many consumers prefer to consume 10mg edibles as a sleep aid as well, though some may find this prompts feelings of anxiety that keep them up at night.
- More than 10mg: Edibles containing more than 10mg are available but should only be consumed by those with very high tolerance or medicinal users with chronic pain. High-dosage edibles can be quite intoxicating and are best left to experienced consumers — and even then, it’s wise to clear your schedule before consuming such high amounts.
What edible products are available at Iconic?
There are many edible options available at Iconic provisioning centers. Between the following brands, we offer everything from gummies to beverages to chocolates. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other edible products available.
- Wyld: Wyld offers cannabis-infused gummies for every occasion, palate, and preference. They provide a range of gummies available in different potencies and cannabinoid profiles suited to every consumer’s needs.
- Kiva: Kiva offers various product types suited to every consumer, including delectable chocolates, unique gummies, and low-dose mints. Crafted using all-natural ingredients and locally-sourced cannabis, Kiva is known for products infused with certain cultivars for specific effects.
- Monster Xtracts: Monster Medibles are carried at Iconic Wellness locations throughout Michigan. These potent and delicious gummies come in various flavors and potencies and remain the most popular brands across years and state lines.
- True North: Available in a 2-pack of 50mg each, True North’s fruit gummies come in various flavors, including Blood Orange Moon and Blueberry Lemon Haze. True North Gummies are known to be quite potent and are great for those seeking a relaxing body high without a clouded mind.
- Barracuda: Barracuda is a Detroit-based company creating infused milk-chocolate bars crafted from high-quality cannabis. Barracuda Bars are a delicious combination of high-quality chocolate and cannabis melted down for the smoothest palatable experience.
Additionally, you’ll find 200mg edible packages available at Iconic. Select brands manufacture packages in 200mg sizes, double from the 100mg initially allowed by Michigan’s regulatory body. At Iconic, we carry 200mg versions of select edible products from great brands, including Wyld, Banned, ErrlKing, and Monster Xtracts, just to name a few.
Ready to try edibles?
Head to any of the three Iconic Wellness locations throughout Michigan to check out our extensive inventory of edibles of every kind. View the Iconic Wellness – Lowell, Gaylord, and Sturgis menu to see what’s in stock before you arrive. You can also speak to one of our associates to get a better idea of what’s right for you.
