One of the most common mistakes people make with cannabis edibles is not waiting long enough for them to kick in. Understanding onset times is crucial for a safe, enjoyable experience.
Why Edibles Take Longer
When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream through the lungs within minutes. Edibles take a completely different path — through your digestive system and liver. This process, called first-pass metabolism, converts delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is actually more potent and longer-lasting.
Typical Onset Times by Edible Type
Factors That Affect Onset Time
Metabolism — Faster metabolism = faster onset. Younger, more active people tend to feel effects sooner.
Stomach contents — Taking edibles on an empty stomach leads to faster onset but potentially more intense effects. Eating a small meal before can lead to a more gradual, comfortable experience.
Body composition — THC is fat-soluble, so body fat percentage can influence absorption and duration.
Tolerance — Regular users may feel effects differently than newcomers.
How Long Do Effects Last?
Edible effects typically last 4-8 hours, significantly longer than smoking or vaping:
The Golden Rule
Start low, go slow. Take your dose, set a timer for 2 hours, and resist the urge to take more. The number one cause of uncomfortable edible experiences is taking a second dose before the first one has fully kicked in.
What If You Take Too Much
If you consume too much: