For most people, ingesting cannabis can have positive side effects, but consuming too much can ruin your overall experience. There is growing interest in varieties of cannabis consumption as it becomes legal in more and more states.
If you’re familiar with ingesting edibles, you most likely know their dosing and how to consume them. But edibles can be a minefield if you’re not particularly familiar with them and several questions might arise. How long do they take to start working? How long do they typically last? How much do you take?
Let’s find out!
What are Edibles?
Edibles are foods and beverages infused with THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids. Edibles are the most potent form of cannabis because our digestive system metabolizes the THC into a more potent form making the high last longer than with smoke.
You can find a wide variety of cannabis-infused baked goods, gummies, lozenges, seasoning packets, cooking oil, chocolates, mints, sodas, and numerous more products thanks to advancements in infusion techniques.
Benefits of Consuming Edibles
The advantage of consuming edibles is that you can experience its effects without smoking flower or vaping concentrates, saving your lungs from carcinogens and your home from unpleasant smoke.
Edibles are praised for their discretionas well as convenience, as you don’t need to walk outside or have a bong, pipe, dab rig, or other smoking equipment. Moreover, edibles are frequently the first choice for medical patients since they commonly offer long-lasting relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia, and for overall relaxation.
How Long does it Take for Edibles to Kick In?
Edibles might take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. This is because they must pass through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream, it may take hours for the effects to start to kick in, and their intensity progressively increases until it reaches a peak. Depending on how much you consume, the duration of your high might range from a few hours to a full day.
How is THC Absorbed with Edibles
The edible first enters your stomach after passing via your esophagus. Then it is broken down into its component elements, including THC, after digestion by acids and enzymes. The stomach lining allows the THC to be absorbed and transported to the liver. And, finally, the THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver. Compared to THC that is smoked, it has a higher potency and can pass through the blood-brain barrier more readily.
Can you Consume Edibles on an Empty Stomach?
You can experience a faster onset and stronger effects if you consume edibles with an empty stomach. These effects, however, are brief in comparison to edibles eaten after a meal. This is because THC is not water-soluble; it is a fat-soluble substance. So, an edible’s contents linger in your digestive system longer when you consume it after a meal that is high in fat and with a full stomach.
Trying Edibles for the First Time
- Try edibles that contain both THC and CBD.
- Start with 2.5 mg or 5 mg of THC.
- Look for products that are easy to dose.
- Wait at least two hours, ideally 24 hours, before consuming more.
Edibles Dosing
Keep in mind that every person has their own unique optimal dose. The type of edible, the dosage, gastrointestinal factors, your metabolism, what you’ve eaten, your tolerance, and your body weight are some of the variables that affect an edible potency as well as its effects.
The lowest THC concentration for edibles often sold at licensed dispensaries is 2.5 mg or 5 mg per gum, lozenge, baked goods, or other products. The general rule of thumb is to start low and go slow; 2.5 mg or 5 mg is the recommended dose for beginners.
Lastly, you should start with a modest amount of edibles and increase it gradually until you discover the right amount for you.