Edibles: How Long Do They Last?

When you eat THC-infused edibles, it's hard to predict when you'll start feeling the effects. Unlike smoking, where you feel the impact right away, edibles need time to work through your digestive system, which means the THC is released slowly. This slow release means it might take a while before you start to feel anything.

The kind of edible also affects how quickly you feel the effects. Foods high in fat, like brownies or cookies, take longer to digest, which means it takes longer for the THC to get into your system. Lighter, sugary snacks like gummies might let you feel the effects faster. 

It is a good idea to start with a small amount to avoid taking too much. Want to know more about finding the right amount and making your experience safe and enjoyable? Keep reading for more tips.

How Long Do Edible Effects Last?

The effects of edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on factors like metabolism, the type of edible consumed, and personal tolerance. Here’s a closer look at some common types of 10mg edibles and how their effects might differ:

• Gummies: Known for their consistency and convenience, 10mg edibles like gummies usually take around 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. The effects are steady and can last about 6 to 8 hours, depending on your tolerance and body chemistry. Gummies also offer precise doses in each piece, making them a top choice for those who prefer a reliable and controlled experience.
• Brownies: Since brownies are dense and often contain fats, brownies edibles may take longer to digest, meaning the effects might take longer to appear. With brownies, the effects can last up to 10 hours, gradually building in intensity.
• Cookies: Similar to brownies, cookies may take 45 minutes to 2 hours to start working. The effects can last about 6 to 10 hours, influenced by factors like metabolism and prior food intake.
• Chocolates: With chocolates, the effects can start within 30 minutes to 1 hour. They may last around 6 to 8 hours, with the intensity depending on the amount of THC in each piece.

Each type of edible brings a unique experience, but gummies are often preferred for their reliable onset and easy dosing, which helps users avoid overconsumption.

How Many Edibles Should You Take?

Determining how much edibles you should take depends on several factors, including your experience with cannabis, your body's metabolism, and what you want to achieve with your experience. Here’s a general guideline:

1. First-time users: If you're new to cannabis or edibles, starting with a low dose is crucial. A typical starting dose might be around 2.5 to 5 mg of THC edibles.
2. Regular users: If you have more experience with cannabis, you might start with 5 to 10 mg of THC. This dose can provide a moderate effect without being overwhelming.
3. Experienced users: For those with a high tolerance to THC, 10 mg or more per serving may be appropriate. However, doses above 15 mg should be taken cautiously as they can produce intense effects.

What Are The Benefits Of Edibles?

Edibles offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for both recreational and medicinal cannabis users:

1. Longer Duration: Edibles provide longer-lasting effects compared to other forms of cannabis consumption, like smoking or vaping. The effects can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, which is beneficial for those needing prolonged relief from symptoms.
2. Discretion and Convenience: Edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, and cookies, are easy to consume discreetly without smoke, vapor, or odor. This is particularly appealing in situations where discretion is necessary.
3. Dosage Control: Edibles are often precisely dosed, which can help users consume a consistent amount of cannabis. This is especially useful for medical users who rely on a consistent dosage to manage symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia.
4. Healthier Alternatives: For those who wish to avoid the potential risks associated with smoking, edibles offer a smoke-free alternative that eliminates inhalation of tar, carcinogens, and other harmful compounds found in smoke.
5. Psychological and Physical Benefits: Like other forms of cannabis, edibles can provide significant relief from various conditions, including chronic pain, muscle inflammation, anxiety, and stress. They are also used to help with sleep disorders and to boost appetite.
6. Varied Options: The wide range of edible products available allows users to choose based on their preferred taste and potency, contributing to a more personalized cannabis experience.

Understanding THC Dosages in Edibles

The amount of THC in an edible can vary significantly depending on the product and the market it is sold in. Generally, the THC content in edibles is measured in milligrams (mg), and here are some common dosages found in the market:

1. Microdose: Products designed for microdosing may contain as little as 1 to 2.5 mg of THC per serving. These are ideal for those new to cannabis or for consumers seeking minimal psychoactive effects.
2. Standard Dose: Many edibles come in standard doses of 5 to 10 mg of THC per serving. This range is often recommended for casual users who have some tolerance to THC.
3. High Dose: Edibles designed for experienced users or those with high tolerance may contain 10 to 50 mg of THC per serving. These should be consumed with caution, especially by those who are not accustomed to high doses of THC.
4. Very High Dose: Some edibles, particularly those intended for medicinal use by patients with conditions that respond to high doses of THC, can contain 50 mg or more per serving. These are typically found in markets with legal, medical cannabis programs and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Feeling the effects can take a while with THC edibles. Usually, it can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating them. This delay happens because the THC needs to be digested before it enters your bloodstream. Once the effects start, they can last a long time, from about 4 to 12 hours, and sometimes you might still feel them the next day.

The type of edibles you eat also matters. Those with a lot of fat, like brownies, take longer to digest, so the THC takes longer to work. On the other hand, lighter ones like gummies might let you feel the effects a bit sooner. To avoid taking too much, start with a small amount, like 2.5 to 5 mg of THC, and wait to see how it affects you before reaching a standard dose of 10mg. This careful approach helps ensure the effects you get are both fun and safe.