How Long Does it Take for an Edible to Kick in?
Figuring out the right dose of edibles for your body and tolerance is a bit like solving a puzzle. Everyone's biochemistry is a unique landscape, and several factors influence how intensely an edible will hit you. Imagine you and your friend eating the same edible with the same 5mg of THC – one of you might be floating through the depths of space, while the other feels next to nothing at all.
So, why do edibles take their sweet time compared to a smoke session? When you smoke or vape, cannabis goes straight into your bloodstream, delivering the buzz within minutes. Edibles, however, need to navigate through your stomach and liver before the high sets in. It's a lengthier process, but the payoff is usually a more potent experience.
Given this slower pace, we're big fans of the "start low and go slow" approach. Try a low-dose edible, wait a solid 45-60 minutes (or even longer) for the effects to kick in. If you're still craving more after that, consider another dose. For beginners or those with a low tolerance, start with a modest 2.5 mg of edibles or less. Assess how you feel after an hour, and if you're up for it, throw in another 2.5 mg or less.
Now, let's dive into the factors that spice up this edible equation. The type of edible matters – gummies, baked goods, and drinks can take their sweet time (45-60 minutes), while sublingual champions like mint strips or lollipops can hit you up within minutes (these edibles are sometimes called 'fast-acting' edibles).
Dosage is another player; higher doses (like 10 mg or more) might fast-track the party. Your tolerance levels, body weight, and metabolism also have a say. If you're a daily toker, 5 mg might feel like a breeze, but for the occasional smoker, it might hit like a tidal wave.
Now, if you're all about the benefits but not keen on the waiting game, there are a few tricks. Sublinguals like tinctures, mint strips, capsules, or lollipops absorb faster under the tongue – usually igniting effects in minutes. An empty stomach can speed things up too; just have some snacks on standby. And if you're open to it, a little tolerance break can rev up the speed and intensity of your edible journey. Here's to finding your sweet spot!
Eager to delve deeper into edibles, dosage, and ratios? Check out these other blogs:
Edibles: How to Take them and Make the Most out of Your High