How Long Do THC Edibles Last

THC edibles are consumable food products that have been infused with the cannabinoid delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Edibles come in a lot of forms, can be enjoyable to try, and make a nice alternative to smoking cannabis flower.

First, When Do Edibles Take Effect?

The general guideline is that edibles will start to take effect sometime between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. However, several factors can affect this number, including metabolism, age, food intake, and even gender. Further, THC edibles can kick in at varying intervals depending on the type of edible product. Let’s dive a bit deeper.

Chewable Edibles

Most chewable edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, or baked goods will take between 60 and 180 minutes to take effect. These edibles have to be broken down by the mouth and digestive system before interacting with cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, they can take longer to reach the full effects.

Beverages

You will find quite a few THC-infused beverages in dispensaries, and these are also classified as edibles. Infused beverages can take effect sooner than standard edibles. The cannabinoid particles are smaller, easier absorbed into the bloodstream via the sublingual membrane, and are generally processed faster. Some THC beverage makers state the effects can kick in within minutes, but individual results can vary.

Other Edibles

Hard candies, lollipops, mints, and other types of edibles can also kick in a little quicker than some edibles. These types of edibles have to hang out in the mouth for a few minutes as they dissolve. Therefore, the cannabinoids may be absorbed sublingually, so you may start to feel the effects in as little as 15 to 45 minutes.

How Long Do THC Edibles Last?

Edibles take longer to kick in than smoking, but the effects also linger for longer with most products. For most edibles, the strongest peak of effects will be experienced at about three hours. However, an average dose can last as long as six hours or more, but this can vary depending on dosage, sensitivity, and metabolism. Someone sensitive to THC may experience effects for up to 8 or 12 hours, while someone more tolerant may see the effects pass within four hours.

TL;DR

Peak: 3 hours in (average)
Average Dose: Can last 6 hours or more
Tolerance: 8-12 hours (low tolerance) & 4 hours (high tolerance)

How Much Should You Take?

Dosing edibles can be a little tricky because so many factors determine the end effects. In general, THC edibles come in dosages ranging from 0.5mg to 20mg of THC. Most people consider a dosage between 2.5 and 5mg to be a good starting dose if you have never tried edibles. The average dose for someone not new to THC would be closer to 10 to 15mg, whereas a high dose would be 20mg. Doses at 20mg are not usually recommended as this can enhance the risks of undesirable side effects.

Benefits of THC Edibles

While cannabinoid benefits are an ever-growing area of research, specific cannabinoids like THC have only been approved for specific uses. Nevertheless, edibles may be good for certain things like chronic pain, loss of appetite, or even sleep issues. Taking THC in edible form is beneficial to some because:

It does not involve the respiratory system or smoking
The effects can last longer than with smoking or vaping
Edibles are more discreet
THC edibles can be easier for gauging specific dosages than smoking

Other FAQs About THC Edibles?

Are they safe?

When consumed responsibly and at a proper dose, well-tested edibles should not pose any safety concerns. As with all forms of THC, certain side effects are possible, such as impaired ability to concentrate, drowsiness, and potentially a bit of anxiety. It is important to note that THC overconsumption is more possible with edibles, so you do have to be extremely mindful of how much THC you consume. A lot of people who have a bad experience mistakenly assume the THC is not working or not producing the effects they want. Therefore, they consume more, and then end up taking too high of a dose.

Do edibles expire?

THC edibles can expire. While the cannabinoids themselves will likely simply wane in potency, it is the food ingredients that you have to watch out for. For example, if you have THC gummies, the fruit flavorings, gelatin, or sweeteners can expire before the cannabinoids. Always look for a use-by date on edibles and consume products by that date.

What should you do if you take too much?

In the event you overconsume THC edibles, the effects can be more intense. You may experience nausea, rapid heart rate, slurred speech, and excessive drowsiness. This is why it is so important to adhere to the guidelines of consuming a low dose to gauge your experience as a first-timer. Also, always wait a full eight hours or more after consumption to properly gauge the effects. In the event you do take too much and experience undesirable effects, it can be better to rest and wait for the feelings to pass. Some people can take CBD (cannabidiol) to dull the effects because CBD counteracts the negative side effects of THC.

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Find Top-Quality Edibles at Uma Flowers

Ready to try high-quality THC edibles that have been made with care and are well-tested for potency? Be sure to take a look at our menu at Uma Flowers. Located in Pepperell, MA – we are one of the closest dispensaries to New Hampshire.