Marijuana has come a long way from being banned to now being legal for recreational and medicinal use in some states. Researchers have conducted various studies to understand its potency, growing methods, and its properties of healing many ailments. As a result, a plethora of cannabis products has become popular, like CBD tinctures, oils, and creams. Cannabis edibles are one such invention where the properties of cannabis are infused into foods or drinks.
Gone are those days when we had to make a cannabis product at home like brownies and cookies. Now one can get access to a variety of edibles in stores such as candies, chocolates, CBD water, and flavored drinks. The cannabis edibles are an excellent substitute for smoking as you don’t have the risk of getting chronic cough or phlegm production. The experience after intake of edibles is distinct from smoking. Edibles take more time to enter the bloodstream than smoking. A first-timer of cannabis should know the dosages and how the body responds to it to avoid an overdose.
Keep reading, as we will be discussing our body’s mechanism to process edibles, the amount of time it takes to influence the body, and the duration for which it lasts.
Edibles mechanism in the body:
It is essential to understand how the body absorbs the CBD in the edibles to determine why the experience and time taken are different in different people. When a person inhales cannabis through smoke or vapor, all the active components of cannabis enter directly into the blood and to the brain, which shows its effects instantly. However, edibles go through a different process. When a person ingests cannabis edibles, CBD enters into the blood through the intestines and liver and then spreads to the entire body.
The quality of marijuana in use also comes into play for the time it takes to kick in. It usually differs from the methods of using it. Smoking a strain like a sunset sherbet will have a quicker onset time compared to something like using a topical.
So, this is how the body processes the edibles. Now, let’s understand the time taken to see the impact.
How Long Do Edibles Take To Kick In?
The process of digesting an edible, absorbing, and then spreading to the entire body takes a longer time than vaping and smoking. In general, it takes 30 minutes to an hour to begin feeling high after taking cannabis edibles. The intensity of the “high” depends on THC and CBD levels, of course. The more the THC level, the sooner one gets high, whereas, in the case of higher CBD content, there is no euphoria.
Edibles Canada is very effective in treating various conditions but may vary with CBD and THC ratio.
Apart from these, the physical condition of the person taking edibles also influences the onset time. The factors include:
- Gender
- Weight
- Eating habits
- Metabolism
- Cannabis tolerance
Therefore, the kicking time for high THC-low CBD and vice versa types of edibles will depend on these factors and influence its speed of getting digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Edibles like gum and lollipops show a faster onset because the absorption process starts from the saliva in the mouth. Other edibles like wafers, gummies, and cakes that need chewing take much longer to show effects due to the long process of digestion, metabolization in the liver, and then finally entering the bloodstream to explain its impact on the brain.
Thus, it takes time to encounter the edibles effect. So, do not overdose and wait for a minimum of 24 hours before taking the next dose of cannabis edibles. Also, make sure to buy good quality edibles from authentic dealers.
How long do the effects last?
As per a review article, the results of edibles outlasts that of smoking, i.e., for more than six hours. The time-period of the impact depends on factors like dosage consumed and the endurance of the person. THC rich edibles have a longer and more potent high, and the effects can exhibit within three hours.
Tolerance levels also matter for the duration of the effects. If the person is a regular cannabis user, then he/she might not feel the effects as high as a novice cannabis user. Also, a person with moderate metabolism might feel the impact for a longer duration than a person with a high metabolism.
Irrespective of the dosage, the effect of edibles shows quicker when consumed in an empty stomach. That’s why many medical professionals advise eating little food before taking edibles to ensure that the effects come gradually and not that strong. If one consumes food after taking cannabis edible on an empty belly, it will also increase the onset of the impact, as the food consumed can push the edible more swiftly into the digestive system. So, for experiencing the effects of cannabis edibles faster, take them without food and eat a small portion of food after 15 minutes to accelerate the digestive process.
Dosage:
Edibles are available in different dosages. The strength of the edibles relies on the strain used, THC content, baking time, and heat—a beginner dosage of THC in an edible ranges from half a milligram to five milligrams. Generally, edibles contain an amount between 10 to 15 milligrams of THC, which is adequate for a person who has tried cannabis before and wants a long-lasting impact.
A THC content of more than 20 milligrams is a high dose and is not advisory. It might heighten the risk of adverse reactions. Usually, heavy smokers, who want a stronger and lasting consequence, consume such a high dosage.
According to an article, the THC impact from edibles can show up in some individuals from a small dose of 2.5 mg, whereas some might need 50 mg to see any significant effect. That is why, as a basic thumb rule, it is always safe to begin with, low dosages, and slowly raise it with time.
Also, most edibles come with a label containing the level of THC and CBD in it. So, please read the instructions carefully before consuming it.
Conclusion:
Edibles have a similar effect of high and euphoria as smoking cannabis. The time taken to see the edibles outcome will vary between individuals and the THC strength of the edibles. Consuming edibles is preferred by most people to avoid any damage to the lungs. It is an easy way to include in the lifestyle to heal many health ailments like pain, nausea, anxiety, and appetite problems. In case of an overdose by edibles, it can cause side effects but is rarely severe. In case a person feels panic attacks or shortness of breath, then visit a doctor immediately. Lastly, be patient with the edibles to work on the body.
About the author: Rebecca is a cannabis and health industry consultant who frequently writes about the latest trends in the industry with only one motive that is to create awareness about healthy living. She has been writing for a long time now and is becoming a recognized name in the cannabis industry.
