Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extracts like THC or CBD. They come in various forms, such as gummies, chocolates, cookies, and beverages. Unlike smoking or vaping, which deliver cannabinoids quickly through the lungs, edibles work by ingesting and metabolizing in the digestive system.
Onset Time and Duration
Edibles take longer to take effect compared to smoking or vaping. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start feeling the effects because cannabinoids need to pass through the digestive system and liver first.
After consumption, the effects typically peak within 2 to 4 hours. Unlike smoking, which provides immediate relief, edibles offer more intense and longer-lasting effects. On average, these effects can last between 4 to 12 hours, depending on factors like dosage and metabolism.
Factors That Influence Duration
Several factors affect how long edibles last in your system:
- Dosage: Higher doses mean longer-lasting effects.
- Metabolism: Your body’s ability to process cannabinoids varies.
- Tolerance: Regular users may need higher doses for the same effects.
- Type of Edible: Different products have varying absorption rates.
- Food Intake: Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can lead to quicker onset but shorter duration, while eating them with food delays onset but prolongs effects.
What do edibles do to your body?
Eating edibles can affect your physical and mental health in both the short and long term:
- Thinking and memory: Edibles can make it harder to concentrate, learn, and remember things, especially in the first 24 hours. Teens might feel this more strongly.
- Fast heartbeat: Edibles can speed up your heart rate (from 70-120 beats per minute), which could raise the risk of heart problems.
- Feeling hungry: Edibles often make you feel more hungry. This can be helpful for people with conditions like cancer or AIDS that cause weight loss. Researchers are studying if edibles can help without causing other problems.
- Anxiety and sadness: Some people feel relaxed when using edibles, but others may feel anxious. Using them a lot could make existing mental health problems worse, leading to more sadness.”
Tips for Safe Consumption
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low dosage (5-10mg of THC) and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.
- Follow Instructions: Check product labels for dosage recommendations.
- Patience: Avoid re-dosing too quickly to prevent uncomfortable effects.
Conclusion
Edibles provide a unique way to experience cannabis effects, offering longer-lasting benefits than smoking or vaping. Understanding their onset time, duration, and influencing factors can help you make informed decisions about consumption. Whether you seek recreational enjoyment or therapeutic relief, edibles offer a versatile option for your cannabis journey. Visit Heady Club DC, your premier DC dispensary, to explore a curated selection of high-quality cannabis edibles and products tailored to enhance your experience.
