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Wellness

How Long Does an Edible Last?

If you love weed and you love food, a cannabis edible is a perfect blend for you! Some people love weed so much that they want weed for their souls, weed for their minds, and also weed for their stomachs. But some people are just looking for an alternative route to smoking or vaping to access the wide range of potential benefits that cannabis offers.

Cannabis edibles are currently one of the most popular consumption methods worldwide. And while before, we only knew about the infamous happy brownies or the controversial space cookies, the world of cannabis-infused foods has grown enormously and seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Cannabis edibles are serious business, and when you want to try them, it’s much better to do so with well-informed criteria so you know what to expect, what to avoid, and how to consume them correctly.

We could even say that cannabis edibles are an art, and in the process of mastering the art of consuming them, one of the main questions that every user asks is, “How long does an edible get me high?” If you are in this phase and want to know more about everything related to edible cannabis and its effects, this is the perfect post for you! But, before we get into the more complex details of edibles, let’s review an essential concept to refresh our memory and clarify things for those users with less experience in all related to cannabis.

Key takeaways

  • Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or other natural compounds in cannabis plants like terpenes and flavonoids.
  • The duration of the edible high can vary significantly from person to person, ranging from 2 to 12 hours.
  • One factor determining how long an edible will last is the type of cannabinoid it contains.
  • Typically, the effects of edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to appear.

What are cannabis edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or other natural compounds in cannabis plants like terpenes and flavonoids. Cannabis edibles can come in the form of gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and drinks. There are even chefs specialized in turning the most delicious and complex gourmet preparations into therapeutic recipes, infusing them with different cannabinoids. Edibles offer a delightful alternative to smoking or vaping cannabis and can be a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis.

What are the effects of cannabis edibles?

Cannabis edibles produce a more powerful and long-lasting high compared to the effects of smoking or vaping cannabis. When we eat cannabis edibles, our liver metabolizes the cannabinoids into a potent form that produces effects that can last for several hours. Edibles can generate a range of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, increased appetite, and altered perception. Depending on the type of edible and other organic cannabis compounds, they can also help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, reduce anxiety, and alleviate some symptoms of depression.

How long does it take for edibles to kick in?

The effects of edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. Edibles are one of the consumption methods with the most delayed onset because our stomach and liver must digest edibles to process their cannabinoid content and make them available in our bloodstream. This onset time can also vary depending on various factors, such as the metabolism of each user, weight, tolerance, and the cannabinoid content of the edible.

How long does an edible high last?

The duration of the edible high can vary significantly from person to person, ranging from 2 to 12 hours. The duration range of effects of edibles is so wide because several factors influence the length of the high. The type of cannabinoid in the edible, the potency of the edible, as well as the metabolism, weight, and tolerance level of each user, among other factors, may be decisive for the duration of the effects of an edible.

Determining factors for the length of an edible high.

As we just mentioned, the edibles’ effects and duration are quite relative since they are subject to various variants. Among the determining factors of the time of the edible high, we find the following.

Type of Cannabinoid in the Edible

THC, CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, and practically every existing cannabinoid have different mechanisms of action, which cause different effects with different durations.

Strength of Cannabis Edible.

The potency and cannabinoid content of each edible can significantly influence the duration of the high. In this sense, the more powerful the edible is, the more likely the length of its effects will be.

How Much Food is in the User’s Stomach.

Taking edibles on an empty stomach can result in a faster onset of effects and more powerful effects. In contrast, taking them with a meal can slow the onset time and reduce the potency of the edible’s effects.

Users Metabolism Rate.

A faster metabolism can result in a quicker onset of effects. But, an accelerated metabolism can also reduce the time of the high of edibles since just as it assimilates them faster, it also disposes of them more quickly.

Users Weight.

Users with a higher body weight may require larger doses to experience the effects of the edibles. In turn, they might also experience longer-lasting effects.

Users Age.

As people age, their metabolism often slows down, which can result in a longer-lasting high.

Users Gender.

Various studies suggest that females may experience more powerful and long-lasting effects than males. Cannabis acts differently on each individual and affects men and women differently in different contexts. For example, the effects of edibles on sex can vary depending on a person’s biological sex.

Users Tolerance.

People who frequently use cannabis may develop a higher tolerance to cannabinoids and may require larger doses of edibles to feel the effects.

Potential Medication Interactions.

Some medications can interact with cannabinoids and influence the duration and potency of the edible’s effects. This is why, if under any type of medication, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any edible to be aware of any possible interaction and thus avoid experiencing unwanted effects.

THC vs HHC vs Delta-8, 9, and 10 edible duration differences.

As we just mentioned, one factor determining how long an edible will last is the type of cannabinoid it contains. THC edibles are the oldest and most common type of edibles. But when talking about THC edibles, most refer to edibles that contain Delta-9 THC, the predominant cannabinoid in cannabis. Nonetheless, there are edibles with other THC isomers, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10, which are rapidly gaining popularity due to the variations in their range of effects. HHC edibles are relatively new and are also rapidly gaining popularity thanks to their unique set of effects. Although each of these cannabinoids carries psychoactive qualities and can produce a high, each cannabinoid gives edibles particular effects inherent to each cannabinoid that set them apart from one another. Let’s look at this more closely.

THC edibles.

THC edibles are famous for their psychoactive effects and are more commonly used for recreational purposes. The duration of the effects of a THC edible depends on the dose, the tolerance of each user, and the type of edible. Typically, a THC edible’s high can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. However, other factors can affect the duration, such as each individual’s metabolism, weight, and the chosen method of consumption.

HHC edibles.

HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a relatively new cannabinoid rapidly gaining popularity in the cannabis industry. The time it takes for the HHC to kick in depends on the consumption method used. When it comes to HHC edibles, the effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in, and the high can last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, making them one of the longest-lasting edibles on the market. HHC edibles are famous for their euphoric and uplifting effects that can be ideal for promoting creativity and productivity.

Delta-8 edibles.

The case of Delta-8 and other hemp-derived delta isomers can be confusing for many people since, although it is still one of the forms of THC, the differences in its chemical structure generate significant changes in the effects it generates. This is why many people may doubt how long a Delta-8 high lasts or how long some of these cannabis edibles, like Delta-8 gummies, take to kick in. Delta-8 is a less potent form of THC. Its onset of effects when taken in edible form is quite similar to that of other THC isomers, and the duration of its effects can range from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose and tolerance of each user.

Delta-9 edibles.

Delta-9 THC is the type of THC most commonly found in cannabis edibles. Nevertheless, Delta-9 edibles are gradually being displaced by other legal THC isomers such as Delta-8. The high of a Delta-9 edible can last between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the dose, the tolerance of each individual, and the type of edible.

Delta-10 edibles.

Delta-10 is a relatively new cannabinoid that is rapidly gaining popularity among cannabis users around the world. Delta-10 edibles are famous for their energizing Sativa-like effects, lasting anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on each user’s tolerance level and the type of edible ingested.

How long does it take for edibles to kick in?

When you don’t have much experience with edibles, it’s a common mistake to take more edibles than necessary before the effects kick in, thinking you might need more. This occurs because the effects of edibles take longer to appear compared to other consumption methods, such as smokable products or cannabis oils and tinctures. When unaware of the science behind edibles, it’s all too common to wonder why edibles take so long to work. The answer is simpler than many would initially think, and that is that for edibles to generate their effects, our stomach and liver must digest them to use the cannabinoid content in them.

Typically, the effects of edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to appear. But, the onset time of edibles also depends on each person’s metabolism, weight, the type of cannabinoid, and the potency of the edible. Additionally, cannabis edibles consumed on an empty stomach may take effect faster than edibles consumed after a meal.

How long does an edible last in your system?

The total time that an edible lasts in your system depends largely on the potency of the product, the dose ingested, and the tolerance and metabolism of each individual. Generally, edibles last six to eight hours in the system, but residual effects can take up to 24 hours to wear off completely.

In this process, the liver plays a crucial role in the metabolization of THC, which is why the onset of the effects of edibles takes longer than other consumption methods. It takes several hours for the liver to metabolize THC and make it available in our bloodstream, and the peak effects of an edible can occur about two to three hours after consumption.

For this reason, it is extremely important to take low doses of edibles and wait at least two hours before consuming more. Finally, it is essential to highlight that both THC and its metabolites can remain in the system and be detected for several days, depending on various factors such as frequency of use, level of body fat, and hydration levels of each user.

Do edibles last longer than oils?

Short answer, yes, the effects of edibles usually last longer than those of oils. But, the more specific answer to this question can be a bit more complex. Although you can ingest edibles and oils orally, they differ in how our bodies metabolize them. Edibles typically last longer than oils since they must pass through our digestive system before entering the bloodstream. THC is metabolized by the liver into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, in a process that can take several hours.

On the other hand, our body absorbs oils faster, generating an onset of around 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. However, the metabolization time of the oils can be relative since if we ingest it like edibles, the oil will pass into our digestive tract, and our body will process it as if it were also an edible. In contrast, if we take the oil sublingually, the time required to feel its effects is significantly shortened, but the total duration of its effects may also be less.

Can you shorten or extend the length of an edible high?

Simply put, yes. The effects of an edible can be longer or shorter depending on factors such as the potency of the edible, the metabolism of each user, tolerance, the dose ingested, and whether we take the edible on a full or empty stomach, among other factors. In short, the length of an edible’s high depends on so many factors that you can easily use some of these factors to manipulate the length of the high to your advantage.

For example, if you are in a situation where the effects of the edible are too strong to deal with, or you need to get sober very quickly, you can try to dilute, counteract, or metabolize as much of the THC that is in your body. You can do it by doing the following.

  • Hydrate as much as possible with water or a sugary drink.
  • Go outside for fresh air or exercise if you can do it safely.
  • For THC highs, try taking some CBD to neutralize the intoxicating effects.
  • Eat a light or healthy snack so that your stomach is not empty.
  • Try sniffing or chewing on some black peppercorns, a piece of a pine cone, or lemons, as they contain organic compounds that combat the intoxicating effects of THC.

In addition to using physical releases to mitigate the edible’s high, you can do things that relax you to counteract the overwhelmingly uncomfortable effects of an excessive high. You can watch a movie or series, take a nap, listen to relaxing music, play with your pet, or do any relaxing activity to help you overcome the unpleasant effects of high.

On the other hand, if you’re having a great time and want to extend the duration of the edible’s effects, there are several things you can do. You can do the following if you want to lengthen your edible´s high.

  • Try to take another dose of edible.
  • Try another type of cannabis that contains cannabinoids that generate more powerful or prolonged effects.
  • Combine various types of cannabis products.
  • Try to take a larger dose next time.

It is important to note that if you try to extend the time of the effects of edibles, whatever method you choose, be careful and always do it using low doses. It is essential to listen to your body to determine what is working and what is not precisely. Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol, as the high can get out of hand. Remember that cannabis affects everyone differently and that many variables influence the final effects we experience.

Are edibles safe?

Generally, yes, edible cannabis can be safe when consumed responsibly and in moderation. However, edibles are also the consumption method that carries the highest risk of experiencing adverse effects from excessive doses of cannabis. It is vital to remember that the potency and duration of effects of edibles can be significantly different than that of smoking or vaping cannabis. The metabolization of the active ingredients of cannabis when consumed orally is different, which causes a delayed onset and more powerful and long-lasting effects.

Overconsumption of THC through edibles can easily lead to experiencing adverse effects such as anxiety, nausea, paranoia, temporary cognitive impairment, and even episodes of short-term psychosis in some cases. To ensure personal safety when consuming cannabis edibles, it is essential to carefully follow the dosage instructions on the package, start with small doses, and wait at least a couple of hours before consuming more. Furthermore, it is also important to store edible cannabis out of the reach of children and pets, as they may be attracted to the colorful packages and sweet flavors of some edible cannabis.

Responsible adult consumption of edible cannabis can be safe, but it is vital to exercise caution and moderation to avoid harmful or unwanted side effects.

Final thoughts — How Long Does an Edible Last?

As a bottom line, we can say that the duration of the high of the edibles is quite relative since it is subject to many variables that go from the physiological characteristics of each user to the qualities of the edible itself. Typically, the high of THC edible cannabis or one of its isomers can last from 4 to 8 hours. However, there are types of edibles and various cannabinoids that can prolong or shorten the duration of these effects. But, in general, edibles are the cannabis products that provide the longest high, taking up to 24 hours for the effects to completely wear off.

Undoubtedly, there are tactics we can use to lengthen or shorten the duration of an edible’s high. But, whatever your intention, it is vital to practice caution and take a careful approach towards the consumption of edible cannabis to prevent the possible side effects that excessive doses can generate. When it comes to cannabis edibles, the rule of thumb is: start low and go slow. Pay close attention to your body’s reaction and allow enough time for the effects of your first dose of edibles to reach their peak before consuming more.

Where to buy HHC, Delta-8, 9 and 10 Edibles online

The federal legalization of hemp and its cannabinoids and derived products since 2018 has brought many benefits for cannabis users nationwide. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest benefits is that it is increasingly easy to get cannabis products that contain all kinds of hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD, HHC, and various THC isomers such as Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 at local dispensaries.

Nevertheless, the legal opening towards these products and the growing demand for them is a double-edged sword that sometimes results in malicious brands and retailers offering dubious quality products or edibles that may contain ingredients or elements that could be harmful to the health of users. This is why obtaining cannabis products, including edibles, directly from their manufacturers and preferably online remains the most convenient and safe option for users across the country.

We know that there may be enthusiastic or inexperienced users who may have doubts about how to get edibles online. Fortunately, at Botany Farms, we’ve got you covered. In our online store, you can find a vast catalog of different flavors and premium gummies containing different cannabinoids.

For those looking to get a taste of HHC firsthand, our watermelon HHC gummies are the right sweet treat.

If you are looking for a psychoactivity similar to that of cannabis but milder, our tropical mix of Delta-8 THC gummies is the answer.

Delta-9 edibles legal, completely derived from hemp? Our Delta-9 THC Blue Raspberry Gummies are waiting for you!

Last but not least, if you want to give an energizing and uplifting twist to your psychoactive experience, you can recharge your batteries with our mango-flavored Delta-10 THC gummies.

The best thing is that getting any of these delicious gummies is super easy. All you have to do is choose your favorite product and click order so our team of professionals can deliver your order to your doorstep quickly and completely discreetly!

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The content provided on Botany Farms’ website, including blog posts and articles, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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