Brands 
Strains 
Dispensaries
Deals
Doctors
Learn
The Science Behind Edible Absorption
When you consume cannabis edibles, the journey to feeling their effects is quite different from smoking or vaping. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1.Ingestion and Digestion: Edibles enter your digestive system and are broken down in the stomach. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what else you’ve eaten and your metabolic rate.
2.Liver Metabolism: Once the edible is digested, THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) is absorbed into the bloodstream and processed by the liver. The liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that is more potent and has a longer duration of effects compared to inhaled THC.
3.Distribution: 11-hydroxy-THC is then distributed throughout your body, eventually crossing the blood-brain barrier and binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to the psychoactive effects.
Timeline of Edible Effects
The effects of edibles can vary widely based on several factors:
- Onset Time: Typically, edibles take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to start working. However, this can be longer if you’ve consumed a large meal prior.
- Peak Effects: Once the effects begin, they usually peak around 2 to 4 hours after ingestion.
- Duration: The effects of edibles can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, with some residual effects lasting up to 12 hours in some cases.
Factors Influencing Edible Effects
Several factors can influence how quickly and intensely you feel the effects of edibles:
1.Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolisms may feel the effects sooner than those with slower metabolic rates.
2.Tolerance: Regular cannabis users may have a higher tolerance, requiring larger doses to feel the same effects as occasional users.
3.Body Composition: Factors such as body weight and fat content can influence how THC is absorbed and metabolized.
4.Strain of Weed: The specific cannabis strain used in the edible can also impact the onset and intensity of effects. For instance, strains with higher THC content or those known for their potency, like Royal Runtz and Blissful Wizard, may produce more pronounced effects.
Highlighting the Best Weed Strains for Edibles
Choosing the right strain for your edibles can significantly impact your experience. Here are a couple of top strains to consider:
Royal Runtz Strain
Blissful Wizard Strain
Blissful Wizard is another hybrid strain, famous for its uplifting and euphoric effects. It’s perfect for those who want a mood boost and a sense of well-being. Its sweet, citrusy flavor also makes it a popular choice for edible creations, enhancing not just the effects but the taste experience as well.
Tips for Consuming Edibles Safely
1.Start Low and Go Slow: Especially if you’re new to edibles, start with a low dose (5-10 mg of THC) and wait at least 2 hours before considering more. It’s easier to consume more than to deal with an overwhelming high.
2.Be Patient: Unlike smoking, the effects of edibles take time to kick in. Avoid the common mistake of consuming more because you think the initial dose isn’t working.
3.Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as edibles can sometimes cause dry mouth.
4.Have a Comfortable Environment: Ensure you’re in a safe and comfortable place, especially if you’re trying edibles for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The onset time for edibles can vary widely depending on factors like your metabolism, what you’ve eaten recently, and the THC content of the edible. Generally, you might start feeling effects anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption.
Unlike smoking or vaping, where cannabinoids like THC are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, edibles have to pass through the digestive system. This process takes longer as the THC is metabolized by the liver before it reaches the bloodstream and brain.
Several factors influence the onset time of edibles, including your body weight and metabolism, the potency and type of edible consumed, whether you’ve eaten recently, and individual tolerance levels to THC.
Eating edibles on an empty stomach may slightly speed up onset time, but this can also increase the intensity of the effects. Choosing products labeled as “fast-acting” or “quick onset” may also help reduce the waiting time.
