How Long Do Cannabis Edibles Last?

Ever hit a joint just to have it fade out way too soon, or ripped a vape and felt like the high barely lasted long enough to find the perfect playlist? We’ve all been there, craving for a stronger, more enduring buzz! Cannabis edibles, aka the slow-burn superheroes of the weed world, are ideal for achieving this effect. 

But which one should you pick? There are multiple options ranging from non-psychoactive CBD to hyper-psychoactive THCP gummies. In this blog, we compare the entire edible lineup to help you find the answer! 

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are exactly what they sound like – weed products you can eat. The name’s pretty simple, but the vibe is on a whole new level. Unlike smoking, where cannabis hits straight onto your lungs and quickly mixes up with the bloodstream, edibles take a detour through your digestive system, so the high takes time to kick in but stays longer in your system with stronger effects. 

Available in delicious forms like gummies, chocolates, cookies, drinks, and even desserts, they are made by infusing naturally extracted hemp cannabinoids like THC, CBD, HHC, CBN, and THCa into butter, oil, or distillates that form the base. Later, fruit juices are added to the mix for flavor and taste. 

How Long Do Edibles Take To Kick In? 

Cannabis edibles aren’t exactly the “instant gratification” type. While a joint or vape might hit within minutes, edibles have been observed to take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes before the effects start rolling in. 

This slower onset may be explained by the fact that edibles are consumed orally and need to travel through the digestive system, get processed by the liver, and then make their grand entrance into the bloodstream. 

That said, the timing isn’t set in stone. Individual factors like body metabolism, body weight, frequency, and dosage of use, in addition to the timing of intake, generally influence how fast (or slow) things unfold. 

Regular cannabis users may notice a delay due to higher tolerance, while newbies might feel the effects sooner. Strain type also plays a role in enhancing or reducing the onset time. Some edible strains like the Sativa-dominant Green Crack and Super Silver Haze, heavy-hitting Indicas like Granddaddy Purple and Northern Lights, and hybrid powerhouses like Girl Scout may pack a more potent punch interacting and showing effects faster than others. 

How Long Do Edibles Effect Last?

Edibles don’t just pop in, get you high, and dip. They settle in for a full-on session. While smoking might give you a quick rollercoaster ride, edibles have been reported to last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours after consumption, sometimes stretching even longer based on how your body processes it.

Once consumed, edibles travel through the digestive tract, where enzymes break down super-potent cannabinoid blends before they reach the liver. Here, they’re converted into metabolites like 11-hydroxy-THC (if you’re consuming THC gummies or edibles) that may produce a stronger, longer-lasting high compared to inhaled cannabis. 

How long these metabolites stick around depends on your digestive speed, tolerance, and even hydration levels. Plus, factors like cannabinoid formulation, concentration, frequency of use, and even stress levels could play a role in how long you stay elevated. 

Difference Between Taking An Edible Vs. Smoking Or Vaping It 

Smoking, vaping, and edibles all get you baked, but how they do it and for how long makes their stories starkly different! Here’s how they stack up against each other. 

• Onset Time: Smoking or vaping hits almost immediately (within seconds to a few minutes), while edibles take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in since they have to be digested first.
• Duration of Effects: Inhaling weed typically prolongs the high for 1 to 3 hours before fading. On the other hand, the effects of edibles can last 4 to 6 hours or more, depending on dose and body metabolism.
• Delivery Method: When inhaling cannabis via smoking or vaping, the potent cannabinoids like CBD and THC go straight into the bloodstream through the lungs. Contrarily, in edibles, these cannabinoids are processed through the digestive system before mixing with your blood to ensure a longer-lasting experience.
• Intensity: Smoking or vaping cannabis may provide a fast, peak-high experience but usually fades quicker. Edibles generally deliver a gradual, full-body high that can feel deeper and stronger.
• Control & Dosing: When smoking or vaping, controlling the dosage might be a problem as users generally take too many hits too soon without gauging their body’s response. However, edibles typically come pre-dosed in precise amounts (like gummies or capsules), making it easier to track intake.

How Much THC Is Usually In An Edible? 

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in naturally grown hemp plants, but it’s the primary one responsible for that signature psychoactive high. Not all cannabis edibles contain THC. 

Some, like CBD gummies, Amanita Muscaria gummies, blue lotus gummies, and HHC gummies, are made purely with non-psychoactive elements like CBD, HHC, blue lotus, and non-psychedelic Amanita mushrooms. 

However, when THC is present in edibles like THC gummies, THCa gummies, and THCP gummies, its quantity can vary widely. 

Legally, under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived THC gummies and edibles in the U.S. cannot contain more than 0.3% THC of their total cannabinoid content. This may range anywhere from 2.5 mg to 100 mg per serving or even more depending on the total potency of the edible.

Refer to the product label to assess the quantity of THC in your Delta 8 and Delta 9 Gummies. Labels usually list the THC content per serving and package. For instance, a pack of Delta 8 gummies labeled “100 mg THC” often means the entire pack contains 100 mg, so if it has 20 gummies, each one has 5 mg of THC.

Edibles: Dosage Guidelines 

If you’re new to cannabis edibles, the golden rule is to start low and go slow. That’s because their delayed onset can trick you into thinking you need more than what’s recommended to achieve the desired high and effects. 

Most experienced users suggest a beginner-friendly dose of 2.5 to 5 mg per serving and waiting for at least two hours before considering another dose. This gives your body enough time to process the potent blend and feel its effects before popping the next edible.

If you’re popping in full-spectrum live resin gummies, it’s better to reduce this amount to 1-3 grams per serving as they’re more potent than usual edibles and contain full-spectrum cannabis compounds that may last even longer. 

Factors like body weight, metabolism, intended purpose of use, and tolerance also play a role in determining the exact dosage suitable for a user.

If you’re looking for a smoother experience, here’s another tip!

Choose an edible with a good balance of THC and CBD that can help even things out. CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, may mellow out THC’s high psychoactive intensity, reducing the chances of feeling overwhelmed. 

Many edibles list their THC-to-CBD ratio on the package itself. A 1:1 ratio offers an even mix of effects. In contrast, a CBD-heavy ratio (20:1) leans more toward relaxation without giving you the high or buzz cannabis is usually associated with. On the flip side, a THC-heavy ratio (1:20) hits much harder, keeping you couch-locked for hours after intake. 

Bottom Line 

Cannabis edibles offer a unique, long-lasting high that stands out from smoking or vaping. They’re discreet, tasty, and often pre-dosed, making them a go-to for those who want a controlled experience. But with a delayed onset and stronger effects, patience is key! Start low and go slow with each serving, always checking the THC-to-CBD ratio for a balanced ride.

Whether you’re looking for a mild buzz or an intense trip, understanding dosage, potency, and how your body reacts can help you enjoy edibles without overdoing it. So read the labels carefully before dosing, and give your body time after the intake to experience a high that’s worth the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much THC is in a gummy for a beginner?

Beginner-friendly THC gummies usually contain 2.5 to 5 mg of THC per piece. This low dose allows new users to gauge their tolerance before increasing consumption. Always start slow and wait at least two hours before taking more.

Is 100mg of THC gummies a lot?

Yes, 100 mg of THC is a very high dose, typically meant for experienced users with high tolerance. Beginners should stick to 2.5–5 mg, while moderate users may handle 10–20 mg. Anything above 50 mg can cause intense effects.

How long do THC gummies keep their potency?

Properly stored THC gummies can maintain potency for 6 to 12 months. Keep them in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture, to prevent degradation. Over time, THC may break down, reducing effectiveness.

What side effects do THC gummies have?

At low to moderate doses, THC gummies generally don’t cause side effects. However, consuming too high or unmonitored doses may lead to drowsiness, heavy sedation, or feeling “couch-locked.” Starting with a controlled dose helps avoid excessive sleepiness.

Do THC edibles expire?

Yes, THC edibles expire. While THC cannabinoids in the edibles may retain their potency for a long time, other ingredients like base oil, gelatin, sugar, and fruit extracts can spoil beyond their shelf life. For a longer shelf life, consider buying organic, non-GMO, THC edibles from reputed brands.