Hey, we've all been there. You eat an edible. You wait. And you wait. And you wait.

And you wait.

"When the heck is this thing going to kick in?" You think to yourself. "Maybe I should have another…"

This is where the record would scratch if this were a 90's PSA.

"Stop! Don't take any more," the narrator says. "With edibles, patience is key.

But why exactly? Here we'll explore everything you need to know about edible onset times, including why they take longer to kick in compared to other methods of consumption, factors that affect timing, and how to manage your dosage for the best possible experience.

Why THC Edibles Take Longer to Kick In

Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, where THC is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream through your lungs, edibles take a much longer route. When you eat an edible, the THC has to go through the digestive system first before it can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, where it produces the effects that you want.

If you want to go back to anatomy class, here's a quick breakdown of the process:

• Ingestion: After you consume an edible, it travels down your digestive tract and into your stomach.
• Digestion and Absorption: The edible is then processed in the stomach and broken down into smaller particles. Now the THC can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the stomach and intestines.
• Liver Processing: Once the THC enters the bloodstream, it travels to the liver, where it's converted into a more potent form of THC called 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is more powerful and can lead to a more intense high, which is why edibles can sometimes feel stronger than smoking or vaping.
• Onset: Finally, the THC reaches the brain, and you begin to feel the effects. You look down at your watch. It's been about an hour.

This multi-step process is why THC edibles generally take longer to kick in compared to other methods of consumption. But how long, exactly, does this process take?

How Long Do THC Edibles Take to Kick In?

So the short answer is this — THC edibles usually take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to produce noticeable effects. However, the exact onset time can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including:

The Type of Edible

Different types of THC edibles can have different onset times based on how they're made and how your body processes them. Here are some common edible types and their general onset times:

• Cannabis Gummies, Chocolates, and Candies: These are some of the most common edibles. Their onset time is typically 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how quickly your digestive system processes the food.
• Nanoinfused edibles: These are a specific type of edible that has gone through a process that makes THC more bioavailable, meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream faster. Typically these edibles take about 15 to 30 minutes to kick in.
• Baked Goods: Edibles that have a high-fat content, like baked goods, tend to take a bit longer to kick in. The fats in these products slow down the absorption of THC, so they can take 1 to 2 hours to produce noticeable effects.
• Beverages: THC-infused drinks might hit faster than solid edibles since liquids are absorbed more quickly by the body. Typically, they take around 30 minutes to take effect, though this can depend heavily on the individual and the drink's ingredients.
• Tinctures: While not technically a food, tinctures are a popular way to consume cannabis. They're usually dropped under the tongue, which allows THC to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. When consumed this way, tinctures can produce effects in 15 to 45 minutes.

Your Metabolism and Digestion

Your body's individual metabolism and digestive system play a huge role in how quickly THC is absorbed and metabolized. Some factors that influence this include:

• Your Digestive Health: If you have a slower digestive system or digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome or Crone's Disease, it may take longer for the THC to be absorbed into your bloodstream.
• Your Body Mass: People with a higher body mass may experience a slower onset because THC is fat-soluble and can be stored in fat cells. This means it may take longer for THC to be released into the bloodstream.
• What You've Eaten: If you take an edible on an empty stomach, it might kick in faster since there's less food in your system to slow down digestion. However, consuming an edible with a full stomach or fatty foods may delay onset, as your body will prioritize digesting the food before metabolizing the THC.

Dosage

The dosage of THC in an edible also impacts how long it will take to feel the effects. Low doses of THC might take a little longer to kick in, and they'll have milder effects. Higher doses might be able to be felt a little quicker since more THC is available in your system.

This might be a good time to pause, though, and share some sage wisdom. When it comes to edibles, slow and steady wins the race. If you're new to edibles or unsure of your tolerance, always start with a low dose — around 5 mg of THC or less — and wait for at least two hours before deciding to take more. You're not exactly sure how your body is reacting to edibles just yet, and the last thing you want to do is take too much than you can handle.

And speaking of what you can handle…

Tolerance Level

If you're an experienced cannabis user with a high tolerance, it may take longer for the effects of an edible to set in as your body has adapted to higher levels of THC. And as you would expect on the flip side, if you're a beginner or have a low tolerance, you might feel the effects more quickly, even with a small dose.

THC to CBD Ratio

Many cannabis edibles are formulated with both THC and CBD, and the ratio between these two cannabinoids can affect onset time. CBD can sometimes moderate the psychoactive effects of THC, leading to a milder, slower high. In contrast, edibles with higher THC content — line in a 1:1 ratio or higher — tend to kick in faster and result in a more intense high.

Other Ingredients

Finally, the non-cannabinoid ingredients in your edible can also impact how THC is absorbed. For example, fats like butter or oils help THC dissolve and make it more bioavailable, but they can also slow down the digestion process. That's why edibles with a higher fat content, like brownies or cookies, may take longer to kick in than gummies or hard candies.

Alright, so it's been what — 5 minutes or so? You're about halfway through the article and if you're still not feeling anything, you should keep reading.

What to Do If Nothing's Happening

We get how frustrating it can be waiting on your edible. Did you not take enough? Is it a bad batch? Who gave this to you, anyway? That guy's a jerk… It's fine to have all of those thoughts, but make sure you're following these guidelines while you're waiting for the effects.

Wait at Least Two Hours

Seriously, the first thing you need to do is wait. It may feel like you're being left out of the fun, but patience is crucial when it comes to edibles. So even if you're feeling anxious or impatient after 45 minutes, resist the urge to take another dose. Many people make the mistake of doubling down too soon, only to find themselves overwhelmed when the effects finally hit all at once. And trust us, it ain't pleasant. Giving your body time to process the THC is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Be Patient

While waiting for edibles to take effect, remind yourself that everyone's body reacts differently to cannabis. Factors like your metabolism, tolerance, and even what you ate earlier that day can all impact the onset time. For new users or those with a lower tolerance, edibles may take longer to work their magic. Even if you're used to smoking cannabis and are used to the quicker onset, edibles are a different ballgame. The effects come on gradually, so give your body time to metabolize the THC before deciding it's not working.

Keep Track of Dosage

While you're waiting, open up your notes app to track your dosage so that you can gauge how much THC you've consumed and how your body is responding to it. If you're new to edibles, start with a low dose — around 5 mg of THC — and work your way up from there as you learn your tolerance. This way, the next time you consume an edible, you'll have a better understanding of how much you need to feel the desired effects.

Avoid Additional Stimulants

While you're waiting for your edible to kick in, you shouldn't take anything that could interfere with it, particularly stimulants like caffeine or nicotine. These can interfere with your ability to gauge the onset of your edible and may make you feel jittery or anxious. Caffeine, in particular, can increase heart rate and cause feelings of restlessness, which might amplify any discomfort you might already be experiencing. Stick to water or herbal tea while you wait for the effects of your edible to kick in.

Relax and Practice Mindfulness

If you find yourself anxious about the delay in onset, try to relax and practice mindfulness. Stressing out about when the edible will start to take effect will only make the waiting period feel longer and more uncomfortable. Take a few deep breaths, meditate, or try gentle yoga stretches to help reduce anxiety and calm your mind. By focusing on the present moment, you can ease any nervousness and stay relaxed until the effects begin to set in.

Alright, so now that you're chilled out and ready to wait for your edible to start working, let's talk about dosage. This is just food for thought moving forward in your cannabis journey.

How to Manage Your Edible Dosage

Like we said above, your dosage can definitely impact the onset time, so let's go over how to dial that in really well.

Start Small

We've said it before, and we'll say it again. If you're new to THC or edibles in general, start with a low dose, around 5 mg of THC or less. Then wait for at least two hours before considering taking more. It's better to start slow and gradually increase your dose as you learn how your body responds. Trust us, you're not going to need 50mg your first go-round.

Find the Right Product

Everybody has different preferences. Some people prefer the more natural feel of a solventless gummy; some folks like the knock-your-socks-off punch of a heavy-dose, pure THC distillate edible. Some people want a lot of flavor they can savor; some people want something quick and efficient. It's all about figuring out how cannabis is going to best benefit your lifestyle. When it comes to dosages, though, you want to make sure that you're taking an appropriate amount for what you're trying to do. If you need to focus up during the day, a microdose might be the best option. If you're looking to relax after that hard day, though, a higher dose might do the trick.

Consider the THC/CBD Ratio

Again, this is all about your goals for the particular session. If you're looking for a milder effect or a more gradual onset, opt for edibles with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio. Like we said above, CBD can help moderate the effects of THC and make for a more comfortable, less intense experience. If you're looking for a quick wallop, go for something higher in THC with a higher dosage. You might even consider nano-gummies if you're really looking for speed.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Timing with THC Edibles

In short, understanding how long THC edibles take to kick in is essential to having a positive experience. While the typical onset time ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, many factors — such as your metabolism, the type of edible, your dosage, and your tolerance — can affect how long it takes for the effects to set in.

The most important takeaway from this article is that if you don't feel anything right away, don't rush into taking more. Instead, give it time, stay patient, and enjoy the ride when it comes. All that's left to do now is sit back, relax, and wait.