The Long-Lasting Effect of Edibles - Cannabis cookies and cannabis leaves put on a white napkin

The Long-Lasting Effect of Edibles

If you’ve ever wondered why edibles – those cannabis-infused gummies, brownies, and other tasty treats – feel so different from smoking or vaping, you’re not alone! Edibles offer a unique cannabis experience that can be much more potent and longer-lasting. But why is this, and how long can you expect those effects to stick around?

Unlike smoking or vaping, where THC goes straight to your lungs and quickly enters your bloodstream, edibles take a much longer journey through your body. This detour is why edibles can feel so different.

After you eat an edible, it travels through your digestive system. The real magic happens in your liver, where THC gets transformed into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. This changed form of THC is what gives edibles their intense and long-lasting effects.

The amount of THC in your edible plays a massive role in both the strength of the high and how long edibles last. In simple terms, a higher dose usually means a stronger and longer experience. It’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially if you’re new to edibles. Start with a very low dose (like 2.5 mg to 5 mg THC) and wait a good while to see how it affects you before considering taking more.

Everyone’s body processes edibles a little differently. Here are some key factors that can impact how strong the effects are and how long they last:

  • Your Metabolism: If you have a fast metabolism, you might break down the THC in the edible more quickly, which could lead to a shorter and potentially less intense experience. A slower metabolism might mean the effects take longer to kick in, but it could also last longer overall.
  • Your Tolerance: If you’re a regular cannabis user, you might have developed a higher tolerance. This means you might need a bit more edible to feel the same effects someone new to cannabis might think from a lower dose.
  • Mixing Things Up: Combining edibles with alcohol or other substances can make the whole experience stronger and less predictable – something to be cautious about!

Remember to always start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before consuming more, and never operate heavy machinery or drive while under the influence. Stay safe and enjoy responsibly!

This is the question everyone wants an answer to, but unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all reply! Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

  • The Waiting Game: It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours (sometimes even longer!) for the effects of an edible to kick in. Be patient and resist the urge to take more before you fully feel the initial effects.
  • The Peak Experience: The most intense high from an edible usually hits about 2 to 4 hours after you’ve eaten it.
  • The Long Haul: Edibles are known for their lasting effects. You can expect to feel high for about 6 to 12 hours. However, even after the most intense effects fade, some people might still experience lingering effects for upwards of 24 hours.

Remember, these are just general guidelines! Your individual experience may vary depending on the factors we mentioned above. It’s always best to start low and go slow, especially when figuring out how edibles affect you.

Here are some tips that can help you get the most out of your edibles while staying safe.

  • Start Low, Go Slow:  This is the golden rule of edibles! If you’re new, start with a very low dose (2.5mg – 5mg THC) and wait at least 2 hours before considering taking more. It’s easy to overdo it with edibles, but very difficult to undo it!
  • Patience is Key: Remember, edibles can take a long time to kick in. Don’t get impatient and eat more before you feel the full effects of the first dose. That’s a common recipe for feeling uncomfortably high.
  • Set and Setting:  Your environment and mindset play a big role in how your experience unfolds. Enjoy your edibles in a safe and comfortable place where you feel relaxed, ideally with people you trust.
  • What to Do If You Feel Too High: If you accidentally take too much and start feeling overwhelmed, don’t panic! Try your best to stay calm, find a safe place to relax, and remember the effects are temporary. Hydrate, and if possible, having a trusted friend sit with you can be reassuring.

With these tips in mind, you can have a great time with edibles while avoiding any unpleasant experiences. Remember to start low and go slow, be patient, choose a safe environment, and have a trusted friend nearby in case you need help.

One of the biggest risks associated with edibles is the delayed onset of their effects. Since feeling anything can take a while, people sometimes get impatient and eat more, thinking the first dose didn’t work. This often leads to accidentally consuming way too much THC at once.

It’s crucial to remember that even if you don’t feel high right away, the edible is still working its way through your system. Be mindful of dosing and practice patience, especially if you’re new to edibles.

It’s important to acknowledge that edibles might not be the best choice for everyone. Some people find the long-lasting and sometimes unpredictable nature of edibles less enjoyable than the faster onset and shorter duration of smoking or vaping. There’s absolutely no shame in having preferences – it’s about finding what works best for you!

Understanding how edibles work, including their long-lasting effects, is key to having a positive experience. Remember these important principles: start with a low dose, be patient, and enjoy responsibly.

By being mindful, you can discover the unique benefits of edibles and potentially find a new way to enjoy the many possibilities of cannabis. Want to learn more about different types of edibles? There’s tons to explore! If you’re visiting Mindscape Dispensary in Hobbs, NM, you might be interested in knowing how long edibles last. 

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