How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Kick In?

If you’re new to cannabis edibles or even a seasoned enthusiast, you’ve probably asked yourself at least once: How long do edibles take to kick in? Unlike smoking or vaping, which provide almost instant effects, edibles are a different experience altogether. In this guide, we’ll explore how long for edibles to kick in, what factors affect onset time, and what you should know before indulging. Whether you’re a recreational user or taking edibles for medical purposes, understanding this timeline can help you enjoy a safer and more satisfying experience.

 

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food and beverage products infused with THC, CBD, or a combination of both. They come in many forms, such as:

• Weed Gummies

• • Baked Goods

• Jelly Bombs

• THC Caramels & Toffee

• Cannabis Chocolates

• THC Beverages

• Sour Twisted Singles

• THC capsules and tinctures

At Reefside, we specialize in offering premium BC weed edibles, including potent THC gummies and delicious baked goods designed to elevate your cannabis experience. But no matter which edible you choose, the question remains: How long does it take edibles to kick in?

 

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

On average, edibles take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. However, the full range can vary widely depending on individual factors. Some people feel the effects in as little as 20 minutes, while others may not notice anything until the 90-minute mark or longer.

This delay is because edibles must pass through your digestive system before THC reaches your bloodstream. Once metabolized by the liver, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent compound responsible for the stronger, longer-lasting effects of edibles compared to other consumption methods.

 

Why Do Edibles Take So Long to Kick In?

The delayed onset is primarily due to the digestive and metabolic process. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. You consume the edible.
2. It travels through your stomach and into your intestines.
3. THC is absorbed into the bloodstream.
4. It passes through the liver, where it is metabolized.
5. The psychoactive effects begin once THC reaches the brain.

Because this process is complex, answering the question of how long does it take edibles to kick in depends on more than just the product itself.

 

Factors That Affect How Long for Edibles to Kick In

1. Your Metabolism

Faster metabolisms will generally feel the effects sooner. People with slower metabolisms may need more time.

2. Stomach Contents

Eating edibles on an empty stomach can lead to quicker effects, but also a more intense high. Consuming them after a full meal may delay the onset.

3. Dosage and Potency

A 10mg THC edible might kick in faster than a 50mg one, depending on your tolerance and experience.

4. Body Weight and Composition

THC is stored in fat cells, so individuals with more body fat may experience a delayed onset compared to leaner individuals.

5. Individual Tolerance

Frequent cannabis users might not feel the effects as quickly as those with lower or no tolerance.

6. Type of Edible

Liquids like THC-infused beverages and tinctures can be absorbed sublingually (under the tongue), resulting in faster effects. Gummies and baked goods take longer due to full digestion.

 

How Long Does It Take Edibles to Kick In: Quick Reference Guide

Edible Type	Onset Time (Approx.)
Gummies	30-90 minutes
Baked Goods	45-120 minutes
THC Beverages	20-60 minutes
Capsules	45-90 minutes
Tinctures (Sublingual)	15-45 minutes

This chart provides a general idea, but your experience may differ.

 

How Long Do Edible Effects Last?

Once they kick in, edible effects can last between 4 to 8 hours, sometimes longer. The peak is usually felt between 2 to 4 hours after ingestion. For some high-dose products like those available at Reefside, effects can last up to 12 hours, especially for first-time users.

This is why it’s crucial not to consume more before the initial dose has had time to take effect—a common mistake that often leads to overconsumption.

 

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Edible Experience

Start Low and Go Slow

If you’re unsure how long it takes for edibles to kick in, it’s best to begin with a low dose—typically 5 to 10mg of THC.

Wait at Least 2 Hours Before Taking More

Give your body enough time to metabolize the THC. Be patient and avoid the temptation to redose.

Stay Hydrated and Relax

Keep water nearby and find a comfortable space where you can relax as the effects set in.

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol

Combining edibles with alcohol can intensify effects and increase the risk of an unpleasant experience.

 

What If You Don’t Feel Anything?

Some users may ask, What if I don’t feel the effects even after 2 hours? There are a few possible explanations:

• Your metabolism is slower than average.
• The edible wasn’t properly dosed.
• You have a high tolerance to THC.
• You didn’t consume enough.

If you don’t feel anything after 2-3 hours, you can try a small additional dose the next time. Just be cautious and never rush the process.

 

Can You Speed Up How Long Edibles Take to Kick In?

To some extent, yes. Here are a few ways to potentially reduce how long edibles take to kick in:

• Choose fast-acting edibles: Some products are formulated for quicker absorption.
• Use tinctures or beverages: These may bypass full digestion.
• Consume on a relatively empty stomach: This can speed up digestion, though it may also amplify the effects.

At Reefside, we carry fast-acting THC edibles designed to reduce the wait time and deliver a more immediate experience.

 

How Long for Edibles to Kick In vs. Other Methods

Method	Onset Time	Duration
Smoking/Vaping	1-10 minutes	1-3 hours
Edibles	30-120 minutes	4-8+ hours
Tinctures (sublingual)	15-45 minutes	2-4 hours

As the chart shows, how long it takes for edibles to kick in is longer compared to other methods, but they offer longer-lasting, full-body effects that many users find more therapeutic and relaxing.

 

Final Thoughts: So, How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Kick In?

To summarize:

• Edibles typically take 30 to 120 minutes to kick in.
• Many factors affect onset, including metabolism, dosage, stomach contents, and product type.
• Always start low and go slow to avoid overconsumption.
• Effects can last much longer than smoking or vaping, often 4-8 hours or more.

Understanding how long edibles take to kick in is key to enjoying a safe, pleasant experience—whether you’re unwinding after work or seeking relief from pain or insomnia.

 

Explore Canada’s Best Edibles at Reefside

At Reefside, we offer a curated selection of premium weed edibles in Canada, including:

• THC Gummies in multiple potencies
• Delicious baked THC treats
• Fast-acting THC beverages
• High-dose edibles for experienced users

We take pride in sourcing only the highest quality cannabis edibles to ensure consistency, flavour, and potency. Whether you’re a beginner wondering how long for edibles to kick in, or a seasoned user looking for stronger options, Reefside has something for you.

Shop now at Reefside.cc and elevate your edible experience today.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about cannabis use.

 

REFERENCES:

Kendall K. Morgan. (May 22, 2024). Edibles: Types and How to Use Them Safely. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/edibles 

Carter, A. (2019, August 9). How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in 

Government of British Columbia. (2019, December 17). Edible Cannabis Affects People Differently ‘start low – go slow’ Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/csu/cannabis-edibles-safe-use-fact-sheet.pdf