So, how long do edibles last?
When it comes to how long do edibles last, things can get confusing. The last weed gummy you may have had might have resulted in an incredibly long-lasting effect, while this one weed gummy only lasted a few hours.
How is there such a huge difference in effects if you ate the same cannabis gummies? It comes down to how human bodies process edibles; it is much different from how we process THC or CBD-based products that we smoke or vape. This logic assumes you have a consistent and tested product, not a homemade edible. Consistency continues to be a significant issue in the industry. To help you select the right safe and compatible products, ask your local budtender or schedule a free health interview with our team.
In this blog, we will help you learn everything you need to know about the not so simple process of how long does an edible lasts. Learning about the weed business and its products is the best way to enhance your personal experience with weed.
THE EDIBLE'S JOURNEY
To understand how edibles are different, we first need to learn how our body processes THC. When you eat an edible, such as a weed gummy, most products need to travel all the way through your digestive tract. You usually won't start feeling the effects for at least 30 minutes or more. There are, of course, some exceptions to this rule. Cannabis Sodas and beverages with nano particulates can set in as little as 10-15 minutes.
Typically the effect of most edibles won't begin until it reaches your intestines, where the majority of THC will start absorbing into your bloodstream. Once the edible digests, the THC is absorbed through the lining in your intestines. The THC enters into your bloodstream, and the liver then converts the THC and turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is 3-5 times more psychoactive than THC. Consumable highs can be very different from individual to individual, which is just the usual experience.
This 30 to 45-minute process can be reduced by taking products that can be absorbed orally, which bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and lowers your wait time to feel the effects of THC. This method still won't help you pass a drug test but does let you feel the effects quicker.
How does this differ from the smoking or vaping process? When you light up a blunt or vape, the cannabinoids are inhaled into the lungs. They will immediately begin to absorb through capillary vessels into the bloodstream. Almost instantly, the body will feel the effects of THC.
A Longer High
Edibles can sometimes take a few hours to hit you. The effects can come in waves all day long because of the long journey through the digestive system and the liver.
Edibles can last a long time because they are processed through the intestines. Digestion is a slow process that happens inconsistently. It's inconsistent due to many factors, depending on what you ate and when you ate it.
You've probably eaten something prior to consuming a cannabis edible; this can slow down the rate at which the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream. While on the other hand, eating foods high in fat content can increase the effect of edibles, so practice caution when experimenting with your dosing! Eating edibles on an empty stomach will also affect people differently.
Once the edible makes it to the intestines, the THC will be absorbed into the bloodstream and form into micelles balls.
THC is hydrophobic, which means that it doesn't dissolve in water, but rather, it sticks together. This concept is similar to the way a drop of oil does not mix with water; it can move through the water, but it will stay separate from the water. This phenomenon is what happens when THC enters the bloodstream.
Once these balls are formed, the THC travels to the liver and is transformed into 11-hydroxy-THC. This version of THC is more soluble in water and can be dissolved, making it move much faster throughout the brain and body.
This process is why it can sometimes take hours for the effects of THC to hit you. It's also why the high seems to come in waves that last up to 8 hours! That's a big difference from the 2-3 hour time frame that comes with smoking or vaping.
Knowledge is Power
Eating edibles can be one of the most discrete and enjoyable ways to use cannabis. But, remember, most edibles will take much longer to kick in than smoking or vaping, except cannabis beverages.
Most people have had an experience of eating an edible and feeling like it didn't work. Unfortunately, they then eat a bit more, and they quickly can over-consume before they even realize it. This mistake can leave them uncomfortably intoxicated for the rest of the day; this is not a surprise most people usually find enjoyable.
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about the edible consumption process to avoid overconsumption with cannabis edible. Remember that edibles can take up to 2 hours to kick in and last for up to 8 hours. The best advice is to start with low doses and work your way up to a comfortable milligram dosage. Now you know the answer to: How long do edibles last?