If you’re curious about cannabis edibles, chances are your first question is: “How long do edibles last?” Since edibles hit so differently from inhaled cannabis, this is a crucial starting point.
At Takoma, we talk with patients every day who want relief but worry about getting too high or feeling out of control. We get it. The good news? You don’t need to guess your way through the experience. In this guide, we’ll break down how long cannabis edibles take to work, how long their effects last, and what to know about detection windows and dosing.
Edibles Duration At A Glance: Most cannabis edibles deliver effects that last 4 – 8 hours, but some can linger up to 24. Onset may take 30–90+ minutes. To avoid taking too much, remember the golden rule: Start low, go slow, and wait at least 2 hours before redosing.
How Long Do Edibles Take to Start Working?
Edibles function very differently from inhaled cannabis in our bodies. The technical term for how long it takes for cannabis—or any other medication—to take effect is called the “onset time,” and edible onset time is often a good deal longer than you’d expect.
How long do edibles take to kick in? Anecdotal reports and some scientific research indicate that edibles may take 45 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. In general, you should expect to wait between 30 – 90+ minutes to experience the effects of gummies and baked goods, though it may take up to 2 – 3 hours, depending on your physiology, your tolerance, and other variables.
Edibles you consume by sucking on them, such as lozenges, lollipops, and gum, tend to kick in faster since some of their cannabinoids are absorbed sublingually (under your tongue).
The most common issue around cannabis-infused edibles is re-dosing too soon. Many people, especially those new to edibles, assume the product “didn’t work” if they don’t feel anything right away. They will then take more, and when the double dose of edibles finally kicks in, the effect can be much stronger and overwhelming.
Understanding the timing helps set you up for a calm, comfortable experience. When in doubt, give your body time to process the first dose (at least 90 minutes to 2 hours) before deciding if you need more.
Want to learn more about finding your ideal dose? Check out our Edibles Dosage Guide.
How Long Do Cannabis-Infused Edibles Last?
Just as cannabis-infused edibles take longer to reach their full effect, they also last much longer in our bodies. How long do edibles last exactly? That varies from person to person, but once they’ve taken effect, you can expect the experience to last between 4 – 8 hours at least, and in some cases, up to as much as 24 hours.
Why is there such a wide range? Higher doses or slower digestion may extend the duration to 8 – 12 hours, making it even more important to wait at least 2 hours before taking any more. Before taking edibles, we recommend clearing your schedule so you can let the experience run its course.
Why do the effects of edibles last so long? The main reason is that when we ingest the THC content in edibles, it’s metabolized in our bodies into a form called 11-hydroxy-THC, which many people experience as being significantly more potent than THC consumed by smoking or vaping. When we smoke or vape cannabis, not much 11-hydroxy-THC will enter the bloodstream, so it won’t feel as strong as the effects from an edible.
To better understand how your body reacts to various dosages, start low and go slow. If you’re concerned about excess psychoactivity, we recommend you try a cannabis edible with a higher CBD ratio or one that contains a low dose of THC.
How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?
Given that the cannabis we consume in edibles tends to stay in your system longer than inhaled cannabis, do edibles stay in your system longer when it comes to drug testing? Probably not. The current science suggests that the amount of THC consumed affects how long a drug test can detect it, but how it was consumed is less of a factor.
Drug tests detect metabolites, or chemical by-products caused by the breakdown of THC. You can think of them as telltale chemical markers indicating that Delta 9 has been consumed—a bit like fingerprints. And while the exact proportion of those metabolites varies between strains and formats, they’re present in all forms of cannabis products.
Put another way, factors such as age, weight, body mass index (BMI), and frequency of use are more significant than whether or not the cannabis was inhaled or consumed as an edible. However, these guidelines should provide at least a rough idea of what results to expect from different types of drug tests:
- Urine tests: Can detect cannabis for approximately 1 – 30 days after use
- Saliva tests: Can detect cannabis for up to 72 hours after use
- Hair tests: Can detect cannabis for up to 90 days after use
- Blood tests: Can typically only detect cannabis for up to 12 hours after use, but in some cases, may be detectable for up to 30 days in heavy consumers
Since we’re all different, it’s challenging to provide ironclad figures on drug test detection windows for everyone. But while many consumers rightfully ask, “Why do edibles last so long?” their longevity doesn’t appear to make much of a difference when it comes to drug testing.
Edibles vs. Other Cannabis Formats: Onset & Duration
When you’re learning how to take edibles for the first time, it’s helpful to compare consuming edible cannabis with other formats. Here are some ways to understand why edibles last longer, some notable edible benefits, and how they might fit into your overall dosing strategy.
Edibles vs Smoking or Vaping
These two methods couldn’t be more different in terms of onset and duration. Edible onset versus smoking cannabis is particularly notable:
- Edibles onset: 30 – 90+ minutes
- Vaping or smoking onset: Seconds to a few minutes
Edible duration versus vaping is also very different:
- Edibles: 4 – 8+ hours
- Smoking or vaping: 1 – 3 hours
This means it’s especially important to plan ahead when taking edibles for the first time. Clear your schedule, enjoy the ride, and remember not to redose until at least 2 hours have passed to reduce the risk of taking more than is comfortable.
Edibles vs Tinctures
Compared with inhaled cannabis, the difference between edibles and tinctures is less pronounced. In fact, if you swallow the tincture or mix it into your favorite food or beverage, you can expect an onset and duration roughly equivalent to those with edibles. But if you take a tincture sublingually—letting it absorb under your tongue for a minute before swallowing it—the onset is reduced:
- Edibles onset: 30 – 90+ minutes
- Sublingual tincture onset: 15 – 45 minutes
The duration of the experience will also generally be shorter:
- Edibles: 4 – 8+ hours
- Sublingual tincture: 1 – 3 hours
That faster onset makes tinctures a great option if you’re looking for more control or need quicker relief. But for longer-lasting effects, edibles may offer the steadier experience you’re after. As always, the right choice depends on your needs, your tolerance, and how you want to feel.
What’s the Right Dosage of Cannabis Edibles?
Every package of cannabis-infused edibles we sell is labeled with the precise dosage of THC in each individual unit, denoted in milligrams (mg). We find it helpful to categorize the types of effects into three tiers:
- Low dose (1–2.5 mg THC): Ideal for beginners and those interested in microdosing without strong psychoactive effects.
- Medium dose (2.5–15 mg THC): Suitable for most regular consumers seeking noticeable but manageable effects.
- High dose (30+ mg THC): Best for experienced users with high tolerance or those seeking stronger symptom relief in a low-pressure setting.
If you’re unsure where to start, stick with a low dose and give it time to work. Remember, edibles affect everyone differently, and patience pays off.
Need help dialing in your dose? Explore our Edibles Dosage Guide.
Shop Mouthwatering Edibles & More at Takoma
When you’re learning how to take edibles for the first time, it’s great to have a trusted guide on your side. That’s why our DC patient consultants offer personalized tips grounded in real-world experience.
Educate yourself on how edibles work, check out the District’s best selection of cannabis edibles, or come visit us to learn more. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.
How Long Do Edibles Last FAQs
Why do edibles feel stronger than smoking cannabis?
Cannabis edibles are metabolized in the liver to 11-hydroxy-THC, which can make the experience feel more intense and last longer. For this reason, it’s best to start with a low dose and assess the results.
How can I tell if an edible has started working?
You may feel a gradual lift in mood, body relaxation, or sensory changes. These generally take 45– 90 minutes, but you should wait at least 2 hours before taking any more.
Do edibles last longer if I eat a big meal first?
A heavy meal can delay the onset slightly but may also extend the duration of effects. Similarly, eating edibles on an empty stomach may lead to stronger-than-anticipated effects. If you’re concerned, we suggest having a light snack beforehand to help buffer the effects.
How long does THC from edibles stay in your system for a drug test?
This depends on variables such as your frequency of use, age, sex, test type, and other factors. In general, expect a test to detect cannabis use anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
How can I make my edible experience more predictable?
The first rule of eating edibles is to start low and go slow: take a small dose and record the product, dosage, and timing in a journal. Over time, these practices will help you fine‑tune the results to have the experience you want.
Are homemade edibles stronger than dispensary edibles?
They can be! Homemade cannabis infusions, such as brownies and other baked goods, often have uneven potency and distribution, while dispensary edibles are lab‑tested for safety, consistency, and accuracy.