How Long Do Edibles Last? Understanding Edible Duration, Onset and More

If you’re new to cannabis or returning from a tolerance break, edibles can be a fun and delicious way to jump in. From infused honey to mouth watering chocolates, chewable lozenges, and so much more, there’s a truly impressive variety of cannabis edibles currently on the market. 

But this raises questions for many people. How long does an edible last? What’s the right dosage for cannabis-infused edibles? Do edibles stay in your system longer than other forms of cannabis? 

If you’re curious about edibles but don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place—we answer all your burning questions and then some! Ready? Let’s get cracking.

What Are Cannabis Edibles? 

Among the most popular items sold at our dispensary, cannabis edibles are food or beverages infused with cannabis or one or more of its naturally occurring cannabinoids. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. 

• THC: The cannabinoid most directly responsible for cannabis’ distinctive “high,” though that’s not all it does. Studies suggest it can help reduce several types of pain, help us manage insomnia, and treat the nausea and appetite loss associated with chemotherapy and other medical treatments. You can also microdose THC, which is consuming just enough of it to get the beneficial medical effects but not so much to feel disoriented or high. 

• CBD: The “second cannabinoid”—compared to THC, CBD can impart a gentle cerebral buzz akin to caffeine but won’t cause intoxication. Like THC, CBD is being studied for a wide range of effects, including its potential to help treat certain seizures, reduce anxiety and stress, and contribute to clearer and healthier skin.

Types of Cannabis-Infused Edibles

How many kinds of cannabis-infused edible are there? The answer is only limited by your imagination. While many take the form of familiar (and delicious!) chocolates, cereal treats, and other sweet snacks, others take a more straightforward approach. Here are some of the most common types of edibles you can find on dispensary shelves: 

• Chocolates: Rich, luscious, and decadent, cannabis-infused chocolates are a tried-and-true fan favorite—no great mystery why, either. Whether you’re a milk or dark chocolate fan, nuts or no nuts, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t go for the combo of cannabis chocolate combined in one delicious package.

• Baked Goods: Ever hear of happy brownies? While our selection is always changing, we usually offer a range of baked treats like toasty oat bars, crumbly cookies, and gooey marshmallow crisps to tempt you.

• Fruit Chews and Gummies: Available in a range of tempting fruit flavors, cannabis-infused chews are fun and tangy treats, tailor-made for on-the-go in a portable, discreet package.

• Capsules: A cannabis-infused capsule may not seem the likeliest format in which to take edible cannabis, but they’re an increasingly preferred choice for many consumers. Especially popular for MMJ patients, capsules offer a portable, shelf-stable, and discreet way to access a consistent and precise dose of cannabis. 

• Lozenges and Troches: One form of cannabis-infused edible gaining traction is the lozenge or troche (pronounced “trow-kee”). Smaller and more shelf-stable than infused cookies or chocolate bars, they provide a carefully measured dose of cannabis medicine along with a burst of juicy flavor that is absorbed via the mucous membranes in your mouth for a quicker onset than swallowed edibles.

Since the cannabis plant can be processed into so many different forms, from fresh, fragrant flower to concentrates and tinctures, there’s almost no restriction to the number and types of foods and beverages that can be transformed into a cannabis-infused edible. 

How Long Do Edibles Take to Start Working?

For all the variety and choices offered by cannabis edibles, it’s important to understand the ways they function in our bodies, especially when compared to the inhaled cannabis you may already be familiar with. The technical term for how long it takes for cannabis or any other medication to take effect is called the “onset time.”

When cannabis is consumed through smoking or vaping, its effects can be felt quickly—typically within about ten minutes at most—due to the cannabinoids being rapidly absorbed through the lungs. However, the cannabinoids in edibles are processed by the liver and digestive system, which means the effects of the cannabis will take longer to express. 

How much longer? Anecdotal reports and some scientific research have found that edibles can take between 45 minutes and 2 hours to take effect—but there are variables. We’re all a little bit different when it comes to metabolizing cannabis, so while the onset time usually falls within this range, it can also be longer or shorter, depending on your age, weight, metabolism, and recent food intake.

The most common issue around cannabis-infused edibles is that folks who are new to edibles—believing the product simply “didn’t work”—will take more, then when the double dose of edibles finally kicks in, the effect is much stronger than anticipated. Knowing that it may take up to 2 hours for an edible to take effect, you can be better prepared for a predictable, positive, and fruitful experience.

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. Whereas you can expect the effects of smoked or vaped cannabis to last from around 1 – 3 hours, the effects of edibles often last from 5 – 8 hours and, in some cases, up to 24 hours after ingestion.

Why do the effects of edibles last so long? The main reason is that when we ingest THC, it’s metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC. When it changes into this form, many people experience it as more potent than THC consumed by smoking or vaping. In the liver, a process called “first-pass metabolism” also occurs, which releases significantly more 11-hydroxy-THC into the bloodstream. When we smoke or vape cannabis, not much 11-hydroxy-THC ends up making it to our 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 very little THC. 

Do Edibles Stay In Your System Longer?

You may be curious if factors like the first-pass metabolism for cannabis edibles have any implications for drug testing. 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.

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 give ironclad figures as to drug test detection windows for everybody. 

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). Here’s what you can expect in terms of subjective effects.

• THC Dosage of 1 mg to 2.5 mg: Mild relief of symptoms including pain, stress, and anxiety; heightened focus and creativity. Recommended for first-time consumers or experienced consumers looking to microdose cannabis.

• THC Dosage of 2.5 mg to 15 mg: Stronger symptomatic relief, euphoria, an slightly impaired coordination and perception. 

• THC Dosage of 30 mg to 50 mg: Strong euphoria and significantly impaired coordination and perception. These dosages can work well with consumers who have a high tolerance for THC or those whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids effectively.

• THC Dosage of 50 mg to 100 mg: Seriously impaired coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea and increased heart rate. Popular with experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers or MMJ patients living with inflammatory disorders and other serious conditions.

If, at any point, the effects of cannabis feel too strong, don’t panic. Though the sensations—which could include nausea, paranoia, or a racing heart rate—may feel unpleasant, they’re rarely dangerous. That said, if you’re planning to add cannabis to your existing medicinal regime, consult with a cannabis-informed physician before trying infused edibles. Check out our full guide to cannabis edible dosing.

Shop Delicious Edibles at Takoma Wellness

Looking for tasty edibles to incorporate into your routine? We’re here for you. Explore some of the most delicious cannabis edibles in Washington, DC, from the district’s top brands. Shop Takoma Wellness in-store or browse our online menu and place an order for pickup. You can also choose convenient delivery and get everything sent right to your door. 

If you have additional questions about how long edibles last or about the new self-certification process in DC, just reach out! We’re happy to help.