If you’ve ever tried cannabis edibles, you know they can be a completely different experience compared to smoking or vaping. Maybe you ate a gummy and waited, wondering, “When will this kick in? And how long do edibles last?” For many, that’s the biggest question when trying edibles for the first time or even the tenth.
Understanding the timing of edibles matters for both recreational enjoyment and safe, responsible use. In this guide, we’ll cover how long edibles last, what affects their duration, how they compare to inhaled cannabis, and tips for getting the most out of your experience without going overboard.
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food and drink products infused with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. From gummies and chocolates to baked goods, mints, and beverages, edibles have become one of the fastest-growing segments in the cannabis market.
Unlike smoking or vaping, where cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, edibles must pass through the digestive system. This means they take longer to kick in, but the effects can last significantly longer.
According to cannabis market researcher BDSA, edibles now make up more than 10% of legal cannabis sales in California. This is a share that continues to grow each year as more consumers look for smoke-free, discreet options.
Difference Between Inhaled vs. Edible Cannabis
One of the main reasons edibles feel so different is the way your body processes THC.
- Inhaled cannabis (smoking/vaping):
- Onset: within minutes.
- Peak effects: 15–30 minutes.
- Duration: 1–3 hours.
- Easier to titrate since the effects are felt almost immediately.
- Edible cannabis:
- Onset: 30–90 minutes.
- Peak effects: 2–4 hours.
- Duration: 4–8+ hours (sometimes up to 12).
- More intense psychoactive effects due to the conversion of THC in the liver.
Preclinical pharmacology studies show that 11-hydroxy-THC, the active metabolite produced by the liver when THC is ingested, can be as potent or more potent than Δ9-THC.
How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?
Patience is key when consuming edibles. On average, it takes 30–90 minutes before the effects become noticeable. Some people may feel them faster, while others may wait two hours or more.
Why the delay? The edible must be digested in the stomach, metabolized by the liver, and only then do cannabinoids enter the bloodstream. Factors that influence onset include:
- Whether you’ve eaten recently (a full stomach delays absorption).
- Your metabolism and body composition.
- The edible’s potency and formulation (e.g., fat-soluble products may hit harder).
Research published in the National Library of Medicine confirms that edible onset can vary widely, from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on individual physiology and what you’ve eaten that day.
How Long Do the Effects of Edibles Last?
A study found that edible cannabis effects can persist for up to 12 hours in sensitive individuals, confirming the wide variability in duration.
Once they do kick in, the effects of edibles tend to stick around much longer than smoking or vaping. For most people, the experience lasts 4–8 hours, with peak effects appearing between 2–4 hours after consumption.
For high doses or users with lower tolerance, effects can linger well beyond 8 hours, sometimes up to 12 hours. Even after the main effects wear off, some people report feeling drowsy or “off” the next morning.
How Much THC Is Usually in an Edible?
Dosage is one of the most important things to understand about edibles. Unlike smoking, where a puff can be adjusted in real time, edibles deliver a fixed dose and it can be easy to take too much if you’re not careful.
- In California, recreational edibles are legally capped at 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg per package, per state law.
- Most beginner-friendly gummies, chocolates, or drinks contain 5–10 mg THC per piece, while some tinctures and specialty products can range from 2.5 mg to 50 mg per dose.
- Medical patients may have access to stronger edibles, but recreational users are limited to the regulated amounts.
For new consumers, most experts recommend starting with 2.5–5 mg THC and waiting at least 2 hours before taking more. This avoids the common mistake of redosing too soon and ending up with a much stronger experience than intended.
Factors That Influence Duration
Why do edibles last longer for some than others? Several variables come into play:
- Dose & potency – Higher THC doses = longer, more intense effects.
- Metabolism – Fast metabolisms process cannabinoids more quickly.
- Body composition – THC is fat-soluble, meaning body fat can affect absorption and storage.
- Food intake – Eating edibles with a fatty meal can extend effects.
- Tolerance & experience – New users tend to feel longer-lasting effects compared to experienced consumers.
Comparing Edibles to Other Cannabis Consumption Methods
To put edibles into perspective, here’s a quick comparison with other popular methods:
- Smoking or vaping: Fast-acting, short-lived, typically 1–3 hours.
- Edibles: Slow onset, prolonged effects, 4–8+ hours.
- Tinctures or sublinguals: Onset in 15–45 minutes, duration of 2–4 hours.
For many, edibles offer the best choice for long-lasting relief, discretion, and avoiding smoke inhalation.
A 2022 Gallup poll found that 14% of Americans consume edibles, making them the second most common consumption method after smoking.
Tips for Safe and Smart Edible Use
If you’re new to edibles, or even if you’re not, here are some best practices to keep your experience positive:
- Start low, go slow: Begin with 2.5–5 mg THC.
- Be patient: Wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol: Combining can intensify effects unpredictably.
- Stay hydrated and comfortable: Have water and snacks on hand.
- Plan ahead: Stronger doses may affect you well into the next day.
Get the Most Out of Your Edible Experience with NorCal Holistics
At NorCal Holistics, a weed delivery in Sacramento, all edibles are lab-tested, clearly labeled, and compliant with California state law, so you always know exactly what you’re consuming.
We are proud to provide a wide range of safe, lab-tested cannabis products carefully curated to meet the needs of both new and experienced consumers. Our menu includes:
- Flower – premium strains, hand-selected for quality and potency.
- Pre-rolls – ready-to-enjoy joints, convenient and perfectly rolled.
- Vapes – smooth, discreet cartridges available in multiple strains.
- Edibles – delicious options like our Watermelon Hybrid Gummies (100 mg per pack) for a flavorful, long-lasting experience.
- Concentrates – potent extracts for seasoned users who want maximum impact.
- Topicals – soothing products like our Full Spectrum CBD Balm (1000 mg), ideal for localized relief without the high.
All products are lab-tested, clearly labeled, and compliant with California regulations. Best of all, everything is delivered discreetly and conveniently right to your door.
Explore our weed delivery shop today and discover which NorCal Holistics product is right for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, how long do edibles last? For most people, the effects range from 4 to 8 hours, but can extend up to 12 hours depending on dosage, metabolism, and individual tolerance.
Compared to smoking or vaping, edibles deliver a more gradual, long-lasting experience. One that requires patience and mindful dosing.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, relief, or just a different kind of high, edibles can be an enjoyable part of your cannabis journey when consumed responsibly.
