How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

Edibles can be a fun and effective way to enjoy cannabis, especially if you’re looking for a smoke-free experience. But if you’re new to them, one of the first questions you might ask is: how long do edibles take to kick in?

Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles don’t give you instant results. Instead, they take a little time to work—and knowing how they work can help you enjoy them safely and comfortably.

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can understand what to expect before your edible experience begins.

What Are Edibles?

Edibles are food or drink products that have been infused with cannabis. You’ll find them in many forms:

Weed Gummies
Cannabis Chocolates
Baked goods (like brownies or cookies)
THC Beverages (like sodas or teas)
Capsules or mints

Most edibles are made with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main chemical in cannabis that makes you feel high. Others may include CBD (cannabidiol), which doesn’t get you high but can help with things like anxiety or pain.

How Do Edibles Work in the Body?

To understand how long edibles take to kick in, it helps to know how they move through your body.

When you eat an edible, it goes through your digestive system. Your stomach breaks it down, then your liver processes the THC into a stronger form called 11-hydroxy-THC. This version can cross into your brain more easily, which is why edibles often feel more intense than smoking.

Because digestion takes time, you won’t feel the effects right away.

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Kick In?

This is the big question. For most people, the effects of an edible start within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating.

Some people might feel it sooner, while others might wait longer. That’s why it’s so important to be patient.

On average:

30 to 60 minutes: You might start to feel light effects
1 to 2 hours: The full effects begin to kick in
3 hours: Peak effects (the strongest part of the high)
6+ hours: Effects begin to wear off

Why the Delay?

You might wonder why edibles take so much longer compared to smoking or vaping.

Here’s the simple answer: inhaled THC goes straight into your bloodstream through your lungs, giving you almost immediate effects.

But with edibles, your body has to:

Digest the food
Process the THC through your liver
Then release it into your bloodstream

This whole process takes more time.

What Affects How Long Edibles Take to Kick In?

Not everyone feels edibles the same way. Several factors can change how long for edibles to kick in for you:

1. Empty or Full Stomach

If you eat an edible on an empty stomach, it may hit you faster.
A full stomach slows down digestion, which means a slower onset.

2. Your Metabolism

People with faster metabolisms may feel effects sooner.
Slower metabolism = slower absorption.

3. THC Dose

Higher doses may be felt more quickly or strongly.
Start with low doses, especially if you’re new.

4. Your Body Weight and Size

Body fat and size can influence how your body processes THC.

5. Tolerance

If you use cannabis often, your body may take longer to respond or may need more to feel it.

How Long Does an Edible High Last?

Once edibles kick in, the effects last longer than smoking or vaping.

Most people feel the effects for 4 to 8 hours, but some may feel lingering effects for up to 12 hours depending on the dose.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Feel Anything?

If you’re sitting there wondering, “How long does it take an edible to kick in? I don’t feel anything yet,” the best thing to do is wait.

A common mistake is taking more too soon, which can lead to an intense and uncomfortable high.

Rule of thumb:

Wait at least 2 full hours before taking more.
Even if you only feel a little, wait it out. The effects can sneak up.

Tips for Trying Edibles for the First Time

If you’re new to cannabis edibles, here are some smart tips to keep in mind:

Start low: Try 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC.
Go slow: Wait 2 hours before taking more.
Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout your experience.
Choose a comfortable setting: Be somewhere you feel safe and relaxed.
Avoid alcohol: Mixing substances can change the effects.
Don’t drive: Edibles can impair your ability to operate a vehicle.

Quick Summary: How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

Here’s a recap of what we’ve covered:

Edibles usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in.
Peak effects are felt around 3 hours after eating.
The high can last between 4 to 8 hours, sometimes more.
Several factors like your metabolism, dose, and stomach contents affect timing.
Always wait at least 2 hours before taking more.

Why Edibles Feel Different from Smoking

Many people say that edibles give a “body high” rather than a “head high.” That’s because 11-hydroxy-THC (created in your liver) is different from the THC you inhale.

It tends to feel more full-body and last longer. Some people find this relaxing. Others may feel more sleepy or spacey. Knowing this can help you decide if edibles are right for the kind of experience you want.

Are There Different Types of Edibles?

Yes. Not all edibles work the same way. Some newer products are made to absorb through your mouth, not your stomach. These may kick in faster.

Here’s a quick list of edible types and their usual onset times:

Edible Type	Onset Time
Gummies/Baked Goods	30-90 minutes
Chocolates	30-90 minutes
Drinks	15-45 minutes (faster absorption)
Tinctures (swallowed)	30-60 minutes
Tinctures (under tongue)	15-30 minutes
Hard candies/lozenges	15-45 minutes

Always check the label and dosage before trying any new edible.

What to Do If You Take Too Much

If you accidentally take more than you should, don’t panic. It can feel intense, but it will pass.

Here are a few ways to manage it:

Find a calm, quiet space
Drink water
Lie down and breathe slowly
Distract yourself with music or a movie
Try CBD—it may help counteract THC
Ask a trusted friend to stay with you

If you feel seriously unwell, contact a healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts

Edibles are a powerful and long-lasting way to enjoy cannabis—but they take time. If you’re wondering how long does it take for edibles to kick in, remember:

Be patient. Start low. Go slow.

Let your body process the edible fully before deciding to take more. This way, you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Ready to Explore Edibles?

If you’re curious to try cannabis edibles, Dank Mart has a wide selection of gummies, chocolates, drinks, and more. Whether you’re looking for something mellow or strong, we’ve got you covered.

Browse our edible selection today and enjoy top-quality products shipped discreetly to your door.

REFERENCES:

Kendall K. M. (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

Jon J. Medically reviewed by Eloise T., RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC. (2024, February 5). How long does an edible last?. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-do-edibles-last

Dr. Louisa Degenhardt, Ph.D, AO, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS