Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. Full effects can take up to 4 hours.1 An edible high often lasts 6 hours or more and can last up to 24 hours.
Wait at least 2 hours before you even think about taking more.3
Contents9
Edible clock
When did you eat it? We'll map out your next 12 hours.
Typical ranges for a single low dose. Your body may be faster or slower.
What are edibles?
Edibles are foods or drinks made with cannabis. Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, mints, and THC drinks are the most common. You eat them instead of smoking, so there's no smoke, but they take longer to hit. Homemade ones are the hardest to judge; see how to make edibles and the edible calculator.
Felt nothing after 2 hours? That's fine. Don't eat more today. Next time, try a little more. Think one light beer, not five shots. How to find your dose.
How long does it take for edibles to hit?
| Time after eating | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 0 to 30 min | Probably nothing yet. This is normal. |
| 30 min to 2 hr | Effects start. Can come on gradually or all at once. |
| 2 to 4 hr | Effects build toward their peak. |
| 4 to 8 hr | Slowly winds down. |
| Up to 24 hr | Some people feel tired or a little foggy into the next morning. |
How long does an edible high last?
Often 6 to 8 hours for a typical dose. Effects can last up to 24 hours.2 A 10 mg edible can easily last most of an evening for a beginner. Plan for no driving and nothing important until the next day.
Why edibles take so long
When you smoke, THC goes from your lungs straight into your blood. When you eat it, it has to go through your stomach and liver first. Your liver turns some of the THC into a form called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is also active.4 Many people describe the edible high as more "body heavy."
What changes how fast it hits
- Food in your stomach. A full stomach can slow it down. Results vary by person.
- Your metabolism and body. Two people, same gummy, different experience.
- Product type. Some drinks and "fast-acting" products are sold as starting sooner. Treat them like any edible and wait.
- Tolerance. Regular users may feel less from the same dose.
Smoking vs. edibles vs. THC drinks
| How you take it | Kicks in | Lasts | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking or vaping | Seconds to minutes | A few hours | Easy to stop when you feel it |
| Edibles | 30 min to 2 hr | Up to 24 hr | Taking more before it hits |
| THC drinks | 30 min to 2 hr | Several hours | Sipping a whole can like a soda |
How much THC is in a gummy? (And how much should a beginner take?)
Check the label for milligrams (mg) of THC per piece. Gummies often come in 2.5, 5, or 10 mg pieces. Many US states, such as California, cap one serving at 10 mg and one package at 100 mg.5 That can be a lot for a first timer.
Health Canada suggests new users look for edibles with 2.5 mg of THC or less, with an equal or higher amount of CBD.1 Many gummies split easily. Start low, go slow.
| Label says | What that means for a beginner |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | What Health Canada suggests new users look for |
| 5 mg | Twice that amount |
| 10 mg | A full standard serving in many states. Strong for beginners. |
| 100 mg | Usually the whole package, not one serving |
Rookie mistakes
- Taking a second edible after 45 minutes.
- Eating a whole bar or package that's meant to be split.
- Making plans to drive later. Edibles last longer than you think.
- Leaving edibles where kids or pets can find them. They look like candy. If a child eats one, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For a pet, call Poison Control or your vet.
Common questions
How long do edibles take to kick in?
Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. Full effects can take about 4 hours.
How long does an edible high last?
Effects often last 6 to 12 hours, and can last up to 24 hours. Some people feel lingering effects into the next day.
How long does a 10mg edible last?
For many people, 6 to 8 hours or more. Beginners often feel it most of the evening.
How much is 10 mg of THC?
A full standard serving in many US states. It's strong for a beginner. Many people start at 2.5 mg.
Is 100mg of THC a lot?
Yes. 100 mg is usually a whole package meant to be split into many servings. Never eat it all at once.
Can you eat weed?
Raw flower won't do much. Most THC in raw cannabis is THCA, which needs heat to become THC. That's why edibles are made with heated, or decarbed, cannabis.
Do weed gummies go bad?
Yes, eventually. Check the date on the package and store them sealed, cool, dry, and away from kids and pets.
Why didn't my edible work?
Most likely it hasn't kicked in yet. Food, metabolism, and product type can push onset past 2 hours. Wait before taking more.
Do edibles hit harder on an empty stomach?
Many people find they hit sooner on an empty stomach. Food tends to slow things down, but results vary by person.
How long should I wait before taking more?
Wait at least 2 hours. Full effects can take up to 4 hours, so if you're new, the simplest rule is to wait until another day.
How many mg should a beginner take?
Health Canada suggests new users look for edibles with 2.5 mg of THC or less. Start low, go slow.
We cite government health agencies and peer-reviewed research. Numbers in the text link to the source.
- Government Health Canada: Cannabis, lower your risks
- Government Health Canada: Health effects of cannabis
- Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis FAQs
- Peer-reviewed Huestis MA. Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2007
- Government California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Section 17304: THC concentration limits
- Peer-reviewed Wang M, et al. Decarboxylation study of acidic cannabinoids. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2016
