The COVID-19 pandemic saw scores of cannabis consumers switching from smoking flower to consuming edibles as uncertainty over cannabis' impact on virus symptoms and the lungs lingered. Since that initial shift took place over a year ago, many remain loyal to edibles for pandemic concerns or other preferences. Regardless, edibles have gained their fair share of fans this past year.
The popularity comes at a time when edible brands are improving their potency, providing more accurate dosing and diverse consumption options. The long trial and error process has seemingly paid off.
The surge in popularity leaves some edible consumers unsure over crucial aspects of the experience. No sweat if you're one of those people. Consider this your primer on how long THC and other cannabinoid-infused edibles last in your system.
How Long Do Edibles Last In Your System?
Those wondering how long edibles stay in their system may not like this answer, but here it is: It depends.
The effects of an edible vary drastically depending on a series of factors. They include:
- Body composition
- Genetics
- Metabolism
- Recent food intake
- Tolerance
- Weight
While we can't pinpoint how long edibles last in the bloodstream, most consumers report feeling the effects within 30 minutes to two hours after consumption.
Keep in mind that those first effects are unlikely to be the most intense. Most experiences peak around the fourth hour after eating, with factors varying how long they last. Overall, the effects of an edible should last anywhere from six to eight hours.
Each person's edible experience will vary. Be careful with dosing, especially when first starting. It's always best to begin with a low dose and slowly work into more significant amounts. Start by eating a small piece and assessing after 30 to 45 minutes. Build up from there at a slow pace; 5 mg per increase or less should do the trick.1
If you know you might have to take a drug test, obviously, it's important to avoid THC edibles entirely. For an unexpected test, take a look at our guide on how to pass a drug test to help your chances.
Why Do Edibles Last So Much Longer Than Smoking Cannabis?
After learning how long an edible lasts in the bloodstream, most want to know why the effects go on for a more extended period than when smoking.
Edibles are first broken down by the body's digestive system, eventually moving onto the liver. Once in the liver, the cannabis is metabolized into 11-OH-THC, a more potent compound than delta-9 THC.2 The process helps the effects of edibles last longer than smoking due to the potency of the compound.
Instead of the near-instant effects of smoking, edibles are also more of a slow burn. Edibles can take up to two hours to take effect, whereas inhalation has a quick onset of about 5 to 10 minutes and lasts between 2 and 4 hours compared to up to 8 hours for edibles.1
Understanding Bioavailability And Dosage Of Edibles
One of the more frustrating aspects of consuming edibles is that they aren't created equal. A 10mg edible made by one brand may produce the desired effects while another brand falls short. When trying to figure out how long edibles last, it's best to understand bioavailability and dosage, which are critical components in creating the desired effects.
Several variables may play a role in altering experiences. Some factors, like body composition, are the same when assessing longevity's effects. Other factors play a role, especially if you've recently eaten, which tends to lessen the effects. The strain, infusion type, and method in which it was consumed may also play their part. CBD has been shown to have greater bioavailability when combined with just 0.2% of THC.3
Above all else, though, is bioavailability, or how much THC your body can absorb. Simply put, your edible's bioavailability dictates how much of the THC dosage is available to your body. A 20mg edible can't be entirely metabolized. Typically, the bioavailability range for an edible is around 6%.4 Assuming that an edible's bioavailability is 6%, a 20mg dosage would result in 1.2mg reaching the bloodstream.
Nano-emulsion methods that have become more common among edible cannabis products have also been demonstrated to help increase the absorption and bioavailability of cannabinoids.5
SEE ALSO: A Visual Guide to Weed Measurements and Prices
The Takeaway
The varying nature of edibles means no one should assume the dosage of a new product. Remember, 20mg of one product doesn't mean the same for another 20mg product. Newcomers often make this mistake, and one should avoid it. Instead, start low and go slow when trying new products, being patient to find the correct dose.
If you'd like to speak to a doctor about what dose and form of edibles is best for you, NuggMD's state-licensed medical marijuana doctors are always happy to help! No appointment is needed.
Resources
- MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎
- Barrus DG, Capogrossi KL, Cates SC, et al. Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. 2016;2016:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611. doi:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611 ↩︎
- Berthold EC, Kamble SH, Siva, et al. Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Commercially Available Cannabidiol Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, and Full-Spectrum Products. European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. 2023;48(4):427-435. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-023-00839-3 ↩︎
- Lucas CJ, Galettis P, Schneider J. The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Nov;84(11):2477-2482. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13710. Epub 2018 Aug 7. PMID: 30001569; PMCID: PMC6177698. ↩︎
- Spindle TR, Bonn-Miller MO, Vandrey R. Changing landscape of cannabis: novel products, formulations, and methods of administration. Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;30:98-102. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.04.002 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
