Timeframe for the onset of effects from consuming edibles
Cannabis edibles and inhalation methods offer distinct advantages and potential risks for users. While inhaled cannabis delivers THC rapidly, causing quick but shorter effects, edibles undergo digestion and liver metabolism, leading to slower onset but more sustained and often more intense effects.
Key Differences in Onset and Duration:
| Method | Onset Time | Peak Effects | Duration | |-------------|--------------------|------------------|----------------| | Edibles | 30 to 90 minutes | 2 to 3 hours | 6 to 12 hours | | Inhalation | Seconds to minutes | Within first hour | 1 to 3 hours |
Factors Influencing Edibles' Onset and Duration:
The digestion and metabolism process plays a significant role in the onset and duration of edibles. THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting, during this process[1][2][5]. A full stomach delays absorption, lengthening onset time, while an empty stomach speeds it up[5]. Individual metabolism, dose, and potency also impact the effects[2][5].
Summary:
Inhaled cannabis delivers THC rapidly through the lungs to the bloodstream, causing quick but shorter effects. Edibles, however, undergo digestion and liver metabolism, leading to slower onset but more sustained and often more intense effects that can last up to 12 hours[1][2][4].
Due to the delayed onset, edibles carry a higher risk of overconsumption if users are impatient. Effects can vary widely person to person due to metabolic and physiological differences[1][2][4].
This makes edibles particularly suited for long-lasting symptom management or overnight use, while inhalation fits occasions needing rapid but shorter relief[1][2][4]. Factors affecting the speed of edible effects include the edible's non-cannabis ingredients, body weight, metabolism, gender, and when a person last ate.
It is vital to keep edibles away from infants and children, who may mistake them for regular candies or cakes. A 2017 study analyzing 5,000 tweets about edibles found 12% described intense or long-lasting effects following use[1].
[1] "The Effects of Cannabis Edibles: A Comprehensive Review." Journal of Psychopharmacology. [2] "Cannabis Edibles: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. [3] "The Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis and Cannabinoids." British Journal of Pharmacology. [4] "The Impact of Cannabis Edibles on Public Health." American Journal of Public Health. [5] "The Science of Cannabis Edibles: A Look at Absorption, Onset, and Duration." Journal of Cannabis Research.
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