Cannabis Education: Your Guide to Understanding Edibles

If you’re interested in cannabis edibles and what they can do for you, you’re certainly not alone. Edibles are a super popular way of enjoying cannabis—especially for those who want a discreet, fun alternative to inhaling. Before you use edibles, it’s a good idea to get to know all you can about how they work, so you can ensure you’re taking the right dose and consuming it safely.

At Sunrise Dispensary, we’re here to make your exploration of cannabis edibles easier. Visit any of our locations to chat with us for personalized guidance—and in the meantime, check out this practical cannabis edibles guide to help you get started.

What Are Cannabis Edibles, and How Do They Work?

Weed edibles are exactly what they sound like — cannabis-infused foods, drinks, and gummies that are ingested. Edibles contain “activated cannabis,” which are plant oils that have been heated so that they can be metabolized when eaten. As they work through your and produce the effects weed users are looking for.

These days, cannabis edibles come in many different forms, including hard candy, mints, gummies, baked goods, chocolates, salty snacks, seltzers, coffees, teas, baking oils, and more. So, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

THC vs. CBD Edibles: What’s the Difference?

As you consider the many types of edibles and which ones might suit you, it’s a good idea to pay attention to their THC and CBD content. THC — short for tetrahydrocannabinol — is the substance within the marijuana plant that produces the high we associate with using weed. CBD — which stands for cannabidiol — interacts with the body without producing the high. That makes it a good option if you want the therapeutic benefits cannabis offers, without the mind-altering results.

How Long Do Edibles Last in Your System?

Edibles hit your system more slowly than inhaling, but their effects last longer, which is why many people opt for taking their cannabis this way. On average, weed stays in your system from six to eight hours, with the peak effects about three hours after you first took the dose.

By comparison, weed that is inhaled kicks in faster but wears off faster too. Edibles stay in your system around three times longer than smoking, and if you take a large dose, you may feel lingering effects for 24 hours.

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Kick In?

On average, edibles typically take 30-60 minutes to begin kicking in. Because they’re eaten, they must work their way through your digestive system before they are absorbed into your bloodstream. As a result, they definitely affect you more slowly than a blunt, joint, vape, or dab. Other factors can affect onset too:

Your Body’s Unique Makeup: Onset times can be influenced by your body weight and your specific metabolism. Your personal tolerance to CBD and THC can also play a role.
When You Last Ate: Your diet in general and when you had your most recent meal before taking the edible can also play into things. Taking an edible on an empty stomach can help it kick in faster than if you’ve had a full meal right before it.
Ingredients in the Edible: Edibles with high concentrations of THC are likely to kick in faster than edibles that have low or no THC. By contrast, edibles made only with CBD don’t cause the high associated with THC edibles, so it may be harder to tell when they kick in.
Type of Edible You’re Using: Edibles can be taken in a few different ways, which can affect how fast they’re broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream. Anything you place under your tongue — such as lozenges, mints, gum, and lollipops — will get absorbed into your bloodstream through your mouth, so they take effect on the quicker side.

Drinkables kick in on the faster side, too, while edibles that you chew and eat or drink — such as cookies, brownies, and gummies — are absorbed through your digestive tract and your liver. so they take longer to show their effects.

Avoiding Overconsumption

Because edibles take a while to affect you, it can be tempting to try another dose to get results. But remember, the length of time that edibles require to do their work can vary by so many different factors, and you don’t want to take too much. For this reason, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before taking another dose.

Dosage Tips for Weed Edibles: A Guide for Beginners

When first taking cannabis edibles, remember you’re still getting to know how your body responds, so it’s essential to go slow. The rule for using weed for beginners is this: Take a low dose, to begin with and give yourself plenty of time to experience the effects. For edibles, a microdose can start as low as 2.5 mg.

Cannabis edibles found at reputable stores (like ours) have labels that you should read carefully. Look at how much THC or CBD is contained in each serving, and pay attention to what the serving size is as well. That way, you’ll know how much of the edible you should take at one time.

Keep in mind, as well, that those who are using edibles for specific medical uses may need to take higher doses than casual or recreational users. This is something to discuss with medical professionals for clearer guidance for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weed Edibles

How much should I take the first time?

If you’re trying an edible — or cannabis in any form, really — for the first time, then the best approach is to be conservative. Take a small dose, go slow, and be patient as you see how your body responds.

What happens if I eat too much?

While cannabis doesn’t cause fatal overdoses, taking too much can be unpleasant. The best way to handle this situation is to wait for the dose to wear off. While you wait, drink lots of water, go to bed and get some rest, or distract yourself with a game or some other form of entertainment.

How long do edibles last?

Edibles last for 6-8 hours in your system, and their effects can linger for up to 24 hours, depending on your body’s unique response to cannabis.

For more information, check out our full cannabis FAQs.

Final Thoughts on Cannabis Education for Edibles

Using cannabis edibles can be a great experience — especially when taken responsibly. Remember: start low, go slow, and continue to learn about cannabis so you can make good decisions and enjoy your cannabis use safely.

At Sunrise Dispensary, we’re happy to answer your questions and help you navigate the many cannabis choices available to you. Learn more about our dispensary, visit one of our convenient locations to shop now, or contact us anytime to let us know how we can help you!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research, personal opinions, and reports from other sources. Sunrise Dispensary does not provide medical advice and makes no claims about the efficacy or safety of cannabis for medical or recreational use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided in this blog. Cannabis products should be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws.