Ever wonder why your friend feels an edible in 30 minutes, while you’re still waiting an hour later? It turns out, edibles don’t affect everyone the same way, and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes in your body. When you eat an edible, the THC gets processed by your liver, which turns it into something called 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is actually more potent than the THC you get from smoking, which is why edibles can feel a lot stronger—but here’s the catch: everyone’s body processes this differently.
Things like your metabolism, body weight, and even what you ate earlier can play a role in how quickly (or slowly) you feel the effects. Plus, tolerance makes a big difference. If you're a regular cannabis consumer, you might need a higher dose to get the same buzz someone else gets from a lower dose. All these factors make edibles a bit unpredictable, so if you're new to them or trying a new product, it's always smart to start low and go slow. Just because it takes longer to hit doesn’t mean it’s not coming!
Factors That Effect Onset Time for Edibles
Several factors can affect the onset time for edibles, which is why they hit people differently. Here are the main ones:
Metabolism
People with faster metabolisms may process edibles more quickly, leading to a faster onset. Those with slower metabolisms might take longer to feel the effects.
Body Weight and Composition
Heavier individuals or those with higher body fat percentages might experience a delayed onset, as THC can bind to fat cells and take longer to be absorbed.
Tolerance
Regular cannabis users often have a higher tolerance, meaning it may take more time or a higher dose to feel the effects.
What You’ve Eaten
Consuming an edible on an empty stomach can lead to faster effects, while eating it after a meal can slow down absorption as it competes with other foods in the digestive system.
Dosage and Potency
Higher doses or more potent edibles may be felt more quickly, while lower doses could take longer to kick in.
Type of Edible
Different types of edibles—gummies, chocolates, or beverages—may have varying absorption rates. Beverages or sublingual edibles (ones that dissolve under the tongue) can kick in faster than traditional edibles that go through the digestive tract.
Individual Body Chemistry
Every person’s endocannabinoid system is unique, so each body processes THC and other cannabinoids differently, leading to variations in how quickly the effects are felt.
