THC edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabis compounds like D9 THC or CBD. They offer the same effects as smoking or vaping, but without the impact on the lungs, making them a popular alternative for many.
Types of Edibles
Edibles come in a variety of forms. Below are some of the most popular options.
Gummies: A favorite among edibles, cannabis-infused gummies come in a wide range of flavors.
Baked Goods: Classic options like brownies and cookies are popular, but you can also find cakes and muffins infused with cannabis.
Beverages: If you prefer to sip your cannabis, there are infused drinks like teas, coffees, and juices.
Hard Candies: Light on THC, cannabis-infused hard candies are ideal for those seeking a gradual release or lower dosage.
Chocolates: Chocolate enthusiasts can enjoy cannabis-infused bars and other chocolate treats.
Frozen Treats: Perfect for summer, cannabis-infused frozen desserts offer a refreshing option.
Protein Bars: Fitness buffs can opt for cannabis-infused protein bars, combining cannabinoids with a protein boost.
Dried Fruits: Health-conscious consumers can select THC-infused fruits (dried) like apricot or mango for a wholesome snack.
How Edibles Work in the Body
When you consume edibles, the process involves several stages from ingestion to metabolism. The first step is simply eating the edible. As it enters your mouth, saliva begins to break it down. Once partially broken down, the edible moves to your stomach, where digestive enzymes and gastric juices further process it.
Next, the edible passes into your small intestine, where most of the cannabinoids are absorbed. Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, they enter your bloodstream through the intestinal walls. From there, they travel to the liver, where they undergo first-pass metabolism. During this process, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form, leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.
After the liver, cannabinoids circulate throughout your body, and you typically feel the effects within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. Finally, once metabolized, the cannabinoids are eliminated from your body through urine.
Edibles Vs. Inhaled Cannabis
The effects of edibles take significantly longer to kick in compared to inhaling cannabis. When you inhale, you’ll notice the impact within seconds or minutes, while with edibles, it typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to feel the effects.
There's also a notable difference in duration. Inhaled cannabis begins to wear off after about an hour, but edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours or even longer, offering a much more prolonged experience.
How Long Do Edibles Stay In Your Hair
Typically, edibles remain in your system for 4 to 12 hours, though this can extend based on several factors:
- The amount of THC in the edible directly impacts how long it stays in your system. Higher doses take longer to metabolize. For example, an edible with 10 mg of THC can remain in your body for 4 to 12 hours, which is often a standard single serving, like one gummy. If you consume 20 mg of THC (about two servings), expect the effects to last beyond 12 hours.
- Metabolic rates vary from person to person. Those with faster metabolisms break down THC more quickly than those with slower metabolic rates.
- Regular use of cannabis can lead to a buildup of THC in the body, as the system doesn’t have enough time to fully eliminate the compound, extending the duration it stays in your system.
- Regular cannabis users who have developed a tolerance to THC tend to metabolize it faster, shortening the time it lingers in the body.
- People with higher body fat ratios may possess THC longer, as their bodies take more time to break it down compared to those with lower body fat percentages.
How Can You Reduce the Duration of THC in Your System?
While edibles can induce euphoria or relaxation, not everyone wants to stay in an "altered state" for hours. Although it’s difficult to shorten the duration of THC in your system, there are a few strategies that might help:
Avoid Consuming More Edibles: To eliminate THC from your system, refrain from ingesting additional edibles.
Cardio Exercises: Engaging in cardio helps burn fat, where THC metabolites are stored. As fat is burned, THC is released into the bloodstream and can be eliminated through urine.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water is an effective way to detoxify your body and help flush out THC more quickly.
Consume Diuretics: Diuretics assist your body in expelling excess salt and water, which increases urine output, aiding in the elimination of THC. Natural diuretics include cranberry juice, green tea, and black tea.
Conclusion
Higher Dose - Longer Duration: Larger amounts of THC take more time to metabolize. A 10 mg dose may last 4–12 hours, while 20 mg can extend the effects beyond 12 hours.
Higher Tolerance - Shorter Duration: Regular cannabis users often develop a tolerance, leading to quicker THC metabolism.
Faster Metabolism - Shorter Duration: Individuals with faster metabolic rates tend to process and eliminate THC more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
Frequent Use - Longer Retention: Consistent cannabis consumption can lead to THC buildup, making it stay in the body longer.