How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

Edibles usually take between 30 minutes and two hours to kick in. Effects tend to peak around the four-hour mark and can last six hours or longer. That's much slower, and much longer, than smoking, and it catches out a lot of first-time users.

Why edibles take longer than smoking

When you smoke, THC goes from your lungs into your bloodstream within minutes. A gummy is digested first. Your liver then converts THC into a different form, 11-hydroxy-THC, before it reaches the rest of your body. That extra step is why edibles are slower to start and why the effects last longer. Our comparison of THC gummies and smoking covers the other differences.

What affects how fast they kick in

• Food. On an empty stomach an edible may kick in sooner. After a big meal it can take longer.
• Your metabolism. Everyone digests at a different pace, so a friend's timing won't predict yours.
• The dose. A higher dose doesn't arrive faster, but it can feel much stronger when it does.
• Experience. Regular users often know their own timing. Beginners don't yet, which is why patience matters.

Don't take more while you wait

The most common mistake is taking a second gummy because the first one "isn't working". Then both kick in, and the result is far stronger than intended. Wait at least two hours before deciding to take more, and if you want a stronger effect, take a slightly bigger dose on another day instead.

If you took too much

It will pass. Find somewhere calm and comfortable, drink some water, have a snack and rest. Don't drive. If you feel unwell or are worried, call 811 or your provincial health line, or seek medical help.

Start with a measured dose

A low, measured dose makes the wait much easier to judge. Our 5mg microdose gummies are a good place to start, and every product in our edibles collection lists its THC per gummy and per pack. For a full guide to first doses, read how many mg of edibles a beginner should take.

Edibles are for adults 19 and over. Keep them sealed and out of reach of children and pets.