How Long Does It Take Before You Begin To Feel The Effects Of Edibles?
According to research, edibles are slower to kick in but last longer compared to inhalation. This is because compared to smoking, where cannabis is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and distributed rapidly in the brain, edibles first need to enter the digestive system. One study indicates that oral ingestion of THC requires 30–90 minutes for effects to begin. These effects reach their peak after 2–3 hours. [1]
It is also possible to develop substance use disorder to marijuana through the use of THC edibles. This is likely to lead to further complications, including drug dependence and the desire to use other, more powerful drugs.
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Edible cannabis reportedly avoids the risks associated with smoking. However, these edibles give a more intense and longer high, and some people can experience adverse effects. How long do edibles last and their effects? According to one study, the effects of edibles last 4–12 hours, depending on the dose and a person’s characteristics, such as drug tolerance and metabolism.
Some factors affect how soon someone can feel the effects of edibles. These include:
- The edible’s non-cannabis ingredients
- Bodyweight
- Metabolism
- Gender
- When a person last ate
Consumption under the tongue, also known as sublingual absorption, is theoretically faster since it bypasses the digestive system and absorbs straight into the bloodstream. Therefore, items, such as lollipops or tinctures held under the tongue, may have quicker effects.
Marijuana Edibles Drug Test
There is no doubt that edibles can show up in a drug test. The reason why is that THC behaves differently when it’s ingested into the system. Weed, on the other hand, actually stays for a longer time period in your body because it’s smoked. The method of use also impacts the detection time. If marijuana is smoked or vaped, the THC levels in the body will drop faster than if you ingest it. How long do edibles last? Edibles take longer to break down in the body and leave your system.
How Long Do Marijuana Edibles Stay In Your System?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical in cannabis that makes people feel “high” can stay in the body for several days or even weeks. The length of time this chemical stays in the body or continues to show in a drug test depends on many factors. These include:
- how much body fat a person has
- how often do they consume the drug
- how much someone smokes
- the sensitivity of the drug test
Drugs such as alcohol may completely disappear from the body in just a few hours. In comparison, weed lingers much longer. How long do edibles last? Drug tests can detect tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in urine, blood, and hair for many days after use, while saliva tests can only detect THC for a few hours. This is because of the way the body metabolizes THC. [2]
Common Forms Of Edibles
Edibles are food products that have been infused with marijuana. These products come in a variety of different forms [3] that can include:
- Foods: This could include brownies, prepared cookies, take-and-bake cookie dough, cupcakes, granola bars, cakes, snack mixes, honey sticks, and more.
- Drinks: This could include pre-mixed sodas and juices, teas and other hot drinks, and flavored concentrates that can be mixed with other beverages.
- Candies: This could include chocolate, gummies and chews, hard lozenges, lollipops, marshmallows, jellybeans, fudge, and more.
- Tinctures: These are infused liquids made with alcohol, honey, or vegetable glycerin that can be consumed by holding under the tongue while the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. THC is the chemical in marijuana that makes a person feel high. Tinctures also can be added to foods and drinks.
- Oil or butter: These infused products can be used at home when cooking or baking. [4]
Although smoking remains the most prevalent method of marijuana consumption, the ingestion of edibles is quickly becoming a popular way to take the drug. Unfortunately, many people who consume edibles are unaware of the dangers associated with their use.
How Much Should You Take?
The effects of marijuana edibles last much longer than smoking, usually up to several hours depending on the amount of THC consumed, the amount and types of the last food eaten, and other drugs or alcohol used at the same time. THC is the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Some cannabis plants contain very little THC.
The amount of THC is difficult to measure and is often unknown in many edibles. Regulations and quality assurance regarding the determination of THC content and product labeling are generally lacking, and as a result, the dosage estimation for many edibles is often inaccurate. Consequently, many products contain significantly more THC than labeled and people who consume these edibles can be caught off-guard by their strength and long-lasting effects.
Potential Side Effects
You may have a prescription for medical marijuana, or you may want to partake of weed or marijuana edibles in states where it is now legal for recreational use at the state level. There is a common perception that you cannot develop a physical dependence on marijuana, but this is not the case. Psychological dependence is also a consideration.
If you discontinue marijuana after regular or heavy use, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal. Signs of marijuana withdrawal [5] include:
- Appetite change
- Cramps or nausea after eating
- Cravings
- Digestion problems
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Sleep disruption
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
If you find that you can’t handle symptoms of withdrawal without relapsing, you may be at risk for a substance use disorder. Do not be afraid to seek out professional support from a mental health professional.
Substance Abuse Treatment
We Level Up TX addiction treatment provides the needs of each patient that are specific and personalized, as we aim to provide comprehensive support for mental health, addiction, and dual diagnosis treatment.
Psychotherapy
Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of substance abuse including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – It is an effective treatment that involves making changes in both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the addicted person.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – It is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid clients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.”
- Person-Centered Therapy – It is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Texas
Drug addiction causes brain damage and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorder and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. In this strategy, both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Texas Inpatient Consultants
Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.
How long do edibles last? edibles take longer to exert their effects, while the “high” lasts longer. This can pose a risk for a person who may take more than intended, consequently experiencing adverse effects. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up TX can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.
Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. We will help you explore treatment options. Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.
Sources:
[1] Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids – National Center for Biotechnology Information
[2] How long can you detect marijuana (cannabis) in the body? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324315#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
[3] The Real Dangers of Consuming Marijuana Edibles – https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/risks-of-edibles
[4] Marijuana Edibles Safety – Division of Public Health
[5] How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System? – https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-marijuana-stay-in-the-system-67791
