Why Edibles Hit Different
When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream through your lungs and hits your brain within minutes. Edibles take a completely different path—and that changes everything.
When you eat cannabis, it travels through your digestive system to your liver. There, THC gets converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently and produces stronger, longer-lasting effects. This is why a 10mg edible can feel more intense than smoking the equivalent amount of THC.
The Golden Rule: Start Low, Go Slow
This isn't just a suggestion—it's essential advice that even experienced smokers should follow when trying edibles for the first time.
Recommended Starting Doses
- First-time cannabis users: 2.5mg THC
- Occasional users: 5mg THC
- Regular users new to edibles: 5-10mg THC
- Experienced edible consumers: 10-25mg+ THC
Many people make the mistake of taking too much because they "don't feel anything." Give it time.
Understanding Onset Times
Edibles don't work instantly. Here's what to expect:
- Initial effects: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Peak effects: 2 to 4 hours after consumption
- Total duration: 4 to 8 hours (sometimes longer)
Factors that affect onset time:
- Empty vs full stomach: Edibles kick in faster on an empty stomach but may feel more intense
- Your metabolism: Faster metabolisms process edibles quicker
- The product type: Beverages and tinctures absorb faster than baked goods
What If You Take Too Much?
First, know this: no one has ever died from a cannabis overdose. You might feel uncomfortable, but you'll be okay. Here's how to ride it out:
- Stay calm — remember this will pass
- Find a comfortable space — dim lights, cozy blanket
- Hydrate — water, juice, or a light snack
- Try CBD — it can help counteract THC's effects
- Sleep it off — if you can, rest is the best remedy
- Black pepper trick — some people find that smelling or chewing black peppercorns helps reduce anxiety
Types of Edibles
Gummies and Candies
The most popular choice. Precisely dosed, discreet, and available in various flavors. Great for beginners because of consistent dosing.
Chocolates
Delicious and often available in segmented pieces for easy dosing. Fat content may affect absorption.
Beverages
Cannabis-infused drinks often use nano-emulsion technology for faster onset (sometimes 15-30 minutes). Effects may not last as long as traditional edibles.
Baked Goods
Cookies, brownies, and other treats. Dosing can be less precise in homemade versions, so stick to lab-tested products.
Capsules
No taste, precise dosing, and easy to incorporate into a routine. Behave like traditional edibles in terms of onset.
Tips for a Great Experience
- Clear your schedule — don't plan to drive or handle responsibilities
- Choose your setting — somewhere comfortable and safe
- Have snacks and water ready — you'll probably want them
- Start on a day off — give yourself time to understand how edibles affect you
- Keep a journal — track what you took and how it felt for future reference
Find Your Perfect Edible at Smokey's
Our selection includes precisely dosed options from trusted brands, with something for every experience level. Not sure where to start? Our budtenders can walk you through the options and help you find the right product and dose for your needs.