What Are Edibles? Effects, Duration and Risks Explained

What are edibles?

Edibles are food or drink products that contain cannabis or cannabinoids. Well-known examples include space cake and gummies. Instead of being absorbed through the lungs, the active compounds are absorbed through the digestive system.

Not all edibles automatically contain THC. Some, for example, contain only CBD. However, the term cannabis edibles generally refers to products that contain THC. THC is psychoactive and can make you feel high or stoned, while CBD is not psychoactive.

What types of edibles are there?

Cannabis can be added to many different types of products, including:

• space cake
• THC gummies
• cookies
• brownies
• shots

One reason people choose edibles is that they do not require smoking or vaping, making them a more discreet way to consume cannabis. They are also available in many different forms, and the effects of THC edibles generally last longer than those of smoked cannabis.

How do edibles work in your body?

When you eat an edible, it first passes through your stomach and intestines. The THC is then absorbed and passes through the liver before being distributed throughout the body. In the liver, some of the THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound contributes to the longer-lasting and sometimes more intense effects associated with edibles. As a result, the same cannabinoid can feel different when eaten compared with smoking cannabis. The effects also take longer to appear because an edible first needs to be digested. When cannabis is smoked or vaped, THC enters the bloodstream quickly through the lungs.

This does not mean that edibles are automatically stronger than every joint. The intensity of the effects depends on factors such as the amount of THC, your experience, tolerance and individual sensitivity.

Want to learn more about THC? Read our article on what THC is and how it affects you.

How quickly do edibles work and how long do the effects last?

It often takes around 30 to 90 minutes before the effects of an edible become noticeable. In some cases, it can take even longer. This is because THC first needs to be absorbed through the digestive system and then processed by the liver.

The effects can then last for approximately 4 to 12 hours. Exactly how long they remain noticeable varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the amount of THC consumed, experience and tolerance.

After the strongest effects have worn off, some after-effects may still remain. An estimated duration of effects therefore does not automatically mean that you are completely sober or fit to drive afterwards.

Why are edibles more difficult to dose?

The biggest difference compared with smoking cannabis is that you do not immediately know how strong an edible will eventually feel. With a joint, the effects are usually noticeable within a few minutes. With an edible, you may notice very little for quite some time. This can lead someone to assume that the product is not working and take another dose too soon. When both doses eventually take effect, much more THC may have been consumed than intended. This increases the risk of unpleasant effects such as anxiety and paranoia.

The product itself also makes a difference. With clearly portioned edibles, the label can give you a better idea of how many cannabinoids are contained in each serving. With homemade space cake, it can be much harder to determine how much THC is actually present in each individual piece.

What effects can edibles have?

The effects of THC edibles are generally similar to those of other cannabis products containing THC. You may feel relaxed, heavy, cheerful or more inclined to laugh. Food, music and other sensory experiences may also feel different.

Possible effects include:

• a relaxed or heavy feeling in the body;
• feeling cheerful or giggly;
• drowsiness;
• increased appetite, also known as “the munchies”;
• an altered sense of time;
• changes in concentration and thought patterns.

Everyone reacts differently. The amount of THC plays a role, but so do previous experience, individual sensitivity, mood and surroundings.

What are the risks of edibles?

Edibles carry many of the same risks as other cannabis products containing THC. However, because their effects are delayed and can last for a long time, there are a few additional points to keep in mind.

Consuming too much THC

Because the effects take longer to appear, it is easier to take another dose too soon. This can ultimately result in a much stronger experience than expected.

Anxiety, panic and confusion

A high dose of THC can cause anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, nausea or confusion. Because edibles can remain active for a long time, these unpleasant effects may also last for several hours.

Mental health effects

Cannabis can trigger or worsen mental health problems in people who are susceptible to them. The risk increases with higher amounts of THC and in people who are already vulnerable to anxiety, paranoia or psychosis.

Tolerance and dependence

Regular THC use can lead to tolerance, meaning you may need increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same effect. Frequent and long-term cannabis use can also lead to dependence.

Accidental consumption

Cannabis gummies, chocolates and cookies can look very similar to ordinary sweets and snacks. Children, pets or other people may therefore consume them accidentally. Always store edibles separately, make sure they are clearly identifiable and keep them out of reach of others.

Responsible use of edibles

Cannabis use is not without risks. If you choose to use edibles, a few practical precautions can help reduce the chance of an unexpectedly strong or unpleasant experience.

1. Start low, go slow

   If it is your first time, start with 2.5 to 5 mg. It is better to take a little more on another occasion than to start with a dose that is too high.

2. Give the edible enough time to work

   Do not take another dose too quickly simply because you do not feel much yet. It can take 30 to 90 minutes for the effects to begin, and sometimes even longer.

3. Do not combine with alcohol or other drugs

   Other substances can alter or intensify the effects of cannabis and may increase the likelihood of problems such as dizziness, nausea and confusion.

4. Store edibles safely

   Keep edibles in clearly identifiable and preferably sealed packaging, out of reach of children and pets.

5. Know what to do if the effects become too strong

   Do not consume any more cannabis. Move to a calm environment, sit or lie down, drink some water and, if possible, stay with someone you trust. Keep in mind that the effects will eventually wear off.

CBD, black pepper and mango are sometimes mentioned online as ways to stop a cannabis high. However, there is not enough evidence to show that these methods reliably neutralise the effects of THC.

If you experience severe symptoms, problems with consciousness, chest pain or you are concerned about the situation, seek medical assistance.

What should you look for when choosing edibles?

Do not focus only on the shape or flavour of an edible. More importantly, check which cannabinoids it contains and how much is present in each serving according to the label. A THC edible will have different effects from a product that contains only CBD.

You should also check the ingredients, allergens and other product information. Clear packaging that states the composition and amount per serving makes it easier to understand exactly what you are consuming.

Driving and drug testing

Can you drive after taking edibles?

Do not drive while you are under the influence of cannabis or still experiencing after-effects. THC can reduce your reaction time, concentration and coordination. It can also make it more difficult to judge distances and speeds accurately.

Because edibles can have long-lasting effects, these impairments may also continue for longer. Just because you no longer feel noticeably high does not automatically mean that you are safe to drive again.

How long can edibles be detected?

How long you feel the effects and how long cannabis remains detectable are two different things. THC, and especially its metabolites, can still be detected in the body after the noticeable effects have disappeared.

Exactly how long this lasts depends on factors such as the amount consumed, how frequently someone uses cannabis and the type of drug test being performed.

For more information about blood, saliva, urine and hair tests, read our detailed guide on how long THC can be detected in the body.