How Long Do Edibles Last? [Full Timeline]

So you probably bought or are about to purchase delicious cannabis-infused food products called edibles. Edibles are one of the most popular methods of consuming cannabis. They offer a discrete and easy way to consume cannabis and can be made in various THC strengths to suit any user's needs. However, one of the most common questions we get is; how long do edibles last?

Considering it is still marijuana and possesses psychoactive compounds that can make you high, it's crucial to understand how long the product stays in your body. Knowing this can help you utilize your marijuana edibles to the fullest and keep you out of trouble with the law.

In this article, we'll give you a full timeline of how long edibles stay in your system so you can plan your dosage and consumption accordingly.

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

On average, edibles will last anywhere from 1-3 hours. And the effects can last for 7 to 12 hours. This can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as metabolism, body fat percentage, activity level, the number of edibles consumed, and the level of THC present in your edible.

What's THC?

THC is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It's the chemical responsible for most of cannabis' psychological effects. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and alters your mood, perception, and behavior.

So if you consume a lot of edibles (above 19g) in one sitting, you might be looking at a peak high of 2 to 5 hours and a come-down time of 7 - 12 hours.

Here's a quick fact; Edibles give a more prolonged high than smoking since it stays in your system for much longer.

Most Popular Common Forms of Edibles

Edibles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, literally! And this is what makes them so much fun. Here are some popular forms of edibles;

1. Chocolate:

One of the most popular forms of edibles. Chocolate can be infused with cannabis to make all sorts of different flavors - whether it be chocolate bars, chocolate brownies, or chocolate brookie bites.

2. Gummies:

Edible gummies are simply hybrid versions of regular gummy candies, with the exception of cannabinoids and the long-lasting high they provide to your body.

3. Cookies:

There are many types of edible cookies, but more and more people are choosing Stoneo cookies because of their classic taste (a wordplay on Oreo cookies) because of their classic taste.

4. Chips:

Not into sweets? Try some marijuana-infused edible chips! Chips are a popular form of edibles since they provide a crunchy and savory way to consume cannabis. Weed gifting shops in DC like Top Level offer a variety of chip edibles from Nacho Cheese flavored to Cheese Puffs.

5. Hard Candy:

Hard candy is one of the oldest forms of edibles. And it's still one of the most popular, thanks to its easy portability and discreet consumption. Try out the traditional candy route and enjoy hard candy edibles that are jam-packed with flavor & THC.

How Long Do the Effects of Edibles Last?

Edibles have lasting effects compared to smoking pot because it takes our kidneys and liver longer to fully absorb them – which means it lasts much longer than traditional smoking. When we smoke cannabis, the effects usually kick in within a few minutes and last for 1-3 hours; however, when we eat an edible, it needs around 60 - 180 minutes before taking effect but lasts for 7 - 12 hours.

However, the duration varies due to various factors such as:

1. The Type of Edible:

When you eat an edible with a high THC concentration, you'll have a stronger experience than if you eat one with a lower dosage amount. This is why it's essential to check the THC content in an edible before you eat it. Besides the THC content, some edibles seem to get absorbed much faster. For example, gummies and candy take less time to be absorbed than brownies.

2. The amount of food in your stomach:

When you eat an edible on an empty stomach, the effects are more immediate and powerful. This is why it is suggested that you have a meal before eating anything edible.

3. Activity Level:

If you are physically active after eating an edible, the THC will be distributed throughout your body more quickly. So, if you want to prolong the effects, it's best to stay stationary after consuming an edible.

How Long Do Edibles Last in Your System?

Edibles can remain in your system for several days (3 to 12 days). Drug tests have shown that edibles appear in the blood 3-4 hours after consumption, and they show up in saliva for 24-72 hours. They can also be detected in urine for 3-30 days, and hair tests can determine their presence up to 90 days after ingestion!

As mentioned earlier, the primary psychoactive compound in any CBD product is THC. How long THC stays in your system depends on several factors.

When comparing the effects of smoking marijuana to those of eating edibles, you'll notice that smoking wears off faster than edibles. The effects of smoking linger for only a day or two. This is largely due to metabolism and other factors discussed below;

1. Metabolism

As you know, everyone metabolizes food differently. The same is true for edibles. If you have a fast metabolism, your body will process the THC more quickly, and the effects may not last as long. On the other hand, if you have a slower metabolism, it'll take your body longer to break down the THC, and you may experience the effects for a longer period.

2. Age:

Age is another factor that determines how long the effects of an edible will last. In general, older people metabolize food more slowly than younger people. So, if you're over the age of 65, it's likely that the effects of an edible will last longer than if you were in your 20s.

3. Body Fat Percentage:

THC is a lipid-soluble compound, which means that it readily binds to body fat. When THC binds to body fat, it's slowly released back into the bloodstream over time. So, if you have a higher body fat percentage, the THC from an edible will be released more slowly and may linger in your system for a longer period.

4. Frequency of Use

If you're a regular user of edibles, it's likely that the effects will last for a shorter period than if you're a first-time user. This is because your body becomes more efficient at processing THC over time. So, if you eat an edible every day, the effects may only last for a few hours. But if you only eat edibles once a week, the effects may last for most of the day.

5. Purity:

Purity has to do with how many contaminants are in your edibles. There are many factors that can affect purity, such as the quality of the marijuana used to make the edibles, how the edibles are stored, and how long they've been sitting on the shelf. With the crisis of synthetic marijuana such as K2 impacting Washington DC, it is crucial to obtain your edibles from trusted sources. If your edibles are impure, it'll take your body longer to process them, and the effects may last for a longer period.

How Long Do Edibles Stay Fresh?

Edibles typically have a shelf life of 5-7 days, depending on the type of product you buy. Because they are primarily composed of sugar, edibles like THC/CBD gummies and sweets have a longer shelf life than other types of edibles (e.g., brownies). Baked goods, such as cookies, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan due to their components.

The number of ingredients in your weed edible also plays a role in how long it lasts. For example, milk and cheese-based edibles can go bad quickly, usually within a week. The same is true for CBD products that contain these types of ingredients.

For optimal freshness, store baked edibles in the fridge. Gummies should be kept away from sunlight in a cool and dry place between 55 to 70℉.

Quick fact: Edibles have been known to last up to 6 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Conclusion

Now that you know how long edibles stay in your system, you can make sure to enjoy them responsibly. Remember, it takes longer for the effects of an edible to kick in than other forms of THC. So, start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours before eating more. And if you're new to edibles, it's best to wait at least 3-4 hours before increasing your dose. With a little bit of trial and error, you'll find the perfect dose that works for you.

Edibles are a fun way to consume cannabis. Unlike other ways cannabis is consumed, edibles take much longer to be absorbed due to various factors like metabolism, age, and THC potency. For individuals who find it hard to smoke but still want to get in on the CBD wave, edibles present a much more delicious option.

To get FREE premium weed edibles in DC, visit Top Level today – Rated Top 4 Best Gifting Shop in Washington DC by City Paper. Preorder online & skip the line when you pick up your order in store. Call us today at (202) 740-6670 for any questions regarding our weed edibles or gifting process. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about how to get weed in Washington DC, with our 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant gifts.