how long for edibles to kick in: 5 Powerful Facts 2025
Understanding Edible Timing: When Will You Feel the Effects?
How long for edibles to kick in varies depending on several factors, but here’s what you need to know:
| Edible Type | Typical Onset Time | Peak Effects | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chewable (gummies, brownies) | 30-90 minutes | 2-3 hours | 4-12 hours |
| Sublingual (tinctures, lozenges) | 15-45 minutes | 1-2 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Beverages | 30-60 minutes | 2-3 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Nano-emulsified products | 15-30 minutes | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours |
If you’ve just taken an edible, you’ll likely need to wait at least 30 minutes before feeling effects, and possibly up to 2 hours depending on factors like your metabolism, what you’ve eaten recently, and the type of product.
Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, which delivers THC directly to your bloodstream through your lungs, edibles must travel through your digestive system. This difference is why edibles take longer to kick in but often produce stronger and longer-lasting effects.
Key factors affecting onset time:
– Full vs. empty stomach (empty = faster onset)
– Product type (sublingual works faster than chewed)
– Metabolism (faster metabolism = quicker onset)
– Dosage (higher doses may be felt sooner)
– Individual tolerance (experienced users may notice subtle effects earlier)
I’m Jeremy Rivera, owner of Terp Bros dispensary in Astoria, and through years of experience helping customers understand how long for edibles to kick in, I’ve guided countless individuals through their first edible experiences, ensuring they have safe, enjoyable journeys with these powerful cannabis products.
How long for edibles to kick in basics:
– beginners guide to edibles
– are edibles illegal
– how do you make edibles
Why Do Edibles Feel Different From Smoking or Vaping?
Ever wonder why edibles hit you differently than when you smoke? It’s not just in your head—there’s actual science behind it!
When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC zips straight into your bloodstream through your lungs, and you feel effects within minutes. But edibles? They take you on a whole different journey—and this explains why that gummy might feel so much more powerful than a puff.
The First-Pass Metabolism Effect
The magic (or sometimes, the challenge) of edibles comes down to something called “first-pass metabolism.” When you eat a cannabis-infused treat, your body processes it like any other food—through your digestive system and liver before it reaches your bloodstream.
Here’s where it gets interesting: your liver transforms delta-9-THC (the compound in cannabis) into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is significantly more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier like it owns the place.
“Many of our customers at Terp Bros are surprised when we explain that the liver actually makes THC stronger,” I often tell folks who visit our Astoria shop. “That’s why that 10mg gummy can feel more intense than smoking a joint—your liver is basically supercharging the THC.”
Studies have found that this transformed 11-hydroxy-THC can be up to 5 times more powerful than regular THC. No wonder even seasoned smokers sometimes find themselves caught off guard by a humble edible!
| Consumption Method | Onset Time | Peak Effects | Duration | Primary Active Compound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking/Vaping | 2-10 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 2-3 hours | Delta-9-THC |
| Edibles | 30-90 minutes | 2-3 hours | 4-12 hours | 11-hydroxy-THC |
The Digestive Journey
When customers ask us how long for edibles to kick in, we walk them through the fascinating journey their gummy or chocolate takes:
- You enjoy your edible (hopefully something tasty!)
- Your stomach begins breaking it down
- The cannabinoids get absorbed through your small intestine
- They travel to your liver via something called the hepatic portal vein
- Your liver transforms the THC into that more potent 11-hydroxy-THC
- This boostd compound enters your bloodstream
- It crosses into your brain
- Finally—the effects begin
This whole process explains why edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, while smoking works in just minutes.
The digestive journey also explains why edibles produce that distinctive body high that many people describe as more immersive and longer-lasting than smoking. Your entire digestive system is involved, creating a whole-body experience that can feel more intense and last much longer.
At Terp Bros, we always remind our Queens customers that patience is key with edibles. Understanding this digestive process helps explain why you should always wait at least 2 hours before considering taking more—your liver is working hard behind the scenes, and rushing it can lead to an overwhelming experience.
Want to learn more about cannabis pharmacokinetics? Check out this scientific research on edible pharmacokinetics for the deeper scientific explanation.
How Long for Edibles to Kick In?
“So when exactly am I going to feel this?” That’s probably the most common question I hear behind the counter at our Astoria shop. If you’re wondering how long for edibles to kick in, the short answer is typically 30-90 minutes – but honestly, that’s just scratching the surface.
Here at Terp Bros, we’ve guided thousands of Queens residents through their edible journeys, and I’ve noticed that most folks start feeling those first gentle waves around the 45-minute mark. By the 2-hour point, you’re usually experiencing the full effect. That said, I’ve had customers swear they felt something in just 15 minutes, while others might sit patiently for up to 2 hours before anything happens.
This timing isn’t just anecdotal either. Studies published in the Journal of Pain Research back this up, showing that THC blood concentrations from edibles typically peak around 3 hours after you’ve enjoyed that gummy or chocolate. This lines up perfectly with when most of our customers report feeling the strongest effects.
The golden rule we share with everyone who visits our dispensary? Start low and wait at least two hours. Trust me on this one. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard that go something like this:
“I waited 45 minutes and felt nothing, so I took another dose. Two hours later, I was on Mars when I only wanted to visit the moon!”
One of our regulars from Jackson Heights learned this lesson the hard way and now religiously follows the two-hour rule. Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to edibles.
How long for edibles to kick in on an empty stomach?
If your stomach’s growling when you take that edible, you might feel effects in as little as 20-30 minutes. It’s like a fast-track through your digestive system, but this express route comes with a few cautions.
“Taking edibles on an empty stomach is basically the cannabis equivalent of having a cocktail before dinner,” explains Maria, one of our most experienced budtenders. “It hits faster and often harder, which isn’t always what you want.”
The empty stomach experience typically means:
More intense effects – Without food to buffer absorption, you might feel a stronger high than expected
Less predictable timing – The onset can be surprisingly quick
Potential discomfort – Some folks report more pronounced nausea or anxiety
Here’s something fascinating: consuming edibles with fatty foods actually improves cannabinoid absorption. A study in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics found that high-fat foods increased THC blood concentrations by 2.5-3 times compared to an empty stomach. That’s why we often recommend having a small avocado toast or handful of nuts about 30 minutes before your edible – it creates the perfect environment for a balanced, predictable experience.
How long for edibles to kick in with sublingual gummies?
If you’re the impatient type (no judgment here!), sublingual products might be your new best friend. These special formulations – including tinctures, lozenges, and certain gummies designed to dissolve under your tongue – can begin working in just 15-30 minutes.
Why the speedier onset? When cannabinoids absorb through the mucous membranes under your tongue, they take a shortcut directly into your bloodstream, bypassing that whole digestive journey. Think of it as the express lane at the grocery store when you only have a few items.
The sublingual route typically means:
Faster onset – Effects often begin in 15-30 minutes
Somewhat milder intensity – You might notice a gentler experience compared to fully digested edibles
Shorter duration – The effects may not last quite as long as traditional edibles
At our Queens locations, we’ve seen growing interest in these faster-acting options, especially among medical users who need more predictable timing for symptom relief. If you’re dealing with breakthrough pain or sudden anxiety, waiting 90 minutes for relief just isn’t practical. Our team can point you toward products specifically designed for sublingual use – just ask!
Scientific research on onset times confirms these timing differences, though everyone’s body responds uniquely. That’s part of what makes cannabis so fascinating – it’s a deeply personal experience that depends on your unique physiology.
What Speeds Up or Slows Down Onset?
Ever wonder why your friend feels the effects of that gummy in 30 minutes while you’re still waiting after an hour? The question of how long for edibles to kick in isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let me walk you through the factors that might be speeding up or slowing down your experience.
Metabolism & Body Composition
Your body’s natural processing speed plays a huge role in your edibles timeline. Think of it like this: some people have sports cars for metabolisms, while others have reliable sedans.
If you’ve always been someone who burns through food quickly, you’ll likely process cannabis faster too. This comes down to your basal metabolic rate – essentially your body’s idle speed when it comes to burning energy.
“We see this all the time at our Astoria shop,” says our dispensary manager. “Two friends buy the same product, and one is feeling effects in 30 minutes while the other is still waiting after 90.”
Your liver is the real MVP here, with enzymes called CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 doing the heavy lifting of converting THC into its more potent form. Some people naturally have more active versions of these enzymes – a genetic lottery that can make your processing time up to four times faster than your friends.
Age and body composition matter too. As we get older, our metabolism typically slows down, which can extend the waiting game. And since THC loves to hang out in fat cells (it’s lipophilic), your body fat percentage can influence how cannabinoids move through your system.
Edible Type & Formulation
The product you choose makes a big difference in your waiting time:
Traditional gummies and chewables typically take that standard 30-90 minute window we always talk about. If you’re enjoying chocolates or brownies, the higher fat content usually pushes that to 45-120 minutes. Sipping on a cannabis beverage? The liquid form typically moves through your system a bit quicker, often in 30-60 minutes.
For those who don’t want to wait, sublingual products that dissolve under your tongue can cut that time down to 15-30 minutes by partially bypassing digestion.
“The game-changer lately has been nano-emulsified products,” our Terp Bros product specialist explains. “We’re seeing Queens customers really appreciate these faster-acting options that kick in around 15-30 minutes.”
These newer technologies break cannabinoids down into tiny particles that your body can absorb more efficiently – think of it as turning boulders into sand that can slip through your system more easily.
Stomach Contents & Diet
What you ate before that edible might be the biggest factor of all in determining how long for edibles to kick in.
Taking an edible on an empty stomach can speed things up dramatically – sometimes to as quick as 20-40 minutes – but beware! This faster route often comes with more intense effects that can catch even experienced users off guard.
Had a light meal recently? Expect a moderate onset around 40-60 minutes with more balanced effects. Just finished a heavy or high-fat dinner? You might be waiting 60-120+ minutes, but there’s a silver lining.
Here’s something fascinating: a University of Minnesota study found that taking cannabis products with fatty foods increased maximum THC blood concentration by over 400% compared to an empty stomach. So while you’ll wait longer after that avocado toast or handful of nuts, the effects might be significantly stronger when they arrive.
At our Astoria shop, we often recommend having a small snack with healthy fats about 30 minutes before consuming an edible. This gives you a nice balance between reasonable waiting time and good absorption.
Patience is key when it comes to edibles. The most common mistake we see at Terp Bros is people getting impatient and taking more before the first dose has had time to work its magic. As we like to tell our Queens customers: the edible isn’t on your schedule – you’re on its schedule!
How Long Do Edible Effects Last & How Intense Are They?
The journey with edibles doesn’t end once they kick in – understanding how long the effects last is just as important as knowing when they’ll start. Unlike smoking or vaping which typically produces a 2-3 hour experience, edibles take you on a much longer ride.
Most people who visit our Astoria dispensary report feeling edible effects for 4-12 hours, with the most intense sensations happening around the 3-hour mark after consumption. This extended duration is why timing your edible experience matters so much.
“I always tell my Queens customers to think of edibles as a half-day commitment,” shares Maya, one of our senior budtenders at Terp Bros. “If you take one at 7 PM, you might still feel some lingering effects at breakfast the next morning.”
This longer duration isn’t just anecdotal – when we analyzed thousands of customer experiences, about 12% described effects lasting significantly longer than expected, sometimes up to 24 hours, especially with higher doses or in people with slower metabolisms.
One of our regular customers from Woodside learned this lesson the hard way: “I took an edible on a Sunday night thinking I’d be totally fine for work Monday morning. But I still felt foggy when my alarm went off. Now I only enjoy them when I have plenty of recovery time.”
Mild vs Moderate vs Heavy Doses
How intense and how long your edible experience lasts connects directly to how much you consume:
Mild dose (2.5-5mg THC) creates gentle, manageable effects lasting about 3-6 hours. This is perfect for social situations or when you want subtle relief without significant impairment.
Moderate dose (5-15mg THC) produces more pronounced effects lasting 5-8 hours. At this level, most people experience noticeable euphoria and relaxation but can still function reasonably well.
Heavy dose (15mg+ THC) delivers intense effects lasting 8-12+ hours, sometimes lingering into the next day. These experiences can be profoundly immersive and are best saved for when you have absolutely nothing else planned.
At our Astoria shop, we always suggest newcomers start with just 2.5-5mg of THC, even if they regularly smoke cannabis. I’ve seen too many experienced smokers assume their tolerance will transfer to edibles, only to find themselves overwhelmed for hours.
“Edibles are a different beast entirely,” explains Carlos, our education coordinator. “I’ve helped longtime smokers who were humbled by a 10mg gummy because they didn’t respect the different way it processes in your body.”
Why the High Feels Stronger
The intensity of edibles comes down to chemistry. When your liver processes the THC from edibles, it creates 11-hydroxy-THC, which is fundamentally different from what happens when you smoke.
This 11-hydroxy-THC is special because it:
– Slips across your blood-brain barrier more easily
– Latches onto your cannabinoid receptors more effectively
– Creates more pronounced mind-altering effects
– Produces a full-body sensation rather than just a head high
Plus, the extended timeline of edibles allows for a deeper entourage effect, where various cannabis compounds dance together in your system. With smoking, this interaction is brief, but with edibles, cannabinoids and terpenes have hours to interact with your endocannabinoid system.
As Jasmine, a regular at our Queens dispensary, describes it: “Smoking feels like turning on a light switch – it’s immediate and clear. Edibles feel more like a sunrise – they come on gradually but eventually fill your entire world with warmth and color.”
Smart Dosing, Safety & Interactions
At Terp Bros, we’ve seen it all – from the first-timer who had the time of their life to the overconfident smoker who bit off more than they could chew. That’s why we’re passionate about teaching our Queens community about safe edible consumption.
The “Start Low, Go Slow” Approach
This isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s the golden rule that could save your Saturday night. We tell our Astoria customers to think of edibles like swimming in the ocean for the first time. You don’t dive into the deep end; you dip your toes first.
Start with 2.5-5mg THC (even less if you’re sensitive to substances generally). This modest dose gives most people gentle effects while minimizing the risk of discomfort. Then, the crucial part – wait at least 2 hours before even thinking about taking more. I can’t tell you how many folks walk into our shop with “I took another one after 45 minutes and then… oh boy” stories.
When I’m helping first-timers at our dispensary, I often share what a regular customer told me: “Jeremy, that 2-hour wait saved me from a weekend I wasn’t ready for. Best advice I’ve gotten.”
Research backs this cautious approach too. A study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that 5mg doses produced beneficial effects for most adults with minimal adverse effects – exactly what we want for an enjoyable experience.
Signs of Overconsumption
Your body will let you know if you’ve taken too much. The warning signs include extreme anxiety or paranoia (that feeling that everyone definitely knows you’re high), rapid heart rate (like you just ran up five flights of stairs while sitting perfectly still), and impaired coordination (suddenly your phone feels impossible to operate).
Other signs include dry mouth, red eyes, nausea, and confusion. These symptoms aren’t dangerous in the medical sense, but they can certainly make for an uncomfortable few hours.
A customer from Jackson Heights once described her overconsumption experience: “It felt like time was stretching like taffy. Five minutes felt like five hours. I was fine the next day, but I sure learned to respect the plant.”
A Colorado study documented temporary psychosis in five cases where people consumed edibles with doses exceeding 100mg – that’s ten times the standard serving! This isn’t meant to scare you but to emphasize why we’re so adamant about proper dosing.
Drug Interactions
Cannabis isn’t an island – it interacts with other substances in your body. If you’re taking medications, this is especially important to understand.
Alcohol and edibles make particularly unpredictable partners. Both substances amplify each other, potentially leading to increased impairment, nausea, or “the spins.” As one of our budtenders likes to say, “That’s a party nobody actually wants to attend.”
Cannabis can also interact with sedatives (increasing drowsiness), blood pressure medications (potentially causing additive effects), blood thinners (THC may affect clotting), and certain antidepressants (possible serotonergic interactions).
“We always encourage our customers to be upfront with their healthcare providers about cannabis use,” explains Maria, our community educator. “More and more doctors in Queens are becoming knowledgeable about these interactions, and being honest helps them give you the best care.”
Recommended Beginner Dose Chart
For our neighbors throughout Queens, we’ve developed this straightforward guide based on experience level:
| Experience Level | Recommended Starting Dose | Wait Time Before Redosing | Max Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time | 2.5mg THC | 2-3 hours | 5mg |
| Occasional user | 5mg THC | 2 hours | 10mg |
| Regular user | 10mg THC | 2 hours | 15-20mg |
| Experienced user | 10-15mg THC | 1.5-2 hours | Individual tolerance |
These are just guidelines. Your personal experience may vary based on all those factors we discussed earlier – metabolism, body composition, what you’ve eaten that day, and even how you’re feeling emotionally.
What to Do If You’ve Taken Too Much
First, take a deep breath. No one has ever died from a cannabis overdose, and this uncomfortable feeling will pass. Here’s what helps:
Stay hydrated with water (not alcohol – that’ll make things worse). Find a calm environment where you feel safe and comfortable – lower the lights, reduce noise, and minimize stimulation. Try calming techniques like deep breathing or putting on your favorite comfort movie.
If you happen to have CBD available, it can help moderate THC effects. Some of our customers keep CBD products on hand specifically for this purpose.
Most importantly, remember it will pass. The intensity typically begins to diminish within a few hours, though some effects may linger longer.
If you’re feeling truly overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call for support. SAMHSA’s helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides 24/7 assistance from people who understand what you’re experiencing.
As Rosa from Astoria told us after her first-too-much experience: “I panicked at first, but then I remembered what you told me at the shop – drink water, put on ‘The Great British Bake Off,’ and know it’ll be over soon. By the next morning, I was laughing about it.”
At Terp Bros, we believe that with the right information about how long for edibles to kick in and proper dosing guidance, everyone can find their sweet spot for a positive cannabis experience.
Picking, Reading Labels & Storing Edibles
Walking into our Astoria shop, you’ll notice how seriously we take product labeling – and for good reason! Understanding what’s on those little packages is key to predicting how long for edibles to kick in and ensuring you have the experience you’re looking for.
Decoding the Label
Think of cannabis labels as your roadmap to a good experience. Here at Terp Bros, we help our Queens neighbors understand exactly what they’re getting.
“I always tell first-timers to spend an extra minute reading the label,” says Melissa, one of our budtenders. “It’s like checking the ingredients on food – except this food might send you to the moon if you’re not careful!”
When you pick up one of our products, you’ll find all the essential information clearly displayed:
The THC content per serving tells you exactly how potent each piece is – this is your most important number! New York limits edibles to 10mg THC per serving, which helps prevent accidental overindulgence.
The CBD content is equally important, especially if you’re looking for specific effects. Higher CBD often means a more balanced experience.
Look for the serving size information – is a serving half a gummy or a whole one? This distinction matters tremendously!
“I had a customer from Astoria who ate an entire chocolate bar thinking it was one serving,” shares Jeremy, our store manager. “Turns out it was ten servings! He spent the next day horizontal on his couch watching nature documentaries.”
The production and expiration dates aren’t just bureaucratic details – fresher edibles typically deliver more consistent effects, while older products might hit differently.
New York’s strict testing requirements mean every product has been verified by an independent lab, with the results right there on the label. This transparency is something we fought hard for in the industry.
Safe Storage at Home
I can’t tell you how many stories we’ve heard at Terp Bros about edibles ending up in the wrong hands – or paws! Proper storage isn’t just a good idea; it’s an essential responsibility.
Child-resistant containers are your first line of defense. Those annoying packages that even adults struggle to open? They save lives. We provide complimentary child-resistant bags for all edible purchases at our Astoria location.
“Keep your stash clearly labeled and separate from regular snacks,” advises Rosa, our community educator. “The last thing you want is your roommate accidentally grabbing your medicated chocolate when they’re hunting for a midnight snack.”
Temperature matters more than you might think. Heat, light, and air are the enemies of potency, potentially altering how long it takes for edibles to kick in. A cool, dark cabinet works perfectly – just make sure it’s out of reach of curious kids and pets.
We’ve had heartbreaking conversations with Queens pet owners whose dogs found their edibles. Cannabis toxicity in pets is serious and scary – and completely preventable with proper storage.
“I recommend a small lockbox if you have children or pets at home,” says Carlos, another Terp Bros team member. “Think of it as an investment in peace of mind.”
The medical community has documented concerning increases in accidental pediatric cannabis ingestions in states after legalization. Almost all these cases involved edibles that looked like regular candy or treats – something we take extremely seriously at Terp Bros.
When you visit us in Astoria or order delivery to anywhere in Queens, we’ll happily walk you through best practices for keeping your products safe at home. Because being a responsible cannabis consumer isn’t just about your own experience – it’s about protecting everyone around you too.
Key Takeaways & Community Support
After helping thousands of neighbors across Queens—from Astoria to Jamaica and everywhere in between—we’ve learned a few important lessons about how long for edibles to kick in:
The golden rule? Patience. Most people start feeling effects within 30-90 minutes, but sometimes your body needs a full 2 hours to process that gummy or chocolate. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had customers call saying “nothing’s happening” only to text an hour later with “oh, there it is!”
Your personal factors make all the difference. Whether you’re naturally blessed with a speedy metabolism, had a big lunch before your edible, or chose a fast-acting sublingual product—your journey will be uniquely yours.
When it comes to dosing, remember the mantra we share with everyone who visits our Astoria shop: start low, go slow. Beginning with just 2.5-5mg of THC gives your body a chance to respond gently. You can always take more next time, but you can’t take less once it’s in your system.
Be sure to plan ahead. The full experience typically lasts 6-8 hours, so Saturday morning might not be ideal if you’ve got important plans Saturday afternoon. One regular customer from Woodside learned this the hard way before a family dinner—now she only enjoys edibles when she has a clear calendar!
And finally, create your perfect setting. Comfortable surroundings with familiar people (or peaceful solitude) can make all the difference between an anxious experience and a blissful one.
At Terp Bros, we’re about more than just selling cannabis. As a CAURD licensee, we’re proud to be part of New York’s commitment to repairing harms caused by prohibition. Our team includes justice-involved individuals who now have career opportunities in this growing industry, and we regularly host educational events throughout Queens neighborhoods to promote safe, informed cannabis use.
For our friends in Astoria, Woodside, Jackson Heights and beyond who prefer convenience, we offer reliable delivery throughout Queens, bringing carefully selected products right to your door—along with the knowledge to use them responsibly.
After all, cannabis isn’t just about products—it’s about people and community. And that’s something worth taking our time with.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edible Timing
Do edibles hit faster if I dissolve them under my tongue?
Absolutely! Sublingual absorption is like taking a shortcut through your body’s highway system. When you place products designed for under-the-tongue use, cannabinoids slip directly into your bloodstream through those thin mucous membranes, bypassing the whole digestive trip. This typically shaves down your wait time to just 15-30 minutes – a significant improvement over the traditional edible journey.
But here’s the thing – not every gummy or chocolate is meant for the sublingual express lane. When you visit us at Terp Bros in Astoria, we’ll help you identify which products are specifically formulated for this quicker route:
- Tinctures that come with a dropper
- Those fancy dissolvable strips (think cannabis breath fresheners)
- Lozenges designed to slowly dissolve
- Special sublingual gummies with absorption improvers
“The difference between sublingual and regular edibles is night and day,” says one of our regular Queens customers. “I need relief quickly for my anxiety, and waiting 90 minutes just doesn’t work for me.”
Can I combine edibles with alcohol safely?
I’m going to be straight with you – mixing cannabis edibles and alcohol generally isn’t the best idea. It’s like combining two unpredictable friends who might behave completely differently when they’re together than when they’re apart.
Research published in Clinical Chemistry found something particularly concerning: alcohol can actually increase how much THC gets into your bloodstream. This means those how long for edibles to kick in predictions go right out the window, and you might find yourself experiencing much stronger effects than you bargained for.
The combo can lead to:
- A rollercoaster of unpredictable effects (and not the fun kind)
- The dreaded “spins” and potential nausea
- Significantly impaired coordination and thinking
- Difficulty gauging just how affected you really are
If you absolutely insist on combining them (we see you, birthday celebrators), please cut your normal dose of each by at least half, stay hydrated with water, and make sure you’re somewhere safe with no driving plans. Better yet, choose one or the other for the evening – your tomorrow self will thank you.
Why did my friend feel effects sooner than I did?
This is one of the most common questions we get at Terp Bros! Cannabis affects everyone differently, which is why how long for edibles to kick in varies so much from person to person.
Think of your body as having its own unique cannabis processing system. Your friend might have the express version while you’re working with the standard model. Several factors could explain the difference:
Metabolism matters enormously – some people naturally process everything faster, including cannabinoids. I remember two sisters from Astoria who came in together; one felt effects in 30 minutes while the other was still waiting at the 90-minute mark despite similar builds.
Body composition plays a role too. THC is fat-soluble, so differences in body fat percentage can affect how quickly cannabinoids are distributed and metabolized.
Your liver enzyme activity is another major factor. These little workers (especially CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) have different efficiency levels in different people based on genetics. Some people are born with super-processors!
Empty vs. full stomach makes a huge difference. If your friend skipped lunch and you had a burger, their edible has less competition for digestion.
One of our budtenders shares: “We had roommates from Forest Hills try identical products from the same package. One was feeling great in half an hour while the other was checking their watch for almost two hours before feeling anything – despite eating the same meal beforehand!”
This is exactly why we emphasize starting low and being patient. Many customers at our Astoria shop keep simple notes on their phone about what they took, when they felt it, and how intense it was. This personal data becomes invaluable for finding your perfect dose and timing.
The cannabis journey is deeply personal – your experience is uniquely yours!
