Best Time to Take Edibles
Cannabis edibles are a popular and discreet way to consume cannabis. They’re a convenient alternative to smoking or vaping. Whether you're a seasoned cannabis user or just starting to explore the world of edibles, timing your consumption correctly can greatly impact your overall experience.
In this article, we'll discuss the best times to take edibles based on your goals and preferences, considering the time of day, your stomach's contents, and the desired effects.
By understanding how edibles work in the body and following some simple tips, you can optimize your edible experience and enjoy the benefits of cannabis safely and enjoyably.
Read on to determine the best time to take edibles.
Key Takeaways
- Edibles are food products infused with cannabinoids like THC or CBD, producing effects such as relaxation and euphoria. Common types include gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages.
- THC Edibles are metabolized in the liver, converting THC into a more potent form, 11-hydroxy-THC. This results in stronger, longer-lasting effects, with onset times of 30 minutes to two hours and effects lasting four to eight hours or longer.
- Metabolism, tolerance, and dosage influence the onset and duration of edible effects. Beginners should start with a low dose to gauge their tolerance.
- Timing varies by desired effects—morning for focus, afternoon for relaxation, and nighttime for sleep and pain relief.
- Start with a low dose, be patient, and consume edibles on a full stomach for a more controlled experience. Stay hydrated and nourished to enhance the effects.
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food products that have been infused with cannabis compounds, most commonly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol), although this can technically be any number of cannabinoids.
These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, often producing various effects such as relaxation, euphoria, potential pain relief, and altered perception.
The process of creating cannabis edibles involves extracting the desired compounds from the cannabis plant and incorporating them into various food items. This can be done using cannabis-infused oils, butter, or other concentrated forms of the plant's active ingredients.
To give you a better idea of what we’re talking about, let’s take a look at some common examples of cannabis edibles.
Examples of Cannabis Edibles
Cannabis edibles come in various forms, such as gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Some popular examples include:
Gummies
Cannabis-infused gummies are a discreet and easy-to-dose option, making them a popular choice for many consumers. They are often available in various flavors and potencies, allowing users to choose the best experience that suits their needs. Gummies are a convenient option for those who prefer a tasty, no-fuss way to consume cannabis.
Chocolates
Cannabis-infused chocolates offer a delicious and indulgent way to consume cannabis. Options range from dark and milk chocolate to more exotic flavors like white chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, PB&J, and Caramel Apple Pie. This variety allows users to enjoy their cannabis experience while savoring a sweet treat.
Baked Goods
Baked goods are a classic form of cannabis edible, incorporating the plant's active compounds into familiar treats such as brownies, cookies, and cakes. This method of consumption provides a delicious way to enjoy cannabis and is ideal for those who appreciate the comfort of homemade-style snacks.
Beverages
Cannabis-infused beverages are becoming increasingly popular as a refreshing and discreet method of consumption. Numerous options are available, from teas and sodas to even alcoholic beverages. These drinks provide a unique alternative for users looking for something different from traditional edible forms.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, the range of available edibles is constantly expanding, with new and innovative products hitting the market regularly. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there's an edible option to suit nearly every taste and preference.
Now that we have covered the most common types of edibles, let’s determine how they work in the body to produce the desired effect.
How Do Edibles Work in the Body?
When you consume cannabis edibles, the active compounds, such as THC and CBD, are absorbed through your digestive system. This process differs from smoking or vaping, where the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream directly through your lungs.
After you ingest an edible, it travels through your stomach and into your small intestine, where the active compounds are absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, they go to your liver, where they undergo first-pass metabolism.
During this process, the liver converts THC into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC (with different forms of THC, such as Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, converting into slightly different variations of 11-hydroxy-THC), which can result in stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to inhaled cannabis.
Due to this digestive process, the onset of effects from edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on factors such as your metabolism, tolerance, and the dosage consumed.
Once the effects kick in, they can last much longer than those from smoking or vaping, typically ranging from four to eight hours and, in some cases, even longer. This extended duration is due to the slower absorption and processing of the active compounds through the digestive system.
Factors Affecting the Onset and Duration of Effects from Cannabis Edibles
Certain factors, such as your metabolism, your tolerance, and dosage, all play roles in the onset time and duration of effects from cannabis edibles.
Here are the three biggest determining factors:
Metabolism
Your metabolism significantly affects how quickly you feel the effects and how long they last. Those with faster metabolisms may experience the effects sooner and for a shorter duration, while those with slower metabolisms may have a slower onset but longer-lasting effects.
Tolerance
Your tolerance to cannabis also impacts your experience with edibles. If you consume cannabis regularly, you may require a higher dose to achieve the desired effects compared to someone with a lower tolerance.
Dosage
Dosage is another crucial factor in determining the onset and duration of effects. Always start with a low dose, especially if you're new to edibles or have a low tolerance.
A standard dose is typically considered 10mg of THC, but beginners may want to start with 5mg or less. Remember, you can always consume more if needed but can't undo the effects of consuming too much.
Considering all of these factors, let’s discuss the best time of day to eat edibles.
When is the Best Time of Day to Take Edibles?
The best time of day to take edibles depends on your goals and the specific effects you're seeking. Whether you want to enhance focus and creativity, unwind after a long day, or promote better sleep, timing your edible consumption can help you achieve the desired results.
Let’s discuss what eating cannabis edibles during the morning, afternoon, or nighttime might entail, starting with the beginning of the day.
Morning or Daytime Use
If you're looking to microdose for focus, creativity, and mood enhancement without much of a noticeable “high”, consuming edibles in the morning or during the day may be the best approach.
Microdosing involves taking very low doses of cannabis, typically between 1mg and 5mg of THC or other cannabinoids, to experience subtle benefits without the intense psychoactive effects associated with higher doses.
When microdosing with edibles, start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase until you find the sweet spot that works for you. This approach can help boost productivity, inspire creative thinking, and elevate your mood throughout the day without interfering with your daily responsibilities or social interactions.
That said, if you're just looking to relax all day and you don’t have any work or chores to do, feel free to take higher-dose edibles in the morning. Just beware that if you take a larger dose, as opposed to micro-dosing, you will likely feel the effects all day long.
What about taking edibles in the afternoon or evening?
Afternoon or Evening Use
Consuming edibles in the afternoon or evening may be the ideal choice for those seeking relaxation, potential stress relief, and a way to unwind after work or a long day of running around.
Higher doses, typically ranging from 5mg to 15mg of THC (and higher), can produce more pronounced effects, such as a sense of euphoria, deep relaxation, and altered perception.
If you’re looking to watch a movie, spend some time at home reading a book, spend some time with like-minded friends, or just relax, then the generally enjoyable effects of cannabis edibles are great to enjoy in the afternoon or early evening.
This just leaves one time of day to take edibles, the nighttime.
Nighttime Use
If your goal is to promote sleep and you’d like to take advantage of the therapeutic potential of cannabis, such as possible pain and stress relief, taking edibles at night may be the most beneficial approach. The longer-lasting effects of edibles make them well-suited for nighttime use.
When consuming edibles for sleep or nighttime relief, opt for products that contain higher levels of CBD alongside THC. CBD has been shown to have calming and anxiety-reducing properties, which can complement the sedative effects of THC. Indica-dominant strains are often preferred for nighttime use due to their relaxing and sleep-inducing qualities.
As with any edible consumption, start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the optimal amount that promotes restful sleep without causing grogginess or disorientation the following morning.
Consuming edibles about an hour before bedtime can help ensure the effects kick in as you prepare to sleep, providing a seamless transition into a peaceful slumber.
While the time of day is an important consideration for cannabis edibles, whether to eat on a full or empty stomach is another issue that we need to tackle.
Should You Take Edibles on an Empty or Full Stomach?
The contents of your stomach can significantly influence the onset, intensity, and duration of your edible experience. Whether you consume edibles on an empty or full stomach will depend on your desired effects and personal preferences.
Therefore, knowing the difference between consuming edibles on an empty versus a full stomach is quite important.
Let’s start by discussing what happens when you consume edibles on an empty stomach.
Empty Stomach
Taking edibles on an empty stomach can lead to a faster onset of effects, typically within 20-30 minutes. When your stomach is empty, the active compounds in the edibles can be absorbed more quickly into your bloodstream, resulting in a more rapid onset of effects.
However, consuming edibles on an empty stomach may also result in a more intense experience, as there is no food to slow down the absorption process. This can be overwhelming for some users, particularly those with a low tolerance or new to edibles.
It's important to note that while the effects may come on faster when taken on an empty stomach, they may also have a shorter duration, often peaking around 60 minutes after consumption.
Full Stomach
Consuming edibles on a full stomach can result in a slower onset of effects, usually taking between 60 and 120 minutes to kick in. When food is in your stomach, it slows down the absorption of the active compounds in the edibles, leading to a more gradual onset of effects.
While it may take longer to feel the effects when consuming edibles on a full stomach, the experience tends to be more manageable and longer-lasting. This can be particularly beneficial for beginners or those who prefer a more gradual and controlled experience.
Eating a meal before consuming edibles can also minimize the risk of consuming too much too quickly, as the slower absorption rate allows you to gauge your tolerance better and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Stomach contents aside, let’s discuss some other valuable tips to make your cannabis edibles experience as enjoyable as possible.
Tips for Timing Your Edible Consumption
When it comes to consuming cannabis edibles, timing is key to ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience. However, starting slow, being patient, and staying hydrated are also important.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your edibles:
Start Low and Go Slow
If you're new to edibles or have a low tolerance, it's important to begin with a low dose, typically between 2.5mg and 5mg of THC, although for some people, a small dose may be 10mg. Remember that edibles can take some time to kick in, which brings us to our next point.
Be Patient
One of the most common mistakes when consuming edibles is taking additional doses too soon. Remember that the effects of edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in fully.
Trust the process and give your body time to respond before deciding whether to consume more. To help make the experience more enjoyable, we recommend a patient and steady approach, which brings us to the following point.
Plan Ahead
Before indulging in edibles, consider your schedule and responsibilities for the next several hours.
As the effects of edibles can last much longer than smoking or vaping, it's important to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the experience without any pressing obligations or commitments.
Planning ahead can help you create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your edible journey, and yes, planning should always include food and drink!
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Consuming edibles can be an intense experience, both physically and mentally. To support your body throughout the process, drink plenty of water.
Eating balanced meals before and after your edible experience can also help maintain a sense of well-being and minimize any potential discomfort. Nourishing your body with healthy foods and staying hydrated can contribute to a more pleasant and manageable edible experience.
What are the Best Edibles for Different Situations?
Which types of edibles you consume depends on the situation at hand. When determining what types of edibles to take, some important considerations include distinguishing between indica and sativa strains and the cannabinoids in the edibles.
Let’s review some examples of popular edibles and when you may want to consume them.
Indica vs. Sativa Edibles
Before we talk about the different cannabinoids that you might find in cannabis edibles, let’s figure out if it's an indica or a sativa that you want, starting with indica-infused edibles.
Indica-Infused Edibles
Indica-infused edibles are typically known for their relaxing and sedative effects. They are often recommended for evening or nighttime use when the goal is to unwind, relieve stress, or improve sleep. Indica strains are associated with a "body high," which may help with pain relief, muscle relaxation, and promoting a sense of calm.
Sativa-Infused Edibles
On the other hand, Sativa-infused edibles are usually favored for their energizing and uplifting effects. These are commonly consumed during the day to enhance focus, creativity, and social interaction. Sativa strains are known for providing a "head high," which can boost mood and increase alertness without the drowsiness that might come with indica strains.
Edibles According to Various Cannabinoids
Aside from the sativa/indica distinction, you may also want to consider the type of cannabinoid in the edibles. For instance, Delta 8, 9,10, and 11 THC can all be found in edibles, along with other cannabinoids such as HHC, THCp, and others.
Let’s take a quick look at what you can expect with each type of edible according to the cannabinoids they contain.
Delta 8 THC Edibles
Delta 8 THC is thought to be about 50% to 70% potent as Delta 9 THC, making it ideal for beginners who want to experience the psychoactive effects of THC, but to a lesser degree.
Delta 8 THC generally produces the same effects as Delta 9, but without the intensity sometimes associated with Delta 9. Delta 8 edibles are ideal for those who want to potentially feel light relaxation and euphoria.
If this sounds like you, these Delta 8 500mg Sour Worms are right for you.
Delta 9 THC Edibles
Delta 9 THC is the standard kind of THC that most of us are familiar with. It generally produces feelings of relaxation, euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and potential pain relief. Delta 9 THC, if consumed in decent quantities, can produce a relatively intense effect, so starting slow is recommended.
These M-Fusions Delta 9 THC Fruit Punch Gummies are a great way to get started!
Delta 10 THC Edibles
Delta 10 THC is often regarded as producing a relatively mild “high,” usually characterized by slight euphoria, mental clarity, focus, and energy. Delta 10 THC is thought to be roughly 40% as potent as Delta 9 THC, making it the perfect option for those just starting their cannabis journey.
A great starting point is these 500mg Delta 10 Sour Watermelon Gummies.
Delta 11 THC Edibles
We then have Delta 11 THC, which is believed to be up to three times as potent as Delta 9 THC. It may produce much stronger sensations of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation than Delta 9. These edibles are, therefore, best left to the pros who want an intense yet enjoyable experience.
HHC Edibles
Next, we have HHC edibles. HHC is a cannabinoid that is believed to be slightly milder than Delta 9 THC. It generally produces a mild body high and a good bit of euphoria, but without the sedation often associated with Delta 9.
If this sounds like an experience for you, these HHC M-Fusions 2000mg Fruit Punch Gummies might be right up your alley.
THCp Edibles
If you’re an experienced consumer and you’re looking for an intense effect, both body and mind, then THCp edibles are what you need. THCp is thought to be up to 33 times stronger than Delta 9 THC, meaning that a little bit goes a very long way.
It’s one of the most intense feelings that any cannabinoid can produce, and seasoned veterans love it! If you want an edible that will shoot you to the moon and back, these Chocolate Strawberry 25mg THCp Bursts.
CBD Edibles
If you’d like to take advantage of the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly the pain, inflammation, and anxiety-relieving potential of it, all without experiencing a noticeable high, then it’s CBD that you want.
If you’re going for the therapeutic aspect, these Momentum Energy Blend CBD Gummies are worth trying.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Take Edibles
Determining the best time to take cannabis edibles depends on several factors, including your goals, the desired effects, and how your body processes the cannabinoids.
Edibles offer diverse consumption methods, from gummies to baked goods, each providing a unique experience. Consuming edibles on a full stomach generally provides a more gradual onset and prolonged effect, making it suitable for those new to cannabis.
Understanding the strain type (indica vs. sativa) and the specific cannabinoids in the edibles helps tailor the experience to your needs, whether for focus, relaxation, or sleep.
Always start with a low dose and be mindful of your metabolism, tolerance, and duration of effects to ensure a safe and enjoyable edible journey.
Visit Mellow Fellow today for all of the best edibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Consuming Edibles on an Empty vs. Full Stomach?
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach leads to faster onset and potentially more intense effects, while consuming them on a full stomach results in slower onset and longer-lasting effects, making it more manageable for beginners.
How Does the Type of Cannabinoid in an Edible Affect the Experience?
Different cannabinoids like Delta 8, Delta 9, Delta 10, Delta 11, HHC, and THCp have varying potencies and effects. For example, Delta 8 is milder and good for beginners, while THCp is much stronger and more suitable for experienced users.
What Type of Edibles Should I Take if I Want to Relax and Sleep Better?
Indica-infused edibles are ideal for nighttime use due to their potentially relaxing and sedative effects. They help with unwinding, stress relief, and improving sleep quality.
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