How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In? A Mellow Fellow Onset-and-Dosage Guide
You’ve got your edible in hand and you take that first bite, enjoy the flavor, and then the questions start rolling in: How long do edibles take to kick in? Should I feel something already? Is this working?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not the only one. Timing is one of the biggest mysteries when it comes to edibles. Unlike smoking or vaping, the effects don’t hit right away, and that delay can leave you second-guessing your dose, your product, or your whole plan.
That’s exactly what we’re here to clear up. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what actually happens after you eat an edible, from digestion to onset to peak effects, so you’ll know what to expect, when to expect it, and how to tailor your experience based on the product and your body.
At Mellow Fellow, we believe that knowledge leads to better experiences, so let’s make uncertainty one less thing on your mind.
Key Takeaways
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Edibles typically begin working within 30 to 90 minutes and peak between 1.5 to 4 hours after consumption.
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Products like gummies and chews require full digestion, while liquids and tinctures act faster due to quicker absorption.
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Liver metabolism plays a key role, converting THC into the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC.
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Onset times vary based on metabolism, age, sex, genetics, and whether you’ve eaten recently.
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Beginners should start with 2.5-5 mg THC and wait 24 hours before adjusting their dose.
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Mood-specific blends like Dream, Creativity, and Euphoria offer customized experiences beyond just THC percentage.
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Shop Mellow Fellow’s full lineup of effect-based edibles to find the perfect match for your needs.
The Science Behind Edible Onset Times: Why the Wait?
When you smoke or vape cannabinoids, they enter your bloodstream through your lungs almost immediately. Edibles take a completely different route through your body, resulting in a delayed but often more potent and longer-lasting experience.
If you're curious about these differences, our article on smoking vs. edibles provides more details on these distinct consumption methods. For now, let’s talk about the path an edible takes from the second it enters your mouth.
Phase 1: Initial Digestion (0-30 Minutes)
Once you eat an edible, it travels to your stomach, where digestion begins. During this early stage, enzymes start breaking down the food, but you likely won’t feel any effects just yet. That’s because the cannabinoids, like THC or CBD, haven’t made their way into your bloodstream.
At this point, what you’ve eaten matters. The amount and type of fat present in your edible, as well as any food already in your stomach, can influence how cannabinoids are absorbed later on. A 2016 study in the American Journal of Translational Research found that dietary fats can significantly boost the body’s exposure to cannabinoids by up to three times.
Phase 2: Liver Metabolism (30-90 Minutes)
After partial digestion in the stomach, the edible moves into the small intestine. Here, cannabinoids are absorbed and delivered to the liver through a process called first-pass metabolism.
Inside the liver, Delta 9 THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that’s known to be more active in the body. This compound crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than standard THC, often leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.
It generally takes the liver around 30 minutes to start metabolizing THC after consumption, and yes, the effects may start to kick in as early as this. For an in-depth explanation of this process, check out our blog on 11-hydroxy-THC vs. THC.
Phase 3: Bloodstream Entry and Onset of Effects (30-90 Minutes)
Once cannabinoids are processed in the liver, active compounds like 11-hydroxy-THC enter your bloodstream. From there, they circulate throughout your body and eventually cross the blood-brain barrier.
This is when you start to feel the effects, as the compounds begin interacting with your endocannabinoid system.
Research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that after ingesting edibles, the onset of effects typically begins between 30 and 60 minutes post-consumption, and sometimes up to 90 minutes.
Phase 4: Peak Effects (1.5-4 hours)
Most users experience the height of their edible effects during a window that begins about 1.5 hours after consumption and can last for several hours.
A 2020 article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlighted that the peak effects of edibles can take up to three hours, and in some cases, up to four hours. This extended window increases the risk of taking more before the first dose fully kicks in, a mistake commonly known as “dose stacking.”
A classic 1973 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that 11-hydroxy-THC produced a faster and more intense psychological response than Delta 9 THC when administered intravenously, illustrating its great potency.
More recent research in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics further confirmed that 11-hydroxy-THC has equal or greater activity than THC, even when accounting for different methods of administration and metabolism. It was shown to be up to 153% as active as THC in certain measures of cannabinoid response.
Phase 5: Gradual Decline (4-8+ hours)
As the liver continues to metabolize and clear cannabinoids from your system, effects gradually diminish over several hours, usually after around four hours. The total duration of edible effects typically ranges from six to eight hours, though this can extend to 12+ hours with higher doses or in individuals with slower metabolism.
This extended duration explains why many of our customers prefer our Dream Blend gummies for evening use, as the sustained effects can support quality rest throughout the night without the need for multiple doses. For more information on using edibles for sleep, check out our guide on the best time to take an edible at night.
Average Onset Times by Product Type: Not All Edibles Are Created Equal
Edibles don't all kick in at the same speed. The format you choose, whether gummy, infused liquid, or tincture, directly affects how quickly you'll feel the effects. Here's what to expect across common product types:
Traditional Gummies and Chews (45-90 Minutes)
Classic options like M-Fusions and Live Resin Edibles usually take 45 to 90 minutes to start working, with peak effects between 1.5 and four hours and a total duration of six to eight hours.
These need full digestion before cannabinoids can be absorbed, which contributes to their deeper, longer-lasting body effects. If you're curious about how these effects compare to traditional consumption methods, our blog on edibles vs. joints provides a helpful comparison.
Infused Beverages (20-60 Minutes)
Liquid edibles like Delta 9 THC Syrup tend to act faster because cannabinoids are already dissolved. Absorption begins earlier, with effects often noticeable within 20 to 60 minutes.
A 2024 study showed that liquid cannabis and cannabis-infused drinks absorb very rapidly.
Sublingual Products (15-45 Minutes)
Tinctures and other sublinguals offer a mix of fast and slow absorption. Holding the liquid under the tongue for 60 seconds allows some cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the liver.
According to a 2024 clinical evaluation in the Permanente Journal, sublingual delivery can produce detectable effects in 15 to 60 minutes, with full results appearing over the next one to two hours.
This makes sublinguals a great option for those who want a faster experience without vaping. For more information on tinctures, see our guide on what cannabis tinctures are.
Factors That Affect How Quickly Edibles Work: Why Your Experience May Differ
Edible onset times vary widely between people. Several personal and situational factors can change how quickly you feel the effects, and how long they last.
Individual Metabolism and Physiology
Your metabolism plays a major role. People with faster metabolic rates often feel effects sooner, while slower metabolisms may delay onset.
Other biological factors matter too:
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Age: Older adults tend to metabolize cannabinoids more slowly, which can delay onset and extend duration.
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Body Composition: Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, those with higher body fat may experience a slightly delayed onset but longer-lasting effects.
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Genetics: Differences in liver enzymes, particularly CYP2C9, can speed up or slow down THC metabolism.
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Sex: Estrogen can heighten sensitivity to cannabinoids. This means effects may vary across the hormonal cycle, especially for female-bodied users.
These differences explain why some people feel strong effects quickly, while others need more time or a different dose. This biological variability is precisely why we at Mellow Fellow emphasize personalized dosing and offer a range of potency options across our product line, from micro-dose formulations to more potent blends for experienced users.
Food in Your System
Eating before consuming edibles changes how they absorb.
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Empty Stomach: Faster onset (as little as 30 minutes), but effects may feel intense and short-lived.
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After a Meal: Onset can be delayed by one to two hours, but absorption is often more complete and effects feel steadier.
High-fat meals are especially useful, since cannabinoids dissolve better in fat. This promotes better absorption through the intestinal lymphatic system. This is a topic we explore in detail in our blog article on edibles on an empty stomach.
For our Creativity Blend M-Fusions, which customers often use during productive daytime sessions, timing consumption with a light lunch can help ensure effects align with afternoon creative work. To learn more about optimizing your edible experience for creative purposes, check out our article on best edibles for creativity.
Tolerance and Usage Patterns
Regular cannabis use can affect how your body responds to edibles.
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Enzyme Adaptation: The liver may process cannabinoids faster over time, potentially shortening effect duration.
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Receptor Response: CB1 receptors can become less sensitive with daily use, which may require higher doses or delay perceived onset.
For customers who use our products regularly, we often recommend occasional tolerance breaks or rotation between different effect-based blends to maintain sensitivity and consistent experiences. If you're finding that your usual products aren't affecting you the same way, you might want to read our article on why weed doesn't get you high anymore.
Product Formulation
Not all edibles are made the same. Key formulation details affect how quickly they work:
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Nano-Emulsified Products: These tend to absorb faster, sometimes cutting onset time by 30-45 minutes.
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Cannabinoid Ratios: Blends that contain both THC and CBD may delay onset slightly while softening intensity. This is common with formulations aimed at relaxation or sleep.
For example, products like our Dream Blend (THC + CBN) typically produce a gentler onset and longer-lasting calm compared to THC-only options.
Finding Your Ideal Dosage: Personalized Guidance Beyond Standard Charts
Understanding timing is important, but dosage is what shapes the experience. While charts are a helpful starting point, your ideal dose depends on your tolerance, goals, and how your body processes cannabinoids.
Beginners: Low and Slow
If you're new to THC or edibles, start small. A first dose of 2 to 5mg of THC is often enough to feel noticeable effects without going overboard - studies show that 2.5mg is often more than enough for beginners. For this reason, our 5mg Micro-Dose M-Fusions Gummies (2.5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD) are a smart choice for beginners.
Some first-timers may not feel much on day one. This is normal. It can take one or two sessions for your endocannabinoid system to respond fully. We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before adjusting your dose.
For those prone to anxiety, try products with a balanced CBD-to-THC ratio. These blends often produce a gentler onset and smoother overall experience. For more guidance on getting started with edibles, check out our beginner's guide to eating Delta 9 THC gummies.
Moderate Users: Building Consistency
If you’ve used edibles before and feel comfortable with cannabinoids, 10 to 25mg per session is a typical range.
Our standard M-Fusions and Live Resin Delta 9 Gummies fall within this range and are designed to deliver consistent effects. Still, it's best to wait at least two hours between doses. Taking more too soon is one of the most common causes of discomfort with edibles.
Experienced Users: Stronger, Smarter Use
Seasoned users may require 30 to 50 mg or more to feel the desired effects. However, that doesn't always mean taking more is better.
Many experienced consumers find that blends with optimized cannabinoid ratios and terpene profiles allow for smaller doses with the same or even better results.
Our high-potency edibles are crafted for this group, offering efficient delivery and more nuanced effects. For those experimenting with the stronger end of the spectrum, consider starting with blends that include supporting cannabinoids like CBN or CBD for a more balanced experience.
If you’re looking for the strongest edibles out there, our THCp Bursts are likely suitable for you, as THCp is a highly potent cannabinoid.
If you're interested in the more potent end of the spectrum, our article on what is the strongest legal cannabinoid can provide additional context.
Mood-Based Selection: The Mellow Fellow Difference
Traditional dosing often focuses on THC percentage alone, but effects vary widely depending on cannabinoid ratios and supporting compounds. That’s why our products are formulated with specific moods and outcomes in mind. Here's how different blends are designed to match your intention:
For Evening Relaxation and Sleep
Our Dream Blend pairs THC with CBN and other calming cannabinoids to support deeper rest and easier sleep onset. These compounds are commonly associated with relaxation and may promote better sleep quality when used in the evening.
For Creativity and Focus
The Creativity Blend includes Delta 8, Delta 10, and CBG, a cannabinoid believed to support dopamine-related activity. This combination is designed to spark mental clarity and motivation, making it popular for brainstorming, artistic work, or staying productive through the afternoon. For more options in this category, check out our article on best edibles for energy and focus.
For Social Settings
Our Euphoria Blend was made for lighter, social occasions. It features a ratio designed to promote uplifted mood without overstimulation. Many users find this blend helpful for easing into conversations, group activities, or low-pressure gatherings.
For Recovery and Physical Support
The Recover Blend focuses on cannabinoids associated with anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a strong choice for rest days, soreness, or post-activity recovery. It’s often used to help wind down physically without sedation.
For those specifically looking for anti-inflammatory support, our article on the best cannabinoid for inflammation and pain relief provides a deeper dive into this topic.
This effects-first approach is based on emerging research showing that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to shape how you feel. Two products with identical THC content can produce very different outcomes depending on the full formulation. That's the principle behind every Mellow Fellow blend.
The "Start Low, Go Slow" Philosophy: Science-Backed Wisdom
When it comes to edibles, patience pays off. The "start low, go slow" method is a trusted rule of thumb. It helps you find your ideal dose without unpleasant surprises.
Start with the lowest amount that fits your experience level:
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Beginners: 2.5 mg THC
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Occasional Users: 5-10 mg
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Regular Users: 10-25 mg
Always wait at least two to three hours before taking more. Edible effects often build gradually, and in some cases, peak intensity can take hours to arrive. Taking more too soon is one of the most common causes of discomfort.
Adjust your dose slowly, and only across separate sessions, not within the same day. This helps your body adapt and lets you find the right amount with fewer risks.
Many users find it helpful to keep a simple log. Tracking what you took, when, and how it felt can reveal useful patterns and make future decisions easier.
This approach isn’t just cautious, it’s smart, consistent, and supports better long-term results with edibles.
This approach is particularly important with our more potent blends like Euphoria or products containing THCp, which research indicates may bind to cannabinoid receptors with significantly greater affinity than standard THC.
What If You've Taken Too Much?
Even with preparation, it's possible to overdo it. If you’ve had more THC than intended, there are a few simple strategies that can help ease the experience.
Immediate Response Strategies
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First, stay calm. Discomfort from edibles can feel intense, but it’s temporary. The effects will wear off with time.
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Next, find a quiet, familiar place where you feel safe. Your surroundings can influence how you process the experience. Dimming the lights, lying down, or watching something lighthearted can help shift your focus.
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Hydration is important. Sip water or a calming herbal tea. Staying hydrated may help with dry mouth and general discomfort.
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Some people find that taking a CBD product helps counteract the intensity of THC. Our CBD tinctures are designed to be easy to measure and quick to use in these moments.
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Finally, try slow, steady breathing. This can reduce racing thoughts and support a calmer physical state. Deep breaths signal your body to relax and may help ease the ride.
For a more detailed guide on managing overwhelming cannabis experiences, check out our article on 7 ways to sober up from weed.
Natural Modulators
Some natural compounds may help soften the intensity of THC effects, especially when you're feeling a little too high.
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Black Peppercorns: Chewing a few whole peppercorns or simply smelling them may help ease anxiety. This is likely due to beta-caryophyllene, a compound thought to interact with cannabinoid receptors.
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Lemon Peel: The zest of a lemon contains limonene, a terpene often linked with mood support and calming effects. Many people find that sipping lemon water or inhaling the scent helps them relax.
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Pine Nuts: These contain pinene, which may help with focus and reduce temporary memory fuzziness often reported with higher THC doses.
While these tricks can support recovery from an uncomfortable high, they’re not cures. The best way to avoid overdoing it is still consistent dosing, adequate wait times, and knowing your limits. For more information on helpful terpenes, see our guide on the best terpenes for stress and anxiety.
Finding Your Perfect Match: The Mellow Fellow Difference
With so many options available, finding your ideal edible might seem overwhelming. What sets Mellow Fellow products apart in this crowded market?
Effect-Based Formulation: Beyond Single Cannabinoids
Rather than simply offering isolated cannabinoids, our products are meticulously formulated blends designed to produce specific experiences:
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Our Creativity Blend combines uplifting cannabinoids with terpenes that research in Translational Psychiatry associates with increased verbal fluency and divergent thinking.
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The Dream Blend incorporates CBN and myrcene, compounds that studies in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology link to improved sleep quality and reduced sleep latency.
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For the Recover Blend, we include cannabinoids that research in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics associates with reduced inflammation and muscle relaxation.
This targeted formulation approach means you're not just buying generic edibles—you're selecting specific experiences aligned with your needs and preferences.
Consistent Onset and Effect Profiles
Through careful formulation and rigorous testing, we've developed products with remarkably consistent onset and effect profiles:
Our M-Fusions technology ensures even distribution of active ingredients throughout each piece, eliminating the "hot spot" problem that plagues many competitor products.
Precision manufacturing processes result in <5% variance in cannabinoid content between batches, significantly better than the industry average of 10-15% according to testing by reputable cannabis analytics firms.
These consistency advantages mean you can count on similar experiences each time you use our products, which is essential for those integrating cannabinoids into wellness routines or specific activities.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Personalized Selection
Finding your ideal match goes beyond reading generic charts. Consider these questions to narrow down your choices:
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What Experience Are You Seeking? Relaxation, creativity, focus, social enhancement? Our effect-based collections make this selection intuitive.
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When Will You Be Consuming? Daytime products like our Charged Blend differ from evening formulations like Dream.
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What’s Your Experience Level? Beginners might prefer our micro-dose options, while experienced users often gravitate toward higher-potency multi-cannabinoid blends.
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Do You Have Specific Cannabinoid Preferences or Sensitivities? Our detailed product descriptions list all active ingredients so you can make informed choices.
Final Thoughts: Patience Rewards With Premium Experiences
Understanding how long edibles take to kick in is the first step toward better results. Onset can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the product type, your metabolism, recent meals, and more. Knowing what’s happening inside your body, from digestion to peak effects, helps you time your experience more confidently.
From micro-doses for beginners to advanced formulations for seasoned users, Mellow Fellow offers effect-based blends that support relaxation, creativity, focus, and recovery. Start low, go slow, and trust the process. With the right knowledge and a little patience, edibles can deliver long-lasting, deeply rewarding effects tailored to your goals.
Ready to find your perfect edible match? Browse our complete collection of effect-based edibles to discover formulations tailored to your desired experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Time My Edible for a Specific Activity?
To align effects with an activity, start by working backward from when you want peak effects. For example, if you're aiming for a creative session at 2 PM, take a fast-acting edible like a tincture or beverage around 1 PM. For longer onset products like gummies, plan 1.5 to two hours ahead. Always account for variability in your personal response.
Why Do Edibles Hit Harder Than Smoking?
When you smoke or vape, THC bypasses liver metabolism and enters your bloodstream quickly. Edibles take longer because they are processed through the digestive system and liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is more potent and produces longer-lasting effects than inhaled THC, leading to a deeper and sometimes stronger experience.
Can I Use Edibles on an Empty Stomach for Faster Results?
Yes, consuming edibles on an empty stomach may produce faster onset, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. However, this also increases the intensity of the effects and can shorten the duration. Eating a small, fat-containing meal 30 minutes before your dose can offer more stable absorption and a smoother experience overall.
How Do I Know If I Need a Tolerance Break?
If your usual dose doesn’t produce the same effects or you find yourself increasing your intake frequently, it might be time for a short reset. Taking a three to seven-day break can help restore cannabinoid receptor sensitivity. During this time, consider switching to CBD-only products to support relaxation without building additional THC tolerance.
Are Nano-Emulsified Edibles Safe and Effective?
Yes, nano-emulsified edibles are safe when produced by reputable brands. This formulation breaks cannabinoids into smaller particles that absorb more quickly through the digestive tract. They’re a good choice if you want faster onset and more predictable results. Mellow Fellow uses this method in select products for increased absorption and consistency.
Do Cannabinoids Affect Everyone the Same Way?
Not at all. Genetics, sex hormones, liver enzyme activity, and even daily stress levels can all impact how cannabinoids interact with your system. That’s why two people can have totally different reactions to the same edible. Using effect-based products with clearly labeled cannabinoid ratios helps take some of the guesswork out of the equation.
Sources
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Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles - PMC
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The effect of cannabis edibles on driving and blood THC | Journal of Cannabis Research | Full Text
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Cannabis drinks: How do they compare to alcohol? - Harvard Health
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Clinical Evaluation of the Cannabis-Using Patient: A Moving Target | The Permanente Journal
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Are the Acute Effects of THC Different in Aging Adults? - PMC
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Estrogen increases cannabis sensitivity, study shows | ScienceDaily
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Canada's THC unit: Applications for the legal cannabis market - ScienceDirect
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