Edibles 101: How Long They Take, and Why to Start Low

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you take any medication or have questions about your health, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using cannabis.

Edibles are cannabis products you eat or drink. They are a smoke-free way to consume cannabis, but they work very differently from smoking or vaping, and that difference catches a lot of people off guard. This guide covers how long edibles take, how long they last, why “start low and go slow” matters so much, and how to store them safely.

Why edibles feel different

When cannabis is smoked or vaped, THC passes from the lungs into the bloodstream within seconds to minutes. When you eat it, THC has to be digested first and then processed by the liver, which turns it into a stronger form called 11-hydroxy-THC. That is why edibles take longer to start, and why the effects can feel stronger and last longer than people expect.

How long edibles take, and how long they last

According to Health Canada, after eating or drinking cannabis:

• effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin
• it can take up to 4 hours to feel the full effects
• effects can last up to 12 hours
• some residual effects, including impairment, can last up to 24 hours

Everyone is different, and the same person can react differently from one day to the next. What you have eaten, your metabolism, how often you use cannabis and any other medication you take can all change the timing.

Why to start low and go slow

The most common problem with edibles is taking more because nothing seems to be happening yet. Because the effects can take hours to build, a second helping taken too early can add up to much more than you meant to have. Health Canada calls this overconsumption, and it is the main reason to be patient.

• Read the label before you start, so you know how much THC the package contains and how many servings or pieces are in it.
• Start with a small amount. If you are new to edibles, or haven’t used them in a while, a small portion is the place to begin.
• Wait. Give it the full time it can take to feel the effects, up to 4 hours, before you decide whether to have more.
• Don’t mix edibles with alcohol or other substances. Combining them can increase impairment and the risk of unpleasant effects.
• Plan your time. Have edibles when you don’t need to drive, work or look after anyone for the rest of the day.

If you have had too much

Having too much cannabis can be very unpleasant. Health Canada lists signs such as severe anxiety or panic, a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, nausea and vomiting, and confusion. If this happens, stop using cannabis, stay somewhere safe and calm, and don’t drive. If you feel unwell, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) to reach your local poison centre. For chest pain, trouble breathing or any emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital.

Keep edibles away from children and pets

Edibles can look just like ordinary food, which makes them a particular risk for children and pets, who can become seriously ill from cannabis. Health Canada notes that children and pets are at greater risk of cannabis poisoning.

• Keep edibles in their original packaging, so they are always clearly labelled.
• Store them separately from regular food, out of sight and out of reach, ideally in a container or cupboard that locks.
• Never eat edibles in front of children, and don’t leave them out where a child or pet could find them.
• If a child eats cannabis, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) or 9-1-1 right away. If a pet eats cannabis, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic.

Don’t drive after edibles

Cannabis impairs your ability to drive safely, and with edibles the impairment can last for many hours. Don’t drive, ride or operate machinery after using edibles. Plan another way home, or wait until the next day.

Ordering edibles from Compassion Medicals

Our edibles menu is delivered across Durham Region, typically in 2–3 hours, every day from 10am to 9pm (11am to 9pm on Sundays). Every product page lists its pack options, and edibles can go in the same order as flower or anything else on the menu. Fees and free-delivery amounts for each zone are on our Durham Region delivery page. You must be 19 or older to order.