What are THC edibles?
THC gummies, classic weed brownies, popcorn, dried fruit, mints, caramels—you have quite a range of options when it comes to choosing your best edibles experience. So, when you are on the way to the weed dispensary or scrolling our menu to find the best edibles for you, how do you know what you should choose? Will rosin gummies give you a longer experience than simple THC edibles? And how long are we talking? Let’s find out…
A cannabis edible is a food product infused with THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids such as CBD for relaxation and pain relief, CBN to help with sleep, CBG to boost muscle recovery, and so many more. Unlike cannabis flower or concentrates, THC edibles are designed to be absorbed by your digestive system rather than lungs. It allows the cannabinoids to reach the liver and get absorbed slower than smokable cannabis, stay in the system longer and provide a more intense high. Or at least, a different sort of high: the way of delivery is not the only thing that makes your rosin gummies different than a good old joint (more on that later).
Things You Should Know About Trying THC Edibles
There are several factors that affect both duration and intensity of a THC edible high. At our Ann Arbor dispensary, our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and help you find the right products for you. Some of the most common factors are:
Dosage
Dosage is the first thing you should consider when choosing an edible, because it has a significant impact on the effects. The rule of thumb is to start slowly: 5mg THC gummy might last a newbie up to 4 hours while a seasoned cannabis consumer might only feel a slight tickle at the same dose. You could even reduce the amount of THC to 2-3mg the first time you try to ensure a pleasurable experience: just cut your new best edibles ever in pieces that suit your needs.
Metabolism and Biology
Typically, the onset of the desirable effects, whether you are dealing with a dispensary-bought gummy or a home-made weed brownie, takes place in the 15-45 minutes window, sometimes even longer. Why such a big range? Metabolism! Your body digests and absorbs nutrients in its own, unique way and speed. Those with faster metabolism usually experience shorter, more intense high, but it’s not the only thing that matters: age, weight, hydration, hunger—it all plays a role!
Tolerance
If you are a regular cannabis joints consumer, you might have higher tolerance, so a THC edible can feel rather mild, compared to occasional cannabis consumers. In other words, you might need more cannabinoids in your edible to get the effects that you are looking for, whether it’s relaxation or giggles, or both. Your tolerance will also affect how long you will feel the effects of an edible.
Type of THC Edibles
THC edibles are not created equal! For instance, certain cannabis-infused foods, like live rosin gummies, are crafted with solventless extracts rather than a more processed THC distillate. Those extracts preserve all cannabinoids and terpenes that were a part of the cannabis plant composition. Live resin or rosin gummies, like Apothecare’s EFX line, provide more pronounced effects that some users would call “purer and cleaner”. At the end of the day, it’s completely a matter of taste and we recommend trying different options to find best edibles for your preferences.
How Long Different Types of Cannabis Last
What is the best edible for you? Let’s break down common categories of edibles and talk about how long they are going to last.
THC-only Edibles
THC gummies or caramels, mints or chocolates, most of the edible products in the Michigan market are made with THC distillate that is extracted from cannabis plants with solvents. Although, arguably, not as much fun as live resin edibles, THC edibles are the most predictable source of high that can be controlled with dosage. Depending on different factors, expect a THC gummy to last you 2-8 hours.
Live Rosin Gummies and Other Edibles
Live rosin gummies are considered the premium product, the top-shelf choice, the king of the edibles. That’s because they retain all the good stuff the cannabis plant provides us with. They are called full spectrum because they contain not only cannabinoids, but also terpenes that are gently extracted with heat, cold and pressure. Live rosin gummies often provide a longer-lasting, more balanced high that can linger for 6–10 hours.
Rosin Gummies
The difference between live rosin gummies and just rosin gummies is in the name! If the producer doesn’t specify the “live” part of the rosin, it might mean that the cured concentrate was used. However, those products are not just THC edibles made purely of distillate. Cured rosin still offers a rich cannabinoid profile, while terpenes quantities are reduced. Expect them to last a little shorter than the live rosin counterparts: about 4-8 hours.
Indica and Sativa Gummies
Designed to promote relaxation and sleep, indica edibles typically have longer effects. It makes them a perfect companion for sleeping and evening decompressing. Indica edibles can last from six to twelve hours, and some consumers would even tell you that, if overdone, indica gummies can make you feel drowsy the next day. So, if relaxing products sound like the best edible for you, start slowly.
Sativa gummies are often referred to as daytime products and usually have a slightly shorter span then indica edibles, from four to eight hours. So, are you shopping for THC edibles to relax on the couch while binging your favorite TV show or are you going into a social situation? It is important if you want to find the best edible to compliment your experience.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?
Keep in mind that even when the high is long gone, cannabis can linger in your system for days and even weeks, if you are a frequent user. If you have an upcoming drug test, remember that the trace can be detectable for quite some time. Here is a useful breakdown to review before consuming THC edibles. *Please note, we’re not giving medical advice or providing statements of accuracy when it comes to the following:*
- Urine test: 3-30 days
- Blood test: 1-7 days
- Saliva test: 48-72 hours
- Hair test: 2-3 months
- Eat a fatty snack to help absorption
- Choose full-spectrum products like live rosin gummies
- Stay hydrated
- Drink citrus juice
- Take a walk or engage in light activity
- Combine THC edibles with some CBD that can counteract each other
- Start Low, Go Slow – Begin with 2 to 5mg of THC and wait at least 2 hours between increasing the dose
- Read the Label – Ensure you know how much THC is in a serving and carefully read the lab test label
- Be Patient – Remember it takes a while for a THC edible to start working. We promise it will kick in
- Keep Edibles Secure – Neither kids nor pets would benefit from easily accessible adult products. The best edibles out there often look fun and taste delicious, so store them where only you can access them
Final Thoughts: How Long Do Edibles Last?
In short, it depends. If you are looking to make your experience joyful and controllable, set aside 4 to 12 hours of your time when you are on a journey to find the best edible to incorporate into your routine. Whether you scored some live rosin edibles, made a batch of weed brownies or are experimenting with cannabinoid drinks in social settings, your individual biology, settings, dosage and the quality of a product will affect your experience.
At the end of the day, the best edibles are those that you enjoy to the fullest. Be responsible and good luck!
