Edibles

Edibles typically take 45 minutes to 2 hours to onset, depending on your metabolism, whether you've eaten recently, and the form of the edible. Effects can last 4–8 hours — significantly longer than inhaled cannabis. Always wait at least 2 hours before taking a second dose.

Start with 2.5–5mg THC. California law requires edibles to be sold in packages showing total THC content, and most dispensary edibles come in individually dosed pieces (5mg or 10mg per piece). If you're new to edibles, one 5mg piece is a very conservative starting dose that allows you to gauge your sensitivity.

When you eat cannabis, THC is metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC — a more potent compound than inhaled THC. This produces stronger, longer-lasting effects. Edibles are smoke-free, making them appropriate for people who prefer not to inhale. The tradeoff is delayed onset and the inability to easily titrate the dose in real time.

Store edibles according to their packaging — most gummies and chocolates should be kept in a cool, dry place or refrigerated. Always keep edibles in their original child-resistant packaging and away from children. Check the expiration date; most edibles have a shelf life of 6–12 months.

The liver converts oral THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than inhaled delta-9-THC. This is why a 10mg edible can feel stronger than smoking a comparable amount of flower. Your liver enzyme profile (especially CYP2C9) also varies person to person, which is why edibles affect individuals so differently.

Stay calm — cannabis overconsumption is uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Drink water, find a quiet place to sit or lie down, and breathe slowly. Black peppercorns (chewed) and citrus contain compounds (caryophyllene and limonene) that may help reduce anxiety. Effects peak around 2–4 hours and fade after 6–8 hours.

Yes, and it changes the experience. Eating an edible on a full stomach delays onset (sometimes by 2+ hours) but can extend duration. Fatty foods improve absorption of cannabinoids because THC is fat-soluble. Empty-stomach onset is faster but the peak feels sharper.

1:1 refers to the ratio of THC to CBD in the edible — equal parts of each cannabinoid. CBD partially modulates THC's psychoactive effects, so 1:1 edibles tend to feel more functional and less intense than pure THC at the same dose. They're popular for pain, sleep, and consumers who want a milder experience.