Edibles 101 — How to Dose, Feel, and Enjoy Cannabis Safely

Mar 8

What Makes Edibles Different from Smoking or Vaping

Cannabis edibles work differently than inhaled products. When you smoke or vape, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs and effects are felt within minutes. Edibles, however, must be digested first. THC is processed by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that can feel stronger and last longer than inhaled THC.

Because of this process, edible effects are delayed but more prolonged, often catching new consumers off guard.

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

Onset times vary based on metabolism, stomach contents, and dosage, but general guidelines are:

Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Peak effects: 2–4 hours
Total duration: 6–8 hours (sometimes longer)

This delayed onset is the most common reason people overconsume edibles.

Safe Edible Dosage for Beginners

Public health agencies and cannabis education organizations recommend:

Beginner dose: 2.5–5 mg THC
Moderate dose: 5–10 mg THC
Experienced users: 10+ mg THC (with caution)

Best practice: start low, wait a full 2 hours, and only increase if needed. Taking more too soon can lead to discomfort such as anxiety, nausea, or dizziness.

Common Edible Mistakes to Avoid

Eating more before the first dose kicks in

Ignoring THC milligram labeling
Mixing edibles with alcohol
Treating edibles like inhaled cannabis

Understanding your tolerance and respecting onset time makes edibles a consistent and enjoyable option.

Choosing the Right Edible Product

Edibles come in many forms—gummies, chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and capsules. When choosing, look for:

Clear THC/CBD labeling
Lab-tested products
Consistent dosing per piece

Edibles can be ideal for those seeking long-lasting effects, discretion, or smoke-free consumption.

Edibles reward patience. At West Clinik, our team helps you understand dosing, effects, and product options so you can enjoy edibles with confidence and control.

Vivian Khong