If you are trying Delta 9 gummies for the first time, you are not alone. THC edibles are so popular for their discretion, taste, and smoother ride compared to smoking. In this article, you will learn about some of the factors that influence onset time so you can confidently plan your session.
Edible Absorption Explained
When you take a gummy, it moves through your stomach and small intestine before any active compounds are absorbed into your bloodstream. After absorption, your liver converts Delta-9 into a stronger metabolite of THC. This is one of the reasons that the effects from edibles can feel better, or stronger, than inhaled cannabis. The longer pathway takes time to absorb into your bloodstream, but it’s worth the wait – especially for a hemp-derived product!
- Your body must digest the gummy first; therefore, effects can start to kick in anywhere from 15-90 minutes (or longer!)
- Simply, the liver metabolizes Delta-9 in a process often called “first-pass” to produce a more potent metabolite and elongate the length of the high.
- Although onsets are slower compared to vaporization or smoking, the duration is generally longer.
Timeline of Effects
Generally, most people feel the first wave of effects anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. You can often feel a clear peak of the experience around two to four hours. Overall total experience can be anywhere from four hours to eight hours. If you took a lower gummy dosage, you may feel a gentle lift that builds slowly; higher dose gummies will often come on stronger later. You will see ranges throughout this guide; this is because everyone’s bodies and habits are different. Remember to wait a full two hours to consider taking more gummies (if you’re in doubt).
Why Timing Varies
Your experience can happen quickly or slowly depending on several personal factors. Understanding your own factors can give you a good idea of timing and help you avoid stacking doses too soon or without knowing how your body feels.
- Dose: Higher THC milligrams per gummy, and more gummies can slow effects of onset; but duration will typically last longer.
- Metabolism: If you have a faster metabolism, you may feel your effects sooner than someone with a slower metabolism.
- Tolerance & Body Composition: If you’re a regular cannabinoid user or have higher body fat percentages (e.g., higher BMI), your effects may come on later than the time ranges mentioned previously or be milder.
- Product Quality: Cannabis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_(drug))that is consistent and lab-tested usually lead to more predictable timing.
How Food Affects Gummies
Taking the gummies on an empty stomach may bring on faster effects, however, effects may fade quicker than toking without eating. Eating a meal with healthy fats may contribute to a faster onset of 15-45 minutes, but you often feel a stronger and longer experience. Most consumers developing a cannabis wellness routine prefer to take a light snack to moderate the wait and duration of the effects.
When to Take Them
Consider your calendar and your obligations, and select a window of time where you can be relaxed and aware of what is happening with how you feel while taking Delta-9 gummies for the first time. Work on the general principle of starting low and slow. Many first time gummies users may consider micro-dosing with gummies to explore their own sweet spot of effects with hemp-derived Delta-9 gummies.
- Early evenings or days off: Great time to learn about your response at a relaxed pace.
- At least 2-3 hours before bed: You can align your peak effects with your wind-down process.
- Before social plans: Only if you seem comfortable with the timing – NEVER DRIVE or operate heavy machinery, or if you have heavy responsibilities or obligations plan other activities that are light.
With a little thoughtful pacing and patience, your first gummy can be smooth, enjoyable, and predictable.
