Edible cannabis works differently than inhaled cannabis. Here's factual information about onset times, duration, and how to read the dosing information on a package.
Edible cannabis products are absorbed through the digestive system rather than the lungs, which changes how quickly they take effect and how long those effects last. Understanding these differences is the single most important piece of knowledge for anyone choosing an edible product. Here is the factual information every consumer should know.
How Edibles Are Processed by the Body
When cannabis is inhaled, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs within minutes. When cannabis is eaten, THC passes through the stomach and liver first, where it is metabolized before entering the bloodstream. This process is slower and varies from person to person depending on metabolism, body composition, and whether the edible was consumed with food.
Onset and Duration
- Onset: typically 30 minutes to 2 hours. Some people feel effects sooner, some later. - Peak: often 2 to 4 hours after consumption. - Duration: effects can last 4 to 8 hours, and in some cases longer.
Because onset is delayed, the most common mistake consumers make is taking a second dose before the first one has taken effect. Health Canada's public guidance is clear on this point: wait before consuming more.
Reading the Package
Regulated edible products in Canada are required to display:
- THC and CBD content per unit (for example, 2.5 mg THC per gummy) - Total THC and CBD per package — edibles are capped at 10 mg of THC per package under federal regulation - The standardized cannabis symbol on any product containing THC - A health warning message
These labels are the authoritative source for dosing information. If a homemade or unlabelled product cannot tell you its THC content, you cannot dose it accurately.
"Start Low and Go Slow"
This phrase appears in Health Canada and BC government guidance for a reason. For adults choosing to consume edibles:
- 2.5 mg THC or less is the commonly cited starting point for occasional or first-time consumers. - Wait at least two hours before considering more. - Effects vary between individuals; a dose that is mild for one person may be strong for another.
Storage and Safety
- Keep edibles in their original child-resistant packaging. - Store them locked away and out of sight and reach of children and pets. Some edible formats can resemble ordinary food, which makes secure storage essential. - Do not combine cannabis with alcohol or other impairing substances. - Never drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis. Edible effects last for many hours — plan accordingly.
Where to Learn More
Staff at any Hive Cannabis location can explain the labelled THC and CBD content, format, and package sizes of the edible products we carry. Cannabis is legal only for adults 19 and over in British Columbia, and all products we sell come from federally licensed producers with lab-tested, labelled potency.
