How To Make Edibles Work Faster

Key Takeaways:

How Edibles Work: Understand why edibles have a delayed onset and how they interact with the body.
Practical Speed-Up Tips: Discover safe techniques to feel edibles faster without overconsumption.
Optimal Pairings and Dosing: Learn food pairings and dosage tips for a controlled, effective experience.

Ever found yourself waiting (and waiting!) for your edibles to kick in? It can be frustrating, especially if you’re looking for quick results. Much like a slow-burning fuse, edibles can take time to spark, leaving many wondering how to get that high sooner.

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In this guide, we'll explore practical tips to speed up the effects of edibles, helping you enjoy a quicker, balanced high.

Why Do Edibles Take Longer To Kick In?

The delayed onset of edibles is primarily due to how they are absorbed and metabolized in the body. Unlike smoking or vaping, which allows THC to enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs, edibles go through the digestive system first. Once you consume an edible, it needs to be broken down in the stomach and then processed in the liver. This process can take time, and the exact timing depends on various factors, including your metabolism, body weight, and even what you ate beforehand.

In the liver, THC is converted into a more potent form, 11-hydroxy-THC, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than regular THC. This transformation is responsible for the stronger, longer-lasting high that many people experience with edibles. However, the downside is the delayed onset, which can be challenging for those seeking a quicker experience.

Top Tips To Make Edibles Work Faster

If you're looking to speed up the onset of edibles, a few strategies can help. Here are some effective tips:

Take Edibles on an Empty Stomach: Consuming edibles without a large meal in your stomach can help them digest more quickly. Without food slowing down the absorption, the effects of the edible might be felt sooner. However, this can also lead to a more intense high, so proceed with caution.
Use a Sublingual Edible: Some edibles, like lozenges or tinctures, can be placed under the tongue to absorb directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method bypasses the digestive system, offering a quicker onset of effects compared to traditional edibles.
Drink Warm Beverages: Drinking warm liquids, such as tea or coffee, can stimulate digestion and may help your body process the edible faster. Just be cautious with caffeine, as it can sometimes intensify THC effects for some individuals.
Choose Edibles with Fast-Acting Formulations: Some edibles are specially formulated to kick in faster. These products often use nanoemulsion technology, which breaks down THC molecules into smaller particles, allowing for quicker absorption.
Exercise Lightly Before Consumption: Engaging in light exercise before consuming an edible can increase blood flow, which might speed up THC absorption. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as too much exertion may diminish the experience.

Best Food And Drink Pairings For Faster Effects

Pairing certain foods and drinks with your edibles can help enhance or speed up their effects. Here are some ideal pairings:

Mangoes: Mangoes contain a compound called myrcene, a terpene also found in cannabis. Myrcene can increase cell permeability, potentially allowing THC to enter the bloodstream more efficiently and intensifying the effects of the edible. Eating a mango about 30–45 minutes before your edible may help speed up and enhance your high.
Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains compounds that can slow down the breakdown of cannabinoids, potentially lengthening the duration of effects. Additionally, it may boost anandamide levels, a natural “bliss” molecule in the brain, which could enhance the edible’s impact.
Green or Black Tea: Both green and black teas contain catechins, which can bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, creating a synergistic effect with THC. Drinking tea along with your edible may help create a quicker, more intense high.
Healthy Fats: Consuming healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, or coconut oil, alongside or before your edible can help with THC absorption. Since THC is fat-soluble, pairing it with fats may improve how quickly and efficiently it enters the bloodstream.

These pairings can subtly impact the timing and intensity of your high, but keep in mind that individual responses may vary.

Enhancing Your Edible Experience With Supplements

For those who enjoy cannabis edibles, the addition of certain supplements can enhance or balance the experience. Some supplements may help improve the absorption of cannabinoids, potentially making the effects of edibles more enjoyable or better tailored to individual needs. Here, we explore a few supplements that interact favorably with cannabis to help optimize your edible experience.

Black Pepper: A Surprising Ally Against Anxiety

Black pepper might sound like an unusual choice, but it contains beta-caryophyllene, a terpene known for its calming properties. Consuming black pepper, either alongside or after your edible, can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing anxiety or discomfort from a high. Chewing a few black peppercorns has been shown to ease tension, making it easier to enjoy a balanced, calm experience.

Vitamin E: Enhancing Cannabinoid Absorption

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, may improve the body’s absorption of cannabinoids like THC. Some studies indicate that this vitamin can aid in the quicker and more efficient uptake of cannabinoids, although further research is needed. Found naturally in foods like nuts and seeds or as a supplement, Vitamin E could potentially make the effects of edibles more immediate and effective.

Lemon Balm: Calming Overly Intense Highs

Lemon balm is often used for its soothing properties and can be an effective companion to edibles, especially if the high feels too strong. Known for its gentle, calming effects, lemon balm tea taken alongside an edible can help smooth out intense sensations, offering a more controlled and enjoyable experience. Its natural calming effects can be particularly useful for newcomers to cannabis edibles or those prone to feeling overwhelmed.

Omega-3 Supplements: Supporting The Endocannabinoid System

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, are believed to strengthen the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in how the body processes cannabinoids. Regular consumption of Omega-3s may enhance the effects of cannabis by supporting the system responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and overall balance, potentially optimizing the high over time for a more consistent and enjoyable experience.

Finding The Right Dosage And Timing For Faster Edible Effects

Achieving a faster and controlled high with edibles requires careful attention to dosage and timing. By adjusting the amount of THC and the timing of your intake, you can better manage the onset and intensity of effects, creating a more tailored experience. Below are some key strategies for optimizing the timing and dosage of edibles to help you reach your desired high efficiently and safely.

Start Low And Go Slow For Controlled Effects

Starting with a low dose is essential, especially when aiming to speed up the effects of edibles. Edibles are powerful, and even a small amount can produce strong sensations, so beginning with 5–10 mg of THC allows you to gauge your body’s reaction without risking an overwhelming high. This gradual approach helps maintain control over the experience, minimizing the chance of discomfort.

Consider Microdosing To Build Up Gradually

Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of THC over time, which can help establish a stable level in the body without sudden intensity. This method gradually builds up THC concentration, potentially leading to a faster onset with a manageable, steady high. Microdosing is ideal for those looking to avoid intense peaks, maintaining a gentle, sustained experience throughout the day.

Time Your Dose Around Meals For Optimal Absorption

Taking an edible on an empty stomach can result in faster absorption, but it often produces a more intense high that may not be comfortable for everyone. If you’re looking for a balanced experience, try consuming your edible one to two hours after a light meal, allowing for a steadier absorption rate. This approach balances onset speed with comfort, creating a smoother, less overwhelming effect.

Be Patient With Re-Dosing To Avoid Overconsumption

If effects don’t manifest within an hour, it’s crucial to resist taking additional doses right away. Waiting at least 1.5–2 hours before considering a second dose helps prevent overconsumption, which can lead to an unexpectedly intense high. Patience with re-dosing ensures a safer experience, allowing time for the initial dose to fully take effect before deciding if more is needed.

Essential Precautions For Speeding Up Edible Effects Safely

When looking to accelerate the effects of edibles, caution is key to ensuring a safe and pleasant experience. Without careful consideration, attempts to hasten the onset can lead to overwhelming or uncomfortable sensations. Below, we outline essential precautions to help you enjoy a quicker, controlled edible experience while minimizing any potential risks.

Avoid Overconsumption To Prevent Discomfort

One of the most common mistakes when trying to speed up edible effects is consuming too much, too fast. Overconsumption can result in an intense high, which may be accompanied by unwanted side effects like anxiety, nausea, or disorientation. Starting with a low dose and allowing ample time for it to take effect helps keep the experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Understand Your Personal Limits For A Safe Experience

Tolerance to THC varies widely, and what feels manageable for one person may be overwhelming for another. Especially for those who are new to edibles or cannabis in general, it’s crucial to take a cautious approach, starting small and adjusting gradually. Avoid mixing methods or doses that could amplify the high beyond your comfort level, ensuring a controlled, individualized experience.

Stay Hydrated And Rested To Reduce Side Effects

Edibles can sometimes contribute to dehydration or amplify feelings of fatigue, so it’s helpful to ensure you’re well-hydrated and rested before consuming them. Drinking water and being physically prepared can mitigate some of these effects, helping you stay comfortable and reducing the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms like dizziness or dry mouth.

Create A Safe, Comfortable Environment

Given that edibles can produce a lasting high, it’s wise to consume them in a secure, familiar place where you can fully relax. A calm and comfortable environment can help reduce any anxiety or stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience. This setting offers peace of mind, making it easier to handle any intensity that may arise from the high.

Be Aware Of Potential Medication Interactions

If you’re taking any medications, especially those processed by the liver, consult a healthcare provider before consuming edibles. THC and CBD may interact with certain drugs, and attempting to alter their absorption timing could heighten these interactions. Taking this precaution is essential to avoid unwanted effects and ensure a safe edible experience.

Final Thoughts

While edibles can take a bit longer to produce effects compared to other forms of cannabis, there are ways to speed up the onset and enhance the experience safely. By understanding how edibles interact with your body and experimenting with techniques like pairing with certain foods, supplements, or adjusting your dose and timing, you can tailor the experience to suit your preferences. Remember that individual responses vary, so it’s essential to go slow, stay mindful of your limits, and prioritize safety.

Edibles offer a unique, often more intense high, and with a bit of patience and experimentation, you can find methods that work best for you. Enjoy the journey, and always consume responsibly!

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Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Edibles Work Faster

How long do edibles usually take to work?

Edibles typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, depending on factors like metabolism, dose, and whether you've eaten recently.

Can drinking alcohol make edibles work faster?

Alcohol can increase the effects of THC, potentially speeding up its onset, but it may also intensify the high unpredictably. It’s generally best to avoid combining the two.

What’s the difference between smoking and eating cannabis?

Smoking allows THC to enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs, creating quicker effects, while edibles are metabolized in the liver, causing a slower, often stronger high.

Do certain strains of cannabis in edibles work faster than others?

While strain specifics like terpenes may influence the type of high, the timing is more affected by how your body processes the edible than the strain itself.

Can I speed up edibles with supplements like caffeine?

Caffeine may help you stay alert but doesn’t directly affect how quickly edibles take effect. However, it might help offset any lethargy caused by THC.

Is it safe to take edibles if I want a quick high?

Yes, edibles are safe for a quick high when taken responsibly, but they’re best suited for a longer-lasting experience rather than an immediate effect.

Does chewing gum after taking an edible affect its onset?

Chewing gum itself doesn’t speed up edible effects, but it might help with dry mouth, a common side effect of THC consumption.

Do edibles expire, and does it affect their effectiveness?

Yes, edibles can expire, and potency may degrade over time. Stale edibles might take longer to work or produce milder effects.

Can I eat more to make the high last longer?

Eating more won’t extend the high of a dose already taken; instead, it increases intensity. Be mindful, as redosing too soon can lead to an overwhelming high.

What should I do if my edible high feels too intense?

If the effects feel too strong, try calming remedies like black peppercorns or CBD, which can help counteract THC’s effects.

Sources:

Edibles. (2018). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=5xFqDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=How+to+Make+Edibles+Work+Faster&ots=3TQ-evvNgI&sig=dQaUNhUIRnFLAzDxSfVBnnmKcfo
Barrus, D., Capogrossi, K., Cates, S., Gourdet, C., Peiper, N., Novak, S., Lefever, T., & Wiley, J. (2016). Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. https://doi.org/10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611
The Ultimate Guide to CBD. (2020). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=V-_RDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=How+to+Make+cbd+Edibles+Work+Faster&ots=aKzc8FNwq2&sig=she6bKk3epZEV5YR7ChKgbuFeGg
Astray, G., Mejuto, J. C., Xiao, J., & Simal-Gandara, J. (2022). Benefits, toxicity and current market of cannabidiol in edibles. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2024493
Peng, H., & Shahidi, F. (2021). Cannabis and Cannabis Edibles: A Review. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69(6), 1751–1774. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07472

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How To Make Edibles Work Faster: Tips For A Quicker High