Cannabis edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts, primarily containing the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This method of consumption differs significantly from smoking or vaping because the THC is absorbed through the digestive system rather than the lungs. A 10 milligram (mg) dose of THC is widely considered a standard single serving in regulated markets, though it represents a moderate amount for an experienced user and a potentially high starting point for a novice consumer. The body processes ingested cannabis uniquely, resulting in effects that are notably delayed and often more intense than other forms of consumption. The full duration of this experience is not a fixed number but a variable timeline influenced by biology and consumption context.
The Standard Duration of 10mg Edibles
The timeline for a standard 10mg edible can be broken down into three distinct phases: onset, peak, and total duration. Onset is the time it takes for the initial effects to become noticeable, which typically occurs between 30 and 90 minutes after ingestion. This delay is a primary reason for accidental overconsumption, as impatient users may take a second dose before the first has fully activated.
The effects then progress to their peak intensity, which generally happens about two to four hours after the edible is consumed. This peak is often characterized by a profound “body high” and a more altered mental state compared to the effects of inhaled cannabis. Unlike smoking, edibles provide a gradual rise to a sustained plateau rather than peaking within minutes and fading quickly.
For most individuals consuming 10mg, the noticeable psychoactive effects begin to subside after four to eight hours. Residual effects, sometimes described as an “afterglow,” can linger for up to 12 hours, particularly in sensitive individuals or those with a low tolerance. This extended duration means that a 10mg edible taken in the evening may still affect mental clarity or drowsiness the following morning. The long duration requires consumers to plan their consumption carefully to avoid impairment during necessary activities.
Why Edibles Have a Unique Duration
The prolonged and often more intense nature of an edible experience stems from a distinct metabolic process known as first-pass metabolism. When cannabis is eaten, delta-9-THC travels through the digestive system, is absorbed into the bloodstream, and is routed directly to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. Inside the liver, specialized enzymes, primarily those in the Cytochrome P450 family, metabolize the delta-9-THC. During this first pass, the liver converts a significant portion of the delta-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), which is then released into the systemic circulation. The newly formed 11-OH-THC is considered more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than the original delta-9-THC. This production of the powerful metabolite gives edibles their reputation for a heavier and significantly more prolonged effect. In contrast, inhaled cannabis bypasses the liver, resulting in minimal 11-OH-THC production and a much shorter duration.
Personal Factors That Alter the Timeline
The predicted timeline for a 10mg dose can shift considerably based on various individual physiological factors. A person’s metabolic rate plays a substantial role, as individuals with a naturally faster metabolism tend to process and eliminate THC and its metabolites more quickly. Conversely, a slower metabolic rate can lead to a delayed onset but a longer-lasting and more lingering experience.
Consumption context is another major determinant of the timeline, specifically whether the edible is taken on an empty or full stomach. Ingesting a 10mg edible on an empty stomach can accelerate the onset time to as little as 30 minutes, but this can also lead to an unpredictably strong peak intensity. Eating the edible with a meal, particularly one containing dietary fats, significantly delays the onset to potentially 90 to 120 minutes. When THC binds to fats, it is absorbed more slowly and steadily over a longer period, which can extend the total duration of effects.
Body weight and overall body composition also influence the experience, as THC is a lipophilic compound that readily binds to fat tissue. Individuals with a higher body fat percentage may experience a prolonged effect because the cannabinoids are stored and released over an extended timeframe. Tolerance levels are also a major factor, with frequent cannabis users having a higher tolerance that results in a shorter perceived duration and less intense effects from the same 10mg dose. The activity of individual liver enzymes, which can be affected by genetics or concurrent medications, also dictates how quickly the body converts delta-9-THC into the potent 11-OH-THC.