A cannabis-infused tea is considered a liquid edible, meaning the active compounds are ingested and processed through the digestive system rather than absorbed through the lungs. This method of consumption differs significantly from smoking or vaporizing, which produce nearly instantaneous effects. The primary psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), must follow a specific metabolic pathway before it can affect the body. The delay in experiencing effects is therefore not due to the liquid format, but rather the internal route the compounds must travel through the body.
The Edible Absorption Process
Once the tea is consumed, the THC travels through the digestive tract to the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream and routed directly to the liver. This destination in the liver is a process known as first-pass metabolism, which transforms the compound before it enters general circulation.
Liver enzymes convert delta-9-THC into a different compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is more readily able to cross the blood-brain barrier and is believed to be much more potent than the original THC molecule. The entire process of digestion, absorption, and metabolic conversion causes the characteristic delay associated with all edibles.
Typical Onset and Peak Timing
For most people, the first noticeable effects from cannabis tea begin to emerge in a window between 30 and 90 minutes after ingestion. This wide range reflects the variability in individual digestion and metabolism rates. The onset for edibles is a gradual increase in intensity.
The effects typically reach their peak concentration in the bloodstream approximately two to four hours after consumption. This peak is when the subjective experience will be at its strongest. Because of this slow build-up, it is commonly advised to wait for the peak before considering consuming any more to avoid over-intoxication. The timing is comparable to other traditional edibles.
Factors Influencing Time and Intensity
Several variables can influence both how quickly the effects are felt and their overall strength.
Stomach Contents
Whether the tea is consumed on a full or empty stomach is a major factor in the speed of onset. Consuming the tea on an empty stomach can lead to a quicker absorption time, while a full stomach will slow down the digestive process and delay the onset of effects.
Preparation Method
The method used to prepare the tea is also a significant factor, as THC is not water-soluble. For the tea to be effective, the cannabinoids must be extracted into a fat or alcohol carrier, such as butter, coconut oil, or a tincture, before being added to the hot water. Without this component, the body cannot efficiently absorb the THC, leading to minimal or no psychoactive effects.
Dose and Individual Factors
The total amount of THC consumed, or the dose, directly correlates with the intensity and duration of the experience. A higher dose will generally result in a stronger effect that lasts for a longer period. Individual differences in metabolic rate, body weight, and tolerance levels also play a large role in how a person responds to the dose. These individual factors explain why the same amount of cannabis tea can affect people so differently.
Duration and Experience
The effects from cannabis tea generally last much longer than the effects produced by smoking or vaping. While inhaled cannabis effects typically dissipate within a few hours, the duration for edibles often ranges from six to eight hours for a standard dose. For higher doses or individuals with slower metabolisms, the effects can sometimes last for twelve hours or more.
The sustained duration is directly related to the slow, steady release of 11-hydroxy-THC into the bloodstream as the liver continues to metabolize the compound. The subjective experience is often described as being more intense and focused on the body compared to the high from inhaled cannabis. This difference in experience is primarily attributed to the presence of the 11-hydroxy-THC metabolite.