Why Don’t Edibles Work for Me?

According to a study published by the NIH, nearly 30% of respondents who have tried cannabis in their lifetime have consumed it in edible or beverage form. [1]

Edibles are a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the need to smoke or vape. Let's dive into cannabis edibles, how they work, and how to make the most of your edible experience.

Key takeaways

• Cannabis edibles are foods and beverages that contain cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.
• Cannabis users accustomed to consuming very high doses of cannabis over a long period of time can develop a tolerance.
• Edibles can affect everyone differently. For example, someone with a high tolerance may not notice the effects as soon as someone with a low tolerance.
• A tolerance break, or "T-break", which is a period of refraining from THC, can help reset the body's endocannabinoid system.

See Related: Can I Use CBD and Drive?

What are cannabis edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food items and beverages that have been infused with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. They're discreet and convenient, eliminating the need for smoking or vaping cannabis.

Cannabis edibles also have longer-lasting effects, which can last for hours at a time. However, cannabis edibles do take longer to kick in than other methods. It can take 30 minutes to two hours to feel the effects. That is why it is recommended that cannabis users start low and slow, taking a low dose first to gauge their reaction. 

Some of the most common forms of cannabis edibles include:

• Gummies containing THC and/or CBD
• Beverages
• Baked goods
• Chocolates with THC
• Salty snacks

Consuming edibles is one of the many ways individuals can reap the benefits of cannabis, all while treating their tastebuds!

How do cannabis edibles work?

You may wonder whether consuming cannabis orally is as effective as smoking or vaping cannabis. The answer is: it depends.

THC edibles have become a popular method of consumption for those hoping to experience the benefits of cannabis without the smoke. But your experience with edibles depends on various factors, from dosing to potency.

Cannabis edibles and the digestive system

Once ingested, the cannabis edible works its way through the digestive tract and is absorbed by the small intestine.

It's then sent to the liver, where liver enzymes metabolize THC. The liver enzymes convert THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more psychoactive form of THC that crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily. After this, it enters the bloodstream, where it then reaches the brain.

Digesting THC means its effects can take longer to kick in. Typically, people who have ingested cannabis edibles can expect to feel the effects within an hour.

Some habits, like consuming cannabis edibles on an empty stomach, can cause effects to be felt sooner. However, this is not recommended. Taking edibles with food can help mitigate any adverse side effects and enhance product absorption, resulting in a gradual, more manageable high. 

When your body metabolizes cannabis through ingestion rather than smoking, the effects may be felt more intensely. You may also notice the effects to be more body-focused, which is due to the metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC. 

Cannabis edibles may also provide relief from some gastrointestinal issues or digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Bonus: Tips for Storing THC Chocolate Bars in the Freezer

Why don't edibles work for me?

You've just ingested a cannabis edible and, after about an hour, aren't feeling any different.

So, you wonder: "What gives?"

The truth is, there may be several reasons why your cannabis edibles don't work the way you expected. From high tolerance to low THC content, below are some of the most common reasons why traditional edibles may let you down.

Incorrect dosing

Getting the dosing right when consuming edibles and other cannabis products is essential.

If you aren't getting your desired high from edibles, you may simply not be taking enough THC.

While it is advised to take only a small portion of an edible in order to gauge how well you will react, this can mean that dosing may be too low to produce an effect.

Taking too much cannabis, however, can cause effects like nausea or dry mouth. This is why it is important to start slow when consuming any type of THC product.

High THC tolerance

If you are a frequent cannabis user and aren't achieving the desired effect from eating edibles, high tolerance may be to blame.

After repeated exposure to THC, the body’s cannabinoid receptors can become less sensitive over time. This means you may need to consume more cannabis in order to get the same effect as the average person who has never smoked before.

Certain physical factors, such as body weight, can also impact tolerance. Even metabolism plays a role in individual tolerance.

First-pass effect

Another reason someone may not experience the full effects of cannabis edibles is what is known as “first-pass metabolic inefficiency”. This fairly common phenomenon occurs when the body does not efficiently convert THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, the metabolite responsible for the strong effects of edibles.

It is one of the primary culprits behind many users' reduced ability to experience edibles' full effects.

Low THC content

The potency of the edibles you are consuming has a lot to do with how powerful the effects will be. The lower the THC levels in any given product, the harder it will be to feel the desired effects.

If your current edibles are "low dose", meaning they carry a low THC content, the solution is to choose edibles with more THC in them. Paying close attention to product labels is one way to ensure they will produce your desired effect.

Expired goods

Expiration dates are important when consuming edibles.

However, aside from expiration dates, storage methods can affect how well edibles hold up, too. Exposing your edibles to harsh elements can cause them to expire faster, which will not only affect their potency but also their desired effect.

Mislabeling

Some manufacturers fail to properly test and label their products accurately. This means that the edibles you are consuming may not be the same ones as advertised.

The best way to ensure you are receiving high-quality cannabis products? Always purchase through a reputable source! 

What is a "tolerance break?"

There are steps you can take when edibles don't work as desired.

One way to rectify a high THC tolerance is with a tolerance break, commonly known as a “T-break”. To take a tolerance break means to purposefully refrain from THC for a period of time, allowing your cannabinoid and endocannabinoid system to reset.

To take a T-break, simply stop using THC for a few weeks, then slowly reintroduce a low-dose gummy to gauge your body’s response. This process may help you achieve the same high you experienced when you first began consuming cannabis, without the need for higher doses.

How to choose the best cannabis products

There are various forms of cannabis to choose from, from cannabis edibles to topical creams to transdermal patches. Some of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption include:

• Smoking/vaping
• Sublingual tinctures
• Topical creams
• Transdermal patches
• THC capsules
• CBD oils

Choosing the best cannabis products starts with choosing the right provider. Luckily, there are many reputable cannabis vendors online. One of them is Clean Remedies.

From third-party lab testing to clean growing practices, Clean Remedies is committed to safe and effective cannabis products.

Conclusion

Consuming weed edibles is one of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking or vaping. But if you find that the edibles you've purchased don't work the way you want, it may be worth taking a closer look.

By purchasing quality products, paying close attention to expiration dates, and always following the recommended dosing, your next edible experience can be one you'll enjoy!

Keep Reading: Is THCa Flower the Same as Cannabis?

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are some people immune to edibles?

People aren't necessarily "immune" to edibles, but it is normal for people to experience reduced effects. This reduced effect may be due to certain genetic variations, such as CYP2C9, which can affect metabolism. 

Those who experience a faster metabolism may rapidly break down THC, which inhibits its ability to cause psychoactive effects. This is sometimes referred to as being “ediblocked”. 

Other factors, such as digestive issues and certain medical interactions, may also render edibles less effective in certain individuals.  

What organ is affected by edibles?

Edibles can have an effect on multiple organs in the body. These include the digestive system, the liver, the brain, and even the cardiovascular system. 

How long do edibles take to wear off?

The effects of edibles have been known to last from 6 to 12 hours. While effects can vary greatly between individuals due to factors such as dosing and tolerance, peak intensity typically occurs between 2 to 4 hours. 

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