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 why they may not be hitting you the way you'd like.

Key takeaways

• Cannabis edibles are foods and beverages that contain cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.
• There are several reasons why cannabis edibles don't produce the desired effect, including high tolerance, low THC content, certain genetic differences, and first-pass metabolic inefficiency.
• Cannabis users accustomed to consuming very high doses of cannabis over a long period of time can develop a 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. Not only do they eliminate the need for smoking or vaping cannabis, but they also offer longer-lasting effects. 

Generally, cannabis edibles can take longer to kick in than other methods, like smoking or vaping. Unlike smoking, this timeframe can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, making it challenging to find the right dose. This is why it is recommended that cannabis users start low and slow, taking only a fraction of an edible gummy 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 are reaping the benefits of cannabis without causing potential harm to the lungs through smoking or vaping.

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 weed 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. Unlike smoking, the effects can last longer than six hours. 

Some habits, like consuming cannabis edibles on an empty stomach, can cause intoxication sooner. This is not recommended, as it can make the experience overwhelming, especially for new users. Taking edibles with food can help mitigate any adverse side effects and enhance product absorption, resulting in a gradual, more manageable high. 

If 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, although research is limited.

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 dosing may be too low to produce an effect.

Taking too much cannabis, however, can cause effects like nausea, impaired motor skills, and even intense anxiety and panic. This is why it is important to take the recommended dose when consuming any type of THC products.

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 in the industry 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 10 milligram 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

Not everyone prefers cannabis edibles over smoking weed. There are various other forms of cannabis, from 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

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

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

Speaking to a healthcare professional before beginning a new cannabis regimen can ensure you do so safely.

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, it may be worth it to take 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?

Yes, people can be “immune” to edibles, although it is more common for these individuals to experience a reduced effect rather than total immunity.

This reduced effect may be due to certain genetic variations, such as CYP2C9—a liver enzyme.  This variation can slow metabolism or speed it up, depending on the individual. 

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. 

--

Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.