It's really no surprise that Delta-8 edibles are the most popular Delta-8 dosing method on the market. After all, what’s better than a delicious fruit chew or sugar coated gummy that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy (and mellow and relaxed) inside?
If you’re like other consumers, you have one important question in mind before you try Delta-8 edibles for the first time—how long does it take to feel Delta-8 edibles kick in?
Traditionally, the answer would be that it takes a little over an hour for an edible to take effect. That’s because it needs to be digested and metabolized by the liver before it reaches the bloodstream. However, thanks to innovative new edible formulas, certain edible formulas can take effect much faster.
Here’s what you should know:
Table of ContentsAs we mentioned, it takes roughly an hour for traditional Delta-8 edibles to kick in, but you may need to wait up to 90 minutes to feel the full effects.
Luckily, there are other options for hard-hitter, fast-acting Delta-8 edibles:
When it comes to Delta-8 edibles, you have options. There are traditional edibles and sublingual style edibles, a moderately new dosing style that's not as common but may be far more useful.
Here's the difference:
Traditional edibles like gummies and brownies are chewed and swallowed, requiring digestion before the Delta-8-THC reaches your bloodstream, as it's metabolized by the liver.
Sublingual-style edibles, such as lozenges or hard candies, dissolve slowly in the mouth, allowing Delta-8-THC to be absorbed directly through the mucous membranes. This method offers faster effects and greater bioavailability, as it bypasses the liver’s filtering process, delivering more Delta-8-THC into the bloodstream.
Sublingual-style edibles are modeled after the sublingual dosing method of tinctures, an oil product that's meant to be dropped under the tongue. Sublingual dosing is nothing new, and is actually a common dosing method used for certain pharmaceuticals because it offers the benefit of fast absorption.
To put it briefly, you can expect a traditional edible to take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to kick in. The amount of time a traditional edible actually takes to take effect depends on various factors like your metabolic rate and how much you've recently eaten.
Sublingual-style edibles take effect quickly, usually in less than 30 minutes. It's possible to feel the effects of a sublingual-style edible dose about 15 minutes after dosing, and you can usually expect to feel the full extent of effects after about 45 minutes.
The Delta-8 experience from edibles varies from person to person, and has a lot to do with the dosage you take and your THC tolerance. Some products also contain other cannabinoids and terpenes that can alter the effects slightly to provide more targeted benefits. This method is sometimes referred to as “strain profiling,” but it generally only applies to vape products that are modeled after certain hemp strains.
But let's just assume that you've taken an edible containing a pure dose of Delta-8 distillate with no other imposing factors. What should you expect?
Many people describe the effects of Delta-8 as relaxing, mellow, and euphoric, with an accentuated body high. The effects are less potent than what you may expect from Delta-9-THC, and some people even suggest that the high is more functional and clear and less sedating.
At larger doses, Delta-8 could be somewhat sedating, providing a couch-lock high that makes you want to kick back and chill out. Still, at mild to moderate doses, it’s generally a very functional, pleasant, and stimulating experience.
Some people even enjoy various therapeutic effects from their Delta-8 dose, like relief from pain or anxiety. You can learn more about Delta-8’s therapeutic potential by reading “Delta-8-THC Health Benefits.”
The edible dosing style you choose affects both the onset and duration of Delta-8-THC effects.
Traditional edibles are absorbed slowly as they're digested, leading to a gradual onset and long-lasting effects, typically between 4 to 6 hours, though this can vary based on individual factors.
Sublingual-style edibles offer a faster onset since some Delta-8-THC is absorbed directly through the mouth. While these effects may last 2 to 4 hours, the portion that is swallowed extends the duration, often resulting in effects that last 4 to 6 hours or more.
When a sublingual-style edible is taken a large portion of the Delta-8 is absorbed in the mouth and makes it directly to the bloodstream, but the remainder of the product is still swallowed and processed by digestion. This means that sublingual-style edibles can both take effect quickly and provide long-lasting effects. In fact, the effects from sublingual style edibles can also last 6 hours or more, but may last around 4 hours on average.
Although Delta-8 is legal in most states and available in many stores across the country, hemp industry regulations are inconsistent. In other words, it’s important to pay close attention to the quality of Delta-8 products before you buy. We recommend buying only from brands who use quality-tested, U.S. grown hemp material, safe extraction methods (like solventless CO2 extraction), and third-party lab testing techniques.
To skip all the footwork, just check out our Elev8 Collection. At Vida Optima, all of our Delta-8-THC products are third-party tested and 100% Farm Bill compliant, meaning they are federally legal in the U.S. Shop our full Delta-8-THC collection to find both traditional and sublingual-style edibles (our specialty!) to optimize your Delta-8 lift.
Want to learn more? Read “How to Maximize Your Delta-8-THC Routine” or “11 Delta-8-THC Facts You Need to Know.”
Delta 8 edibles can be potent, but their effects depend on various factors including dosage and individual tolerance. Delta 8 THC is generally less potent than Delta 9 THC, but edibles can still provide strong effects due to their delayed onset and gradual absorption.
Delta 8 gummies generally take longer to take effect compared to smoking or vaping Delta 8. Edibles need to be digested and metabolized, which can take 30 minutes to 2 hours before you feel the effects.
For best results, it’s advisable to take Delta 8 gummies about 1 to 2 hours before bed. This allows time for the gummies to be digested and for the effects to onset, helping you to relax and prepare for sleep.
Several factors could affect the effectiveness of Delta 8 gummies, including:
Yes, it is possible to experience too strong of an effect from Delta 8 gummies. Overconsumption can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, or impaired coordination. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually to find your ideal amount.
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