Edibles are cannabis-infused food items, ranging from gummies, mints, and lozenges, to cookies, brownies, caramels, and more. They offer a discreet form of cannabis consumption, often with long-lasting effects. 

While edibles are a convenient smoke-free method of cannabis consumption, they must be taken with care. If you’re not cautious, you can end up way higher than you intended, which can be unpredictable and unpleasant. 

To help you get the most out of your edibles experience and avoid any unpleasant effects, we’ve put together this beginner’s hemp edibles guide. Read on to learn the ins and outs of getting high with hemp edibles.

What are hemp edibles?

Edibles come in several varieties, but for this hemp edibles guide, we’re going to focus on hemp-derived THCa edibles. These edibles are federally legal and available for purchase online because they are made with hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC and high amounts of non-intoxicating THCa. When THCa is activated during the production process, it converts to THC–the compound that gets you high. 

Without getting too deep in the science, just know that THCa edibles act exactly the same as regular THC edibles. Moving forward, we’re going to reference hemp edibles and edibles. Both refer to the same thing: weed-infused foods that you can eat to get high. 

How do edibles work?

Cannabis and hemp edibles work by delivering THC through your digestive system. Unlike smoking (which sends THC directly to your bloodstream), edibles must first pass through the liver before reaching your bloodstream. This is why they often take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before producing noticeable effects after consumption. 

Over time, new edible innovations have cropped up. Now there are fast-acting edibles on the market, too. These cannabis and hemp edibles are made with a special technology that breaks the active compounds down into tiny, water-soluble compounds that can bypass the liver entirely. This type of edible can take effect within 10 to 20 minutes. 

Hemp edibles dosing guide

To properly dose hemp edibles, you’ll need to consider your tolerance. If you have taken many edibles over the years and know your tolerance, you’re in a good position to follow your usual dosage. But if you’ve never used edibles before or don’t know your tolerance, you should always start with a small amount and wait until you feel the full effects to adjust your dose. 

Below is a general guide for how to dose your hemp edibles. While this is a good starting point, keep in mind that every body is different. Weight, metabolism, gender, and eating habits are all factors that impact how you react to edibles. When just getting started, keep this one tip in mind: start low and go slow. You can always add more, but you can’t undo eating too much.

Dosage guide for hemp edibles

• 1-2.5 mg THC: Considered a micro dose, this is where many new users start to see how their body reacts. While this dosage may provide some physical and mental relief, it’s generally not enough to get most users high (however, some people with low tolerances do feel high with this dose.) 

• 3-5 mg THC: Considered a low dose of THC, this is where many new or occasional users start to feel mildly intoxicating effects. 

• 10-15 mg THC: Considered a medium dose, this is the sweet spot for many experienced edibles users, though people with high tolerances may not notice many effects. New users may feel overwhelmed or experience unpleasant side effects at this dose, so it’s a good idea to work up to it over several occasions. 

• 20-30 mg THC: Only experienced users should jump in at this amount, which is generally considered a high dose of THC with potent effects. 

• 50-100 mg THC: While some people thrive on very high doses like this, it’s not a good idea for new or occasional users to jump in at this THC amount. It’s also not recommended for users with mental health conditions that could be exacerbated by the intense experience. 

Most beginners have the best luck starting with the first or second dose, while many frequent edibles users like to jump in around the third dosage option and adjust from there. Keep in mind that every product may have different effects, and 10 mg of THC in one gummy may feel entirely different than 10 mg of THC in another. 

It’s also important to know that none of the information in this hemp edibles guide is medical advice. Every person reacts differently to THC and if you’re concerned about trying hemp edibles, you may want to consult with a medical professional first. 

How long do hemp edibles take to kick in?

Typical edibles take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. Fast-acting edibles can kick in as quickly as within 10 minutes of consumption. Always wait until the expected time for effects has passed before taking more. 

How long do the effects of edibles last?

In general, the effects of traditional edibles last anywhere from four hours to eight hours. Fast-acting edibles tend to have shorter effects, typically from two to four hours. But as we mentioned before, weight, metabolism, and other biological factors can impact the length of the effects. 

Always read the label on your hemp edibles to see what your specific product says. Many will offer a general dosage guide and timeline that you can tailor to your specific needs. 

Hemp edibles best practices for success

Regardless of your experience level, there are some key best practices that will help you succeed when using hemp edibles. 

1. Start low, go slow

New users should always take their edible consumption slowly and carefully. Take a small dose to start and don’t consume any more until you’ve reached the full effect. From there, you can add more if you feel like you didn’t get the full expected experience. 

2. Pick a day with few obligations

While some people thrive on taking small doses of edibles on busy days, it’s always a good idea to try a new product when you don’t have any important obligations coming up. Don’t try a new edible when you have any sort of obligation that could be impacted by your impairment. And never take an edible before you have to drive. 

3. Go in with a positive mindset

Your state of mind can go a long way in determining how edibles impact you. If you eat an edible in an anxious or dysregulated state, you may find that the edible exacerbates those feelings. But if you consume an edible with a positive mindset, you are setting yourself up for a more successful experience. 

How to choose the right hemp edible

You can experiment with different edible types to find your favorite, though for many new and experienced users, gummies are the ideal choice. 

Opt for products that use natural flavors and fruit and vegetable juice in their formulations, rather than artificial ingredients. It’s also crucial to look for gummies with lab test results available, especially with hemp edibles that aren’t regulated like those found in a cannabis dispensary. 

If you can’t easily find lab results for a product, opt for a brand with more transparent practices. A quality hemp edibles brand will always include lab test results proving they’ve vetted their products for purity and potency. 

Final thoughts on THCa edibles 

Edibles are an extremely convenient way to consume cannabis. They offer an odorless, smoke-free method of getting high that’s both discreet and delicious. 

Plus, hemp edibles made with THCa are federally legal, making them much easier to obtain than edibles found in licensed dispensaries. Just be sure to shop from a company that offers transparent lab testing to ensure purity and potency.