21 May 2025


Why Edibles Hit You Hours Later-And Why That’s a Good Thing


Ever taken an edible, waited impatiently, decided nothing’s happening—only to find yourself unexpectedly high an hour later? If so, you’ve experienced the infamous delayed onset of cannabis edibles. It’s a mystery for some, a trap for others (RIP to those who thought a second brownie was a good idea), and a science worth understanding for all.


At Sociale Dispensary, your trusted dispensary near O’Hare airport, we’re all about helping you make informed choices while also pointing you toward some deliciously effective options. So, let’s break down why edibles hit differently—and how to ride the wave without wiping out.


The Science: Why Edibles Take Their Sweet Time


Unlike smoking or vaping, where THC enters your bloodstream almost instantly through your lungs, edibles take a much longer route.


Step 1: Down the Hatch


Once you eat an edible—be it a gummy, chocolate, or infused beverage—it first travels through your digestive system. Your stomach and intestines slowly break it down, meaning THC takes time before it enters your bloodstream.


Step 2: The Liver’s Magic Trick


Before THC can work its magic, it passes through your liver, which transforms delta-9-THC (the type found in smoked cannabis) into 11-hydroxy-THC. Why does this matter? Because 11-hydroxy-THC is stronger and longer-lasting than its smoked counterpart. This transformation helps create a deep sense of stress relaxation that many edible users love, and is why edibles don’t just hit late—they hit hard.


Step 3: The Slow, Steady Climb


Once 11-hydroxy-THC is released into your bloodstream, that’s when you start to feel the effects—anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours later, depending on your metabolism, what you ate, and even how hydrated you are.


Why Some People Feel Edibles Faster Than Others


Ever had a friend say, "I feel it already!" while you're still waiting for liftoff? That’s because onset time varies based on several factors:


  • Metabolism: Faster metabolisms process edibles quicker, while slower ones take longer.

  • Empty vs. Full Stomach: Taking an edible on an empty stomach can speed things up—but also make effects hit harder.

  • Dosage & Potency: Stronger edibles don’t necessarily hit faster, but they do hit harder when they finally do.

  • Your Unique Body Chemistry: Everything from your weight to your endocannabinoid system plays a role in how fast THC affects you.


Whether you’re shopping at a weed dispensary near you or visiting Sociale Dispensary in person or online, it's important to understand these differences.


The Trap: Taking More Before It Kicks In


One of the most common edible mistakes? Taking a second dose before the first one hits.


We’ve all been there—an hour in, feeling nothing, thinking maybe I got a dud. But edibles don’t work like smoking or vaping. They’re a slow burn, and doubling up too soon can lead to an overwhelming high that lasts for hours.


Pro tip from your go-to dispensary near O’Hare airport: Always wait at least 2 hours before considering another dose. Your future self will thank you.


How to Time Your Edibles for the Perfect Experience


Want to enjoy your edibles without the guessing game? Here’s how to time things right:


  • Planning a night in? Take your edible 1.5 to 2 hours before you want peak effects.

  • Heading to a concert or event? Dose before you leave so the effects settle in when you arrive.

  • Using edibles for sleep? Take them 1-2 hours before bed deep stress relaxation so they kick in as you wind down.


Finding the Right Edible at Sociale Dispensary


Not all edibles are created equal. Some kick in faster, some last longer, and some are crafted for specific effects. At Sociale Dispensary—your favorite dispensary near O’Hare airport—we’ve got options to match your vibe:


✔ Fast-Acting Gummies – Perfect for those who don’t want to wait forever for effects. These use nanoemulsion technology to speed up absorption, meaning you feel them in 30 minutes or less.


✔ Classic Chocolates & Brownies – The old-school way to ride the long, steady wave of THC.


✔ Infused Drinks – Faster absorption than traditional edibles, but still a longer high than smoking.

Shop our edibles now and find the perfect one for your next session.


Looking for a weed dispensary near me that has it all? Sociale has you covered.


Final Thoughts: The Patience Pays Off


Yes, edibles take longer to hit—but that’s not a bad thing. With a little patience and the right dose, they provide one of the most enjoyable, long-lasting cannabis experiences. Whether you're looking for deep stress relaxation, creative inspiration, or just a fun night in, the key is understanding how edibles work and using them wisely.


Next time you reach for an edible, trust the process—and enjoy the ride when it finally arrives.