One of the most common questions we get at Cannavibes is:
“How long will it take for cannabis to kick in?”
The answer really depends on your consumption method. Whether you smoke, vape, sip a cannabis beverage, or enjoy an edible, each method has its own onset time (how fast you feel it), duration (how long the feeling lasts), and intensity (how strong it feels).
How Fast Does Smoking or Vaping Cannabis Work?
● Onset time: 1–10 minutes
● Duration: 2–4 hours
Smoking flower or using a vape is the fastest way to feel cannabis effects because cannabinoids enter your bloodstream through your lungs. Perfect for almost instant relief or a social experience.
✨Tip for beginners: Start with one puff and wait a few minutes before deciding if you want more.
Edible Cannabis Onset Time
● Onset time: 30–120 minutes
● Duration: 4–8 hours (sometimes longer)
Edibles like gummies, chocolates, and baked goods take longer to kick in because your body processes THC through digestion and the liver. The trade-off? They often feel stronger and last much longer.
✨Tip for beginners: Start with a low dose (2.5–5mg THC) and wait at least 2 hours before re-
dosing.
Cannabis Beverages: The Alcohol Alternative
● Onset time: 15–45 minutes
● Duration: 2–6 hours
Cannabis beverages are a great middle ground between smoking and edibles. Because they’re absorbed more quickly than solid edibles, you’ll feel the effects sooner similar to alcohol. But that’s where the similarities end because a cannabis cocktail helps you avoid a nasty hangover.
✨Tip for beginners: Sip slowly and let the effects build gradually.
How Long Do Tinctures Take to Work?
● Onset time: 15–45 minutes (under the tongue)
● Duration: 2–6 hours
Tinctures are cannabis extracts in liquid form, usually taken by placing drops under your tongue (sublingually). This allows cannabinoids to absorb faster into your bloodstream. You can also add tinctures to food or drinks, but then they’ll act more like an edible.
✨Tip for beginners: For quicker onset, use tinctures under the tongue rather than mixing them into food.
Do Cannabis Topicals Get You High?
● Onset time: 10–30 minutes
● Duration: Varies
Topicals like lotions, creams, and balms are absorbed through the skin. They don’t get you high, but they’re amazing for localized relief of sore muscles, joint pain, or post-workout recovery.
✨Tip for beginners: Keep a cannabis topical in your wellness routine. It’s a great way to enjoy cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
Final Thoughts on Cannabis Onset Times
There’s no single “best” cannabis consumption method. It all depends on what kind of experience you want:
● Fast effects: Flower & vapes
● Long-lasting relief: Edibles
● Balanced middle ground: Beverages & tinctures
● Non-intoxicating relief: Topicals
At Cannavibes, our team is here to guide you through every option so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle.
✨Pro tip: Always start low, go slow, and enjoy the vibes responsibly.
Here’s a quick cannabis onset time chart for easy reference:
Cannabis Onset Time & Duration Chart
Method
Onset Time
Duration
Shop Products
Flower & Vapes
1 – 10 minutes
2 – 4 hours
Edibles
30 – 120 minutes
4 – 8 hours (longer)
Beverages
15–45 minutes
2 – 6 hours
Tinctures (sublingual)
15 – 45 minutes
2 – 6 hours
Topicals
10 – 30 minutes
Varies