How Long Does It Take for THC Infused Drinks to Kick-In?

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

If you are a cannabis enthusiast, then you already know that THC infused drinks are the new vibe. Several reasons make this a popular option in the cannabis lovers’ space. What beats a smoke-free, discreet, and often flavorful beverage that you can take on the go?

And above all, you still get to enjoy the desired effects. But the one question that has most cannabis users scratching their heads is how long it takes for THC seltzer to feel it. There’s no straight answer to this one. The duration it takes for THC infused drinks to kick in boils down to several factors.

Often, the most essential factors at play here include your metabolism, the type of drink, and whether you’re just starting out or used to THC. In this post, you will learn all there is to know about the duration it takes for THC drinks to kick in and why.

Average Onset Time for THC Drinks

On average, most users report that THC-infused drinks take between 15 to 45 minutes to kick in. If you were to take traditional edibles of the same quantity, it would probably take around 45 minutes to 2 hours to experience any noticeable effects.

Why the difference? It comes down to how THC is absorbed:

  • Traditional edibles are metabolized in the liver, a slow process.
  • THC drinks (especially nano-emulsified ones) begin absorption in the mouth and stomach, leading to faster effects.

However, not all cannabis drinks use nano-emulsification. Some older or less sophisticated products may still rely on oil-based THC infusions. These behave more like regular edibles, so don’t be surprised if they take longer to kick in.

Factors That Affect Onset Time

Now that you have an idea of the time it takes for the effects of THC drinks to kick in, it’s time to take a sneak peek at what’s at play. And several factors determine the duration it may take for you to get that high;

1. Formulation and Technology

Modern cannabis beverages use advanced technologies, the likes of nano-emulsification or microencapsulation. These processes create THC particles small enough to be water-soluble. This means the absorption can start right in the mouth, and the rest is absorbed through the stomach lining. In turn, you get to experience quicker effects compared to traditional edibles.

  • Nano-emulsified drinks: You can typically feel the effects within 10 – 30 minutes.
  • Non-nano drinks: These take longer, usually 45 to 90 minutes, for effects to set in, similar to edibles.

2. Individual Metabolism

Your metabolism plays a major role here. If you have a faster metabolic rate, you are likely to process and feel the effects of THC more quickly. In contrast, someone with slower metabolisms will have to wait a little longer for the effects to kick in. Metabolism rate varies from person to person, but it’s often down to age, genetics, physical activity level, and overall health.

3. Empty vs. Full Stomach

Taking a THC drink on an empty stomach (this is never a good idea, by the way) typically results in a faster onset. Well, of course, the THC passes more quickly through your digestive system when there’s no other food to slow down absorption. In contrast, on a full stomach, the absorption is delayed as the body processes other foods first.

4. Dosage

A higher dose (another bad idea, especially if you’re new to cannabis) may result in stronger or more immediate effects. Do note, however, that the onset time may not change significantly. Most cannabis beverages contain between 2.5 to 10 mg of THC per serving. If you are a beginner, play it safe and start with 2.5–5 mg. Wait at least an hour before consuming more.

5. Individual Tolerance

If you are a frequent cannabis user, chances are your body has built a tolerance. This can alter how quickly and strongly you feel the effects of THC. But if you’re a new user, you can expect to feel the effects faster and more intensely than regular consumers.

What Do the Effects Feel Like?

But how will you know the effects have started kicking in? If you have consumed edibles or smoked cannabis before, the effects are going to be pretty much the same. So, it will be easy to discern the onset. The only slight difference is that with THC-infused drinks, the onset will often be in a smoother, more gradual way.

If you are completely new to using THC, however, here are some of the effects that you may experience:

  • Mild euphoria
  • Enhanced sensory perception
  • Relaxation or body high
  • Altered time perception
  • Increased sociability (with low to moderate doses)

Higher doses can lead to stronger psychoactive effects, such as confusion, anxiety, or drowsiness, especially for inexperienced users.

In conclusion, THC-infused drinks are an exciting and convenient way to experience the effects of cannabis. There’s nothing quite like the faster yet mild, controlled onset. In most cases, you will feel the effects within 15 to 45 minutes, especially with nano-emulsified products.

However, factors like metabolism, stomach contents, and dosage are all going to play a role in the timing. Remember to start small, be patient, and listen to your body.

Maybe you’re looking to unwind after a long day, enhance a social experience, or simply explore new cannabis options. THC-infused drinks are surely going to give you a refreshing twist, but sip responsibly.

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