Written by Joshua Sosin

Edibles are discreet, flavorful, and seriously long-lasting. But let’s be real: the wait for the effects to kick in can feel like forever. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to make an edible hit faster, you’re definitely not alone.

In this guide, we’re breaking down why edibles take time, what you can do before and during your sesh to help speed things up, and which methods might offer a quicker onset. Whether you’re team brownie or all about gummies, here’s how to get to the good part sooner.

Table of Contents

• What Makes Edibles Take So Long? Delayed Onset Explained

• Prep Tips Before You Consume

• How To Encourage Faster Absorption

• Simple Tricks for a Faster Onset

• Staying Safe While You Experiment

• Final Thoughts

What Makes Edibles Take So Long?

Unlike smoking or vaping, which hit your system almost instantly, cannabis edibles take a detour through your digestive system. After you eat one, the cannabinoids travel through your stomach and into your liver, where they’re processed and then make their way into your bloodstream.

This digestive route is why cannabis-infused treats tend to take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to kick in. The effects can also hit harder and last longer, depending on your metabolism, what you ate that day, and your individual body chemistry.

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Prep Tips Before Eating Edibles

Be Smart About Your Stomach

Consuming edibles on an empty stomach might make it hit faster — but also harder. If you're newer to cannabis or just want a more balanced experience, go with a light snack beforehand instead of a full meal.

Stay Hydrated

Good hydration helps your body function at its best — including how it processes cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Drink water before and during cannabis consumption of any kind to help things move smoothly.

Use Heat Carefully

Some people warm up their edibles (like softening a gummy slightly) to encourage a quicker release of cannabinoids. If you go this route, use low heat — too much, and you might lose potency.

How To Encourage Faster Absorption When Consuming Cannabis

Lean Into Healthy Fats

Cannabinoids love fat. That’s why a lot of the best edible baked goods are made with butter, coconut oil, or other fatty ingredients. Eating your edible cannabis product of choice with a fatty snack — think avocado, nut butter, or cheese — may help those cannabinoids absorb faster.

Use a Tincture

Tinctures are great for quicker onset because they absorb under your tongue — no digestion required. If you want your high to kick in faster, this might be the right form of edible for you.

Simple Tricks for a Speedier Onset

Experiment With Recipes

Homemade edibles give you total control, and they're a great way to use high-quality flower.

Using ingredients like emulsifiers (which help cannabinoids mix evenly into your recipe) could support faster effects. Test out different edible styles to see what feels best for your body and timing preferences.

If you want to learn more about making your own edibles at home with cannabutter, check out the Mood Blog.

Eat a Light Meal — Skip the Heavy Stuff

Big meals — especially those packed with fiber — can slow digestion and change how your body processes cannabinoids. If you’re aiming for a faster edible experience, keep it light and simple before taking edibles for better THC absorption.

9. Get Moving

Gentle movement, like a short walk, might support your metabolism and help move things along when you consume cannabis edibles. You don’t need a full workout — just enough to wake up your system a bit.

Chill and Let It Ride

We get it — waiting can be tough. But giving your body time to do its thing is part of the edible experience. Mindfulness and patience while waiting until cannabis edibles kick in go a long way toward making your session smooth and enjoyable.

Staying Safe While You Experiment

Know Your Limits

Even if you're looking to speed things up, more isn't always better. Faster doesn't mean stronger — and stronger doesn't mean better. Stick with what you’re comfortable with and adjust gradually if you’re trying something new.

Ask the Pros

If you’re still figuring things out, chat with a budtender or an experienced edible connoisseur like one of the customer support crew at Mood. They’ve probably been there, done that — and might have insights to make your journey smoother.

Experience Your Best High Yet With Mood Edibles

Trying to make an edible hit faster is all about working with your body — not against it. The methods we’ve laid out can help nudge the experience along, but nothing beats knowing your own rhythm.

Place your first order from the Mood Shop to experience incredible edibles for yourself. Subscribe to save 15% on your order.