Edibles are a fun and lung-safe alternative to smoking, but the road to enjoyment isn’t quite as smooth. If you’ve found yourself waiting and waiting for your edible to kick in and feeling underwhelmed (or completely overwhelmed) when it finally hits, you aren’t alone. The process has never been flawless – until now with fast acting edibles.
Trusted dispensaries like Mood have nearly perfected the edible process, simplifying serving size and timing prediction. With new technological innovations, fast acting edibles are changing the game in cannabis.
But how do fast acting edibles work, and what’s all the hype around them? Let’s get into it.
What are Fast Acting Edibles?
The question “can edibles hit instantly” has just recently been answered with a yes. Scientists have finally found a way to change the way THC is absorbed in our metabolic pathways.
While traditional edibles can take hours to kick in and linger for up to 8 hours, these new fast acting edibles have an onset time of 10-15 minutes and last up to three hours. When compared to smoking, fast acting edibles are similar in onset timing, duration, and experience.
How do Edibles Work?
It typically goes like this: you buy edibles online, plan a day for chilling and relaxing, and take your edibles. After a few minutes, the cannabinoids travel to the stomach and then the liver to be processed before moving to the bloodstream and brain where you can actually feel them begin to work.
Traditional edibles undergo this entire process, which is why they take so long to kick in and why the high is felt throughout the entire body and not just the mind.
Smoking Vs. First-Pass Metabolism
Alternatively, when you smoke cannabis, it travels directly from the lungs to the bloodstream in its original THC form, causing a light and cerebral head-high that usually lasts 1-4 hours max.
Notice anything different here? During first-pass metabolism, the liver is bypassed. But what happens in the liver that’s so significant? The liver converts THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC, which is what causes that long-lasting body high associated with edibles. When the edible hits, it’s an intense, long-lasting, full-body experience.
So if the high is different, what draws people to edibles? They are:
- Discreet
- Easier to measure serving size
- Simple to use (no paraphernalia required)
- Lung-safe
Fast acting edibles skip first-pass metabolism, combining the speedy qualities of inhaled THC with the convenience of an edible!
The Science Behind Fast Acting Edibles
Scientists worked long and hard to learn and understand the endocannabinoid system and how it relates to digestion. Fast acting THC works in a few ways: by surpassing the liver during digestion, making it smaller and faster to digest, and increasing bioavailability.
Nano-Emulsification
An emulsion is a mixture of two or more incompatible liquids, such as oil and water, that are held together by an emulsifying agent to form a stable, homogenous solution. This improves the transportation of bioactive substances that are soluble in oil (lipophilic) by causing them to act similarly to substances that are soluble in water (hydrophilic).
Nano-emulsification simply means doing this mixing on a nano (one billionth) level. The body needs to emulsify THC to digest it; doing so beforehand is an essential factor in speeding up onset time. Being fused to water molecules, nano-emulsified THC behaves like water in the digestive system, getting processed faster than its large, oil-only counterparts.
Nano-THC: A Closer Look at Cannabis
When nanotech cannabis companies utilize this technology, they can achieve the same quality products, while using far less raw product, saving money that can be spent on further research and development! For example, scientists have already used THC nanoparticle science to increase effectiveness of topical products such as CBD creams and lotions.
Nano-Emulsion in Medicine
Nano-emulsion may be new to the cannabis community, but doctors in the pharmaceutical world paved the way for the technology with nano-emulsified molecules. Before fast edibles, there were fast-acting drugs and bioavailable vitamin supplements. We’ve taken it a step further, making THC nanoparticles more pleasing in texture and taste than ever before.
Micro-Encapsulation
During microencapsulation, nano-particles are enclosed in a useful protective layer to control some aspects of digestion. In medicine, such layers determine what area of the body the drug targets and how and when it’s released. For fast acting THC, the nano-particles are enclosed in a water-based formula to improve bioavailability and skip first-pass metabolism. This is what makes them so fast-acting and efficient!
Bypassing the Liver
All of this allows the THC to bypass the liver, preventing the THC from converting into 11-Hydroxy-THC. Remember, 11-Hydroxy-THC is stronger than Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC and produces the “body high” associated with edibles.
Nano-emulsified THC is readily absorbable via the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, and enters the bloodstream directly, avoiding the long and inefficient digestion process. This is why we can finally answer yes when asked, “can you feel edibles immediately?”
What Took So Long?
If scientists have been homogenizing molecules for nearly a century, why is the THC world just now taking advantage?
For years, cannabis was highly regulated and nearly impossible to experiment with, which stunted innovation. When laws relaxed, the industry focused on fine-tuning strains, potency, and flavor profiles to create enjoyable consumer products. First released in 2017, Nano-THC is the next step in innovation, and far from the last.
The Difference Between Traditional and Fast Acting Edibles
Now that you understand the science behind fast-acting edibles, let’s take a closer look at how they differ from traditional edibles. As a consumer, you should know that fast-acting isn’t the only new quality.
How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Settle In
How long does it take for edibles to hit?
Traditional edibles take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to take effect because of the drawn-out digestion process. This leaves users waiting and waiting, unsure and confused about what to expect. Fast-acting edibles start working in just 5 to 15 minutes.
Highs from traditional edibles can last anywhere from 4-10 hours. Rapid onset edibles last 1-3 hours, similar to the duration after smoking. Note that these are estimates, and timing varies from person to person. Check with your physician before making any assumptions about serving size and duration.*
How They’re Digested
To hammer it in:
Fast acting edibles skip liver digestion, meaning THC in its original form is directly absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion. Absorption takes place in the mouth, throat, and stomach.
We’ve already explained the digestion of traditional edibles that involve 11-Hydroxy-THC, the reason edibles hit “harder.”
How They Make You Feel
In addition to timing, old-fashioned edibles and nano-edibles produce differing highs. Traditional edibles can take hours to set in, but when the edible hits, it’s an all-over “body high” that’s more intoxicating and psychoactive. Fast-acting edibles produce a cerebral high, concentrated in the mind.
*Serving size and individual metabolism will affect the THC experience, so note that while these are popular experiences, you may encounter different anecdotes if you ask around.
How They Taste
Nano-emulsification increases the surface area of the molecules, changing the flavor profile of edibles. You may notice a bitter flavor, stronger now because you’re absorbing THC in your mouth instead of liver. This is different from the funky cannabis taste sometimes noticeable in traditional edibles.
How They’re Produced
Traditionally, THC edibles are made by infusing a fat or oil-based substance with THC extract, which can be derived from cannabis plants or concentrates. The treats are then cooked, tested, and served.
Nano edibles undergo nanoemulsion and microencapsulation before being fused with cooking oil.
Benefits of Fast Acting Edibles: What’s the Big Deal?
The benefits of fast-acting edibles are exciting, but when would you want to take advantage of them? What scenarios cater toward traditional edibles versus the fastest edibles?
Shorter Waiting Period
We don’t always have an entire day to dedicate to an edible experience. A shorter edible kick-in time means the experience begins in just a few minutes. Say goodbye to drawn-out anticipation and wonder if you took the proper serving size.
*Remember: waiting periods vary from person to person. There is no sure-fire way to predict precise onset times.
Shorter Duration
Unlike traditional edibles that can linger all day, fast acting edibles last roughly 2 hours so you can have a fun high and keep it moving. Enjoy the edible’s experience and get on with your day!
*Again, duration depends on factors like metabolism and body composition. Speak with a physician if you have any concerns.
Control Over Your High
An issue with traditional edibles is that you have to wait 3 hours to know if you took the right serving size. There’s no scaling because taking more would never enhance your high, just make it last incredibly long. When the effects set in quickly, it’s simpler to know whether or not you want to take a nibble more to enhance your edible peak.
*This does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.
Longer Shelf Life
We get asked all the time: do edibles expire?
Traditional edibles last as long as their non-infused counterparts. Nano-emulsions provide a protective lipid barrier against oxygen, extending the shelf life of nano edibles. This is based on experience and theory but isn’t guaranteed or tested in a controlled setting. Speak to a nutritionist to discuss the details!
More Bang for Your Buck
Because of the heightened bioavailability of THC, the body digests more and wastes less. This means you absorb more of what you paid for! Creators are able to use less THC during production because the new molecules are so effective, leading to lower costs and lower pricing.
Get More Out of Your Day
Rapid onset edibles last about 2 hours, whereas traditional edibles can take that long to kick in and last up to 10 hours with residual effects. While this enduring high is part of the beloved edible’s experience, it doesn’t have to mean dedicating an entire day to it.
With fast-acting edibles, you don’t have to settle: you get the convenience of edibles without sacrificing so much time.
Mood’s Fast Acting Edibles
At Mood, we’ve perfected our own nano-emulsion process and created some awesome edibles in the process. Our edible onset time ranges from 5-15 minutes and is ultra-bioavailable!
Rapid Onset Delta 9 THC Gummies
Our Rapid Onset Delta 9 THC Gummies are versatile, meaning customers enjoy them during relaxing days and chill, stress-free nights. These nano gummies are 3-4x more bioavailable than traditional edibles and last roughly 5-6 hours.
Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies
If you’re looking for a trippy edible experience, you’ve got to try the Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies. With D8, D9, live resin, and THCp, these fast acting gummies are power-packed and super potent. We recommend them for experienced users only – they’re that good. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Why MOOD?
At Mood, we specialize in sourcing hand-picked cannabis strains to foster the ideal terpene profiles that promote a specific mood. Whether you’re looking for something to chill your vibes, make you feel chatty, or a little bit of both, we’ve got something in our collection that will do the trick.
Mood Puts Quality First
Creating nano emulsified THC is a highly sophisticated process. At Mood, all edibles are third-party tested in DEA-certified labs so you can feel confident that there will be no surprises. We source cannabis from long-standing, trusted farmers using sustainable agricultural practices.
Fast Acting Edibles: Mood’s Process
We use a special water-soluble form of THC for nearly instant absorption. Our Rapid Onset edibles are 3-4x as bio-available in the body compared to standard edibles. So for 20-25mg of the regular stuff, you’d only need about 7.5mf of the nano emulsified THC.
Don’t Have Them? Here’s How to Make Edibles Hit Faster
Excited to hear the news but don’t have any fast acting edibles on deck? Here are a few tips for how to make edibles hit faster and stronger. In the meantime, learn how to buy edibles online so you can try nano-THC for yourself!
Caffeine
Caffeine and cannabis may seem like an unlikely duo, but drinking coffee or tea can speed up your edible peak. Low levels of caffeine stimulate metabolism and digestion, meaning you’ll process the edible faster. That said, there’s no saying whether this allows the body the time it needs to process all of the THC. Keep that in mind.
Empty Stomach
Eating or drinking anything on an empty stomach amplifies its effects, intoxicating or not. If you don’t have fast acting edibles, eating regular edibles on an empty stomach makes it more likely they’ll hit faster and harder. Use with caution, though. We don’t recommend this to everyone as it can lead to a higher than intended high, which can be overwhelming.
Metabolism
It’s generally accepted that faster metabolism results in a faster edible onset time because the body is processing THC quicker. Here are some ways to speed up your metabolism overall:
- Stay active
- Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit
- Get a good night’s sleep regularly
*Consult with your doctor before making any changes to your healthcare routines.
The Sublingual Trick
You’ve probably heard that sublingual administration supplies compounds directly into the bloodstream. Tinctures and oil droppers often direct users to hold the product under their tongue for about a minute before swallowing.
If you don’t have fast acting edibles, chew your edibles and let it touch the underside of your tongue for a quickening boost.
Nano THC: The Next Big Innovation
Nanotechnology has opened the doors to innovation for the cannabis industry. With thousands of strain variations, product options, and now nano-edibles, connoisseurs continue to blow us away with the possibilities they uncover.
Fast acting edibles give THC-lovers the choice between traditional and convenient. If you’re ready to enter the world of nano-THC, check out Mood’s edible offerings and get started!
(*) Disclaimer: The author of this article is not a legal representative and the information is not intended to offer legal advice. For your safety and to avoid legal repercussions, consult a lawyer in your state. Statements offered on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and the products offered on the site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease and/or affect any structure or function of the human body
(**) This is not intended to be legal advice, nor has this information been verified by a legal representative. For legal accuracy, consult a legal representative in your state.
