What Sets Fast-Acting THC Edibles Apart from Regular Edibles?

Have you ever wondered how to make edibles work faster? If so, you’re in luck. This year, the cannabis and hemp industries have seen a new trend with the rise of fast-acting THC edibles, which produce effects in just 20-45 minutes--unlike standard THC edibles, which can take over an hour to kick in. 

But what is fast-acting THC, and what are the upsides of making THC edibles hit faster? How fast do edibles kick in, and how does this differ if you’re taking standard edibles versus fast-acting gummies? 

In this article, we discuss the advantages of fast acting versus regular THC edibles, as well as the science behind the science behind the speed of quick-onset THC.

What are Fast-Acting THC Edibles, and How Are They Different? The Science Behind the Speed

While classic THC edibles can take over an hour to kick in, fast-acting THC edibles take effect as quickly as just 20 minutes after ingestion. 

The difference between regular and fast-acting THC edibles comes down to how the THC extract in each gummy is processed through the body. Often, fast-acting THC edibles are created using nanoemulsified THC, which refers to a type of extract containing smaller THC molecules. This small size allows THC molecules to travel more rapidly into the bloodstream, where they dissolve and circulate throughout the body to produce effects. However, this quick onset time can produce a shorter-lived duration of effects.

Standard THC edibles, on the other hand, typically need to be fully digested in the stomach before the THC they contain reaches the bloodstream. This is why edibles have a longer onset time than other product types--while also offering longer-lasting effects.

Merits of Fast-Acting Edibles for Long-Term Users

Fast-acting edibles provide several upsides compared to standard THC gummies and baked goods: 

• Higher Potency & Bioavailability. THC in fast-acting edibles takes an accelerated route to the bloodstream, which means that less of the original dose is degraded by stomach acid and liver enzymes. This increases bioavailability, which refers to how much of the original product dosage actually enters the bloodstream to take effect. With higher bioavailability, fast-acting edibles can offer more potent, noticeable effects even in comparatively small doses. 
• Consistent & Predictable. For some customers, the long onset time and duration of standard edibles can be overwhelming. Because fast-acting edibles offer a quick onset time and precise dosing, they appeal to many customers who prefer a quicker, less overwhelming high that lasts for a more manageable period of time. 
• Easier Dosing. Because fast-acting edibles take less time to produce a full effect, they make it easier to determine whether or not you need to re-dose to achieve desired results. Since standard THC edibles take longer to reach peak effect, they can cause confusion regarding dosage and even lead to unintentionally high doses. 

Fast-Acting Edibles for Long-Term Users: Tolerance, Comfort, and Experience

Fast-acting edibles aren’t only popular for recreational use; they’re also popular among those who use THC in the long-term for therapeutic reasons, or around-the-clock purposes. 

If you’re struggling with cannabis tolerance, fast-acting edibles offer more potent, pronounced effects that make it easier to access all that THC has to offer at a lower dosage. This is particularly advantageous if your body has become accustomed to standard edibles, which can cause diminished effects or necessitate a higher dosage. 

Fast-acting edibles can also offer a more comfortable, controllable experience than standard THC gummies and baked goods. The sometimes overwhelming effects of standard edibles are related to the way that standard THC molecules react with liver enzymes, which can cause THC to convert into other compounds such as 11-hydroxy-THC. Because the THC molecules in fast-acting edibles take a more direct route into the bloodstream, they’re associated with more reliable effects comparable to smoking or inhaling cannabis. 

Enhanced Experience. Fast-acting edibles are more predictable in both onset and duration, which can make it easier to plan experiences and activities. If you’re planning an activity during your THC edible experience, the long onset time and duration of standard edibles can delay or impact your plans. With faster onset and a more predictable “high,” fast-acting gummies are compatible with a wider range of experiences and recreational scenarios. 

When to Use Fast-Acting vs. Standard THC Edibles

When choosing between fast-acting and regular edibles, take the following factors into account: 

Planned Activities During THC Experience. If you’re using edibles to enhance an activity, we suggest opting for fast-acting THC so that you don’t have to wait around for cannabis to take effect. This makes fast-acting THC preferable for experiences such as meditation, relaxing outdoors, taking a hike, or enjoying other active experiences.

Desired Effects & Goals. If you’re using THC for recreational purposes or to enjoy a night out, fast-acting edibles may be preferable to standard gummies and baked goods. Standard edibles, on the other hand, may be advantageous if you’re using THC for around-the-clock relief from pain, inflammation, stress, or other common concerns.

Find THC Edibles at Proleve

Visit Proleve for a wide variety of Delta 8 and Delta 9 products. Our diverse product formats and dosages make it easy to customize your cannabis experience, and to experience fast-acting and long-lasting effects. 

In addition to THC Gummies and Baked Goods, Proleve offers fast-acting product formats including Delta 9 THC Drinks, gummies, syrups, and shots. Prefer Delta 8? Check out our Delta 8 THC Tinctures, Gummies, and other ingestibles.

No matter which Proleve product you choose, you can rest assured that your THC products are created according to our industry-leading quality and safety standards. Check out our website to learn more about Proleve and our hemp THC products.