There are so many ways to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis in your day-to-day life, whether you’re trying to spark creativity and focus during the workshift or ease anxiety and melt away tension in the evening.
But of all the options at your disposal, it’s hard to beat the convenience, precision, and fast-acting effects a THC shot from Mr. Moxey’s delivers! Our wellness shots are among our most popular products, and it’s easy to see why.
How long do THC shots take to kick in, though? How long can you expect those effects to linger? We’re here to help you set your expectations if you’re getting ready to try our shots for the first time.
Just know your specific experience will be individualized, as your metabolism, dose size, stomach contents, and a few other factors all play a role in both onset and duration. In general, though, expect to feel the cannabinoids working their magic in just 20-40 minutes.
We’ll provide a bit more context on what influences the activation time and staying power for our THC shots below. But why not see for yourself what these can do in your wellness routine? Browse our selection and find your new favorite way to enjoy cannabis at Mr. Moxey’s.
What are THC Shots?
If you’re just now hearing about our THC shots, you’ve been missing out. These are a modern, fast-acting way to tap into all that cannabis has to offer in a small, drinkable format. They’re usually just 1-2 ounces, hence the “shot.”
They’re carefully formulated to deliver effects more quickly and predictably than traditional edibles, without the overwhelming intensity of smoking or vaping. We explored the advantages of drinking THC vs edibles in our blog if you’d like to learn more.
Aside from convenience, portability, and discretion, the appeal of THC shots comes down to how quickly they start working. This is because they can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and soft tissues, unlike traditional gummies or chocolates.
Many shots are made with nanoemulsified THC, too, taking things a step further. This process breaks down cannabinoid particles for even greater bioavailability. Translation: fast onset!
While they’re often referred to as THC shots, cannabis shots is technically a more accurate name. Ours here at Mr. Moxey’s contain a wealth of other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and even botanicals to round out the experience.
THC shots are perfect for when you want maximum control, flexibility, and precision - whether you’re looking to relax after work, get a lift before a social event, or ease into a restful night's sleep without committing to a long, drawn-out high.
But if you’ve never tried them before, you want to know exactly when you can expect to feel something. So, how long do THC shots take to kick in?
How Long Do THC Shots Take to Kick In?
First, we want to make it clear that your specific experience with THC shots might be different from the next person’s. There are just too many moving pieces when it comes to onset of effects for us to provide you with a one-size-fits-all answer.
But how long do THC shots take to kick in, generally speaking? Most of our customers feel something within 30 minutes, but that can sometimes be as fast as 20 minutes after tossing the shot back.
This is because of the way liquids (THC shots) move through the body faster than solids (traditional THC edibles) - and in the case of Mr. Moxey’s the nanoemulsification process that reduces cannabinoid particle size. They pass through biological membranes more easily and reach your bloodstream faster.
The initial effects are often described as subtle but noticeable. Think a gentle loosening of physical or mental tension, improved mood, or soft focus. The goal of our shots isn’t necessarily to get you “high.” We focus more on wellness outcomes.
What exactly shapes the onset time, though?
What Can Influence Absorption Time?
Although the average onset window for THC shots is fairly predictable, several personal and situational factors can cause variations. These include:
- Stomach contents: Taking a THC shot on an empty stomach often leads to faster onset - but it will likely fade faster, too. A heavy, fatty meal beforehand can slow absorption significantly while also increasing staying power.
- Metabolism: Faster metabolic rates typically lead to quicker effects. Slower metabolisms may experience a delayed onset.
- Formulation type: Nanoemulsified, water-soluble formulas kick in faster than traditional oil-based emulsions.
- Body composition: Body fat percentage, hydration level, and individual ECS (endocannabinoid system) sensitivity all influence how quickly THC is processed and felt.
- Cannabinoid blend: Formulas with CBD or CBN alongside THC may modify how quickly and how intensely effects come on, with CBD generally smoothing and modulating the experience.
- Dosing method: Some users choose to swish the shot in their mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing, allowing for partial sublingual absorption and slightly faster effects.
Keeping these factors in mind makes it easier to set your expectations, but you can also use these to fine-tune your experience based on your goals. For instance, you could take your THC shot on an empty stomach for faster effects or with a meal for longer duration.
How Does This Compare to Mints, Edibles, and Other Options?
Traditional edibles, like gummies or chocolates, take much longer to kick in. You typically won’t feel anything for at least 45 minutes. Some users say it takes at least 60 minutes to feel anything, while the peak comes around the 90 minute mark.
That’s a lot of waiting around! This delay happens because edibles must be fully digested and processed by the liver before THC enters the bloodstream.
Fortunately, there is a happy medium between shots and edibles: our THC mints. These are unique in that they’re designed to be placed under the tongue to dissolve.
This is a hybrid absorption path: part of the THC is absorbed through the mouth, offering a somewhat faster onset (around 30-60 minutes), but the remainder still goes through digestion.
Vaping or smoking, in contrast, provides near-instant effects (within minutes), but they also wear off faster, usually within 1-2 hours. More importantly, though, they’re not the most discreet or health-conscious choice. Oral intake tends to be the best bet.
Signs It’s Starting to Work
Because THC shots are so subtle compared to other consumption methods, it’s easy to overlook the initial signs they’re working their magic. Here are a few common cues your cannabis shot is taking effect:
- Physical relaxation: A lightening of muscle tension, jaw relaxation, or easier breathing
- Mental softening: Reduced racing thoughts, a sense of mental quiet or easier focus
- Mood lift: Feeling a bit lighter, brighter, or more socially open without euphoria
- Sensory tuning: Subtle changes in sensory perception - colors might feel slightly sharper, music hits a little deeper.
- Energy shifts: Depending on the formula, either a slight energizing lift (Energize blends) or a smooth, grounded relaxation (Dream or Calm blends).
The key to appreciating microdosed cannabis - which THC shots are most often used for - is understanding that the effects are meant to support your current activities, not derail them. That said, how long do THC shots last once they’ve fully kicked in?
How Long Do THC Shots Last?
You may have come here just to find out when you’ll feel the effects of THC shots, but how long they linger is just as important, especially since they’re commonly used for a therapeutic purpose.
Most of our customers find the effects last somewhere between 2 to 4 hours. Where exactly your experience will fall on that spectrum is another story, though. A lot of it is dosage-dependent:
- Microdoses (such as 2.5-5mg THC) often create subtle shifts that taper off closer to the two-hour mark.
- Higher doses (7.5-10mg THC) or blends with cannabinoids like CBN may stretch closer to four hours.
This shorter, cleaner duration gives you more control over when and how cannabis fits into your schedule compared to traditional edibles - which can linger as long as 6-8 hours in some cases!
On the other hand, THC shots last a lot longer than inhaled cannabis consumption methods, which usually start to taper off after an hour or so. We like to think of these as the sweet spot. Here are some other factors besides dosage that dictate how long THC shots last:
- Cannabinoid profile: Formulations with CBD or CBN can modulate or extend the effects depending on how they interact with your system.
- Individual metabolism: Just like with onset time, faster metabolisms may clear cannabinoids more quickly; slower metabolisms may benefit from prolonged effects.
- Consumption timing: Taking a THC shot on a full stomach may slow down both onset and peak intensity, potentially leading to a longer, more drawn-out effect.
- Experience level and tolerance: First-time or low-tolerance users may experience longer durations than regular consumers, even at low doses.
Similar to how long THC shots take to kick in, you can use these insights to tailor the experience to how long you want the effects to linger. So now that you know all about what to expect from these unique cannabis products, see what they can do in your wellness routine today!
Elevate Your Self-Care Ritual With THC Shots From Mr. Moxey’s!
True wellness is personal, and we believe it’s built from the small rituals you choose to carry you through the day. Mr. Moxey’s THC shots are crafted to fit naturally into your routine, offering functional cannabis support without overwhelming your clarity, productivity, or presence.
Whether you’re seeking deeper rest, sharper focus, or a greater sense of calm, our shots are designed to make cannabis feel approachable, balanced, and precise - with effects you can trust every time.
What Makes Our Cannabis Shots So Special?
Most cannabis beverages on the market share the same goal: chasing intensity. They’re designed to get you high, fast. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we prefer to use cannabis a bit more for its therapeutic potential.
That’s why our shots are designed with microdosed precision, clean herbal formulations, and intentional outcomes as the main priorities. Every shot is:
- Fast-acting, for quicker, smoother onset
- Balanced, blending THC with complementary cannabinoids like CBD and CBN for a more complete, functional experience
- Enhanced with organic botanicals, carefully chosen to support the intended effect - never just flavor fillers
- Third-party tested, ensuring consistent potency, purity, and safety with every batch
Choosing the Right Formulation
The best part is that whether you’re trying to use cannabis for focus or relaxation, we have a specially formulated solution made with your wellness goals in mind:
- Dream Elderberry Sleep Shot: A gentle 1:1:1 ratio of THC, CBD, and CBN, blended with organic elderberry and lemon to help you ease into deep, restorative rest without next-day grogginess.
- Focus Blood Orange Focus Shot: A bright blend of THC and CBC, plus invigorating blood orange and turmeric to lift mental fog and fuel creative flow, naturally.
- Calm Lavender Anxiety Shot: Soothing lemon, ginger, agave, and a balanced cannabinoid blend (THC, CBD, and CBG) work together to ease emotional tension and bring you back to center without sedation.
Each shot is low-dosed to keep you in full control, whether you need just a little support or a bit more to meet the moment. Plus, they’re so easy to use.
Tips on Getting Started
Whether you’re wondering how much CBN to take for sleep or how much THC to stir up those creative juices, less is more. We recommend starting with half a shot, especially if you’re new to cannabis or have a sensitive system. You can always take more next time if necessary.
Time it according to your goals. 30-60 minutes before bed for sleep, mid-morning for focus, late afternoon for easing stress. It’s also important to stay consistent in how you use our shots in accordance with your wellness routine. Functional cannabis works best when you create a rhythm around it.
Most importantly, listen to your body. Adjust your dose slowly based on how you feel, and trust that subtle changes often deliver the most sustainable benefits. Get started with THC shots today!
Closing Thoughts on How Long for THC Shots to Kick in
So, how long do THC shots take to kick in? Hopefully this guide has left you with a bit more clarity on what you can expect from our wellness shots at Mr. Moxey’s. They fit seamlessly into real life with onset times typically between 20 to 40 minutes, and effects lasting 2-4 hours.
Choosing the right formulation, timing your dose, and starting low will help you tap into all the benefits without the uncertainty. The only thing left to do now is find your perfect fit with Mr. Moxey’s fast-acting cannabis shots crafted for clarity, calm, and rest! Elevate your ritual today.
