Inhaled cannabis has long been the go-to way to tap into all this plant has to offer. That’s quickly changing before our eyes, though. People are discovering smarter, safer, more precise ways to use cannabis, from edibles and shots to mints. These save your lungs and are more discreet.
But when you smoke or vape cannabis, you feel it almost instantaneously. How long does it take for THC to kick in with edible formats, though? You’ve come to the right place, as we’ll break it down for you in this guide - including:
- How long does it take for THC gummies to kick in?
- How long do THC mints take to work?
- How long do shots take to start working?
While shots work as quickly as 20-40 minutes, edibles and mints can take up to 60 minutes or longer in some cases. Some say it’s worth the wait, though, as the effects definitely linger longer.
Learn more below. Or, stock up on Mother Nature’s finest at Mr. Moxey’s today. We’ve got what you need to use cannabis therapeutically, whether you prefer THC mints, a THC shot, or even microdose gummies!
Oral Consumption vs Inhaled Cannabis
First, let’s set expectations between oral consumption and inhaled cannabis. After all, the way you consume cannabis dramatically shapes your experience - not just in how fast it kicks in, but how long it lasts, how it feels in the body, and how discreet or convenient it is to use.
Whether it’s smoked or vaped, inhaled cannabis enters your bloodstream almost instantly through the lungs. That means you’ll feel the effects within seconds to minutes.
That comes at the cost of longevity, though. Effects might only last 1-2 hours. It’s not very precise, either. A single puff could be too little or too much, and it’s hard to use it therapeutically.
That’s not to mention the fact that smoke inhalation can irritate the lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Even vaporized cannabis, often considered a “cleaner” method, still releases compounds that may not be ideal for regular use.
There’s also the lack of discretion: the smell, the hardware, the ritual. The fact of the matter is that smoking or vaping cannabis falls short in more ways than one, which is the appeal of using oral methods instead.
But you need to know that oral consumption works very differently in the body. The cannabinoids (and other good stuff) from mints, gummies, or shots are absorbed through your digestive tract or oral tissues before entering the bloodstream.
As you can imagine, this takes quite a bit longer - and results in a slower build, longer-lasting effects, and often a fuller-body experience. More importantly, it allows for precise, consistent dosing and a cleaner, smoke-free ritual you can incorporate into your lifestyle with ease.
That said, how long does it take for THC to kick in exactly?
How Long Does it Take for THC to Kick In?
Whether you're looking to wind down before bed with our sleep mints or spark a bit of focus midday using our focus shot, knowing how long it takes for THC to activate is key to planning your ritual to perfection.
The catch? There's no single answer. It all depends on how you consume it and your body’s own unique rhythms. Let’s break it all down below.
How Long Does it Take for THC Gummies to Kick in?
Gummies are the most traditional form of edible cannabis, and also the slowest to kick in. They have to be fully digested through the gastrointestinal tract, and thus, must pass through the stomach and liver before THC is metabolized and enters the bloodstream.
This can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your metabolism, what you’ve eaten that day, and how your body processes cannabinoids. Sounds like a long time, but it just means you need to plan your intake well in advance so you get the effects when you want them.
Plus, the tradeoff is you get longer-lasting effects, somewhere between 4-8 hours, with an ultra-strong body sensation. These are our favorite ways to get sustained support for sleep, focus, mood, you name it.
However, you might need to go with a better alternative to edibles for faster relief - which is where the nuances of drinking THC vs edibles come into play.
What About THC Shots?
So, how long do THC shots take to kick in? Much quicker than edibles, and even mints for that matter! These fast-acting, liquid-based THC products begin absorbing almost immediately after consumption.
This of course depends on the brand and product in question. Well-formulated shots begin absorbing in the stomach and small intestine far more quickly than solid edibles.
You can typically expect effects to begin within 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes sooner if taken on an empty stomach. And because they’re also microdosed and beverage-based, they’re easy to integrate into a wellness ritual - whether that’s finding clarity in our anxiety shot or winding down with a sleep shot.
How Long Do THC Mints Take to Work?
THC mints sit somewhere between a tincture and an edible. They dissolve in your mouth just like any other mint would, so they’re absorbed partially through the mucous membranes.
This bypasses some of the digestive process for faster onset, typically within 30-45 minutes. However, some of the mint still gets swallowed - so the effects can really peak around the 60 minute mark, kind of like edibles.
They also offer greater control as the microdosed format lets you adjust your intake incrementally, layering more as needed without the delayed feedback loop of traditional edibles.
They’re super discreet as well, perfect for real-life use - be it our stress mints for finally unwinding after a chaotic day or dialing up your creative, energetic juices mid-day with our focus mints.
Factors Influencing THC Activation Time
So long does it take for THC to kick in? We want to reiterate these are just estimations, as there are quite a few moving pieces dictating exactly how soon you’ll feel something. These factors include:
- Your metabolism: Faster metabolisms tend to process THC quicker. This comes at the cost of longevity, though, as effects will fade sooner, too.
- Your stomach contents: Taking THC on an empty stomach often leads to faster absorption. Fatty meals can slow it down, but may also increase absorption rate overall.
- Body weight and composition: THC is lipophilic (fat-loving), so how much body fat you have can slightly influence how your body processes and stores cannabinoids.
- Your personal tolerance: If your system is already familiar with THC, it may “notice” it quicker - or may require slightly more to notice an effect.
Our advice with any of our wellness shots, mints, or gummies is to get in the habit of taking your product at the same time and under the same circumstances daily. This way you get a better understanding of how it affects you, and you can adjust accordingly.
How to Tell It’s Starting to Work
The thing with microdosing is it won’t hit you like a ton of bricks. It’s very different from inhaled cannabis as effects feel subtle, like a slow build rather than a sharp shift. But, there are a few telltale signs those cannabinoids and complementary ingredients are working their magic:
- A softening of the body: tension drops in the shoulders, jaw, or back
- A shift in focus: distractions fade, and your mind starts to feel more centered
- A lighter emotional state: stress feels less heavy, mood lifts
- Increased sensory awareness: sounds feel richer, or you tune in to your environment more easily
The key? Don’t chase a “high.” Microdosed THC is about support, not intensity. That’s why many users describe it as a gentle background shift rather than a peak-and-crash experience.
How Long Do Different THC Edibles Last?
We know you came here curious about how long it takes for edibles to kick in, but how long do they last? Longevity is just as important as activation time, if not more for sustained relief.
Again, it depends on things like your metabolism, tolerance, and stomach contents - along with the consumption method in question. Here is a quick guide to what you can expect:
- Gummies: 4 to 8 hours. Ideal for long-lasting relief or overnight sleep support.
- Mints: 3 to 6 hours. Best for daytime balance and stacking throughout the day.
- Shots: 2 to 4 hours. Stronger onset with moderate longevity. Perfect for midday focus, stress relief, or winding down.
Because the effects of oral THC last longer than inhaled cannabis, you’ll want to start low, go slow, and build up only if needed. We’ll share more tips on making the most of our microdose products below!
Tips on Enjoying Your THC Gummies, Mints, or Shots to the Fullest
We’ve made it easier than ever to tap into the therapeutic benefits cannabis has to offer here at Mr. Moxey’s, taking all the guesswork out of how to use these products. The directions included on the packaging will guide you. Here are some more insights, though.
Choose the Right Formulation at Mr. Moxey’s
Everything we sell is crafted with purpose. The right choice starts with knowing your goal.
Need better sleep? Our Dream Elderberry Shot or Sleep Mints offer a carefully balanced mix of THC, CBD, CBN, and/or calming herbs like valerian and passion flower.
Looking for clarity? Try the Focus Blood Orange Shot or Focus Mints, infused with THC, CBC, green tea, blood orange, agave, and/or rosemary for a light lift.
Managing stress or anxiety? Reach for our Lemon Ginger Relief Shot or Anxiety Mints - gentle, supportive options that combine botanicals like chamomile, hops, and lemon verbena with a balanced cannabinoid profile.
We mean it when we say there’s something for everyone at Mr. Moxey’s. Browse our catalog, see what catches your eye, or get in touch with our customer service team for one-on-one support.
Start Low, Go Slow
Less isn’t just more, it’s smarter when it comes to using cannabis orally. The last thing you want is to get too high. You’re chasing therapeutic relief, not psychoactive power. Fortunately, overdosing is rare with our products since they’re dosed so precisely.
Begin with a single dose (typically 2.5 mg of THC or less) and wait before adding more. This lets you gauge how your body responds without overwhelming your system or overshooting your needs.
That’s usually just a single mint or shot - in some cases, half a shot is plenty since these tend to be stronger than our mints. Just remember, you can always take more next time if it doesn’t get you where you need to be.
Pair With Your Intention
Cannabis is a great piece of your wellness puzzle - but it’s just that, a single piece. It works best to enhance what’s already there, so we recommend pairing your dose with a clear intention.
That might be sitting down with a project, a journal, or a walk in nature with our focus products. Or, it could be dim lights and meditation or music if you’re seeking stress relief. For sleep, start winding down an hour before bed with calming rituals like stretching, herbal tea, or reading.
There are no right or wrong answers here, as long as you’re using cannabis with a purpose. The experience will become richer and more aligned.
Creating a Personal Routine
We touched on this earlier, but our wellness solutions work best when made a regular part of your ritual. That means using the same products at the same time daily.
Whether it’s a mint before your morning routine or a shot to ease you into rest at night, consistency helps your body recognize and respond to THC more predictably.
The schedule doesn’t have to be completely rigid. You just need something that feels natural and supportive. Track how you feel, when you feel it, and what dose works best for your needs. You can build from there.
Final Words on How Long for THC Edibles to Work
So how long does it take for THC to kick in? We hope this guide has left you with complete clarity on what you can expect, not just in terms of activation time, but the overall experience.
Whether you're reaching for a gummy, a mint, or a THC shot, understanding onset and duration helps you plan your dose around your needs, not the other way around. No matter the approach you prefer, we’ve got you covered at Mr. Moxey’s.
Find your moment of clarity, calm, or rest in our catalog today. Join thousands of satisfied customers and elevate your routine with microdosed cannabis that actually fits your life!
