You ever eat a 10mg gummy, feel nothing for an hour, then suddenly start hearing your heartbeat in 4K? Or take the same exact dose on a different day and barely feel a buzz? Yeah. Us too.
Here’s the thing: milligrams don’t tell the whole story. The way your body processes cannabis is a chaotic little cocktail of biology, chemistry, and circumstance. Everything from the type of THC to the snack you ate beforehand can totally change the way an edible hits.
So if you’ve ever found yourself too high (or somehow… not high enough), don’t panic. You’re not broken. Edibles are just unpredictable little weirdos—and we’re here to explain why.
Metabolism, Body Chemistry & Tolerance
First things first: your body is not a calculator. Just because two people eat the same edible doesn’t mean they’re going to have the same experience. That’s because your metabolism, tolerance, and body chemistry are running the show.
Here’s what that means:
- Metabolism speed affects how fast your body processes THC. Faster metabolism = quicker onset, possibly shorter high. Slower metabolism? It might take longer to feel it, but when it hits, it hits.
- Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is like a fingerprint—unique to you. Some folks are more sensitive to THC. Others need a mini gummy buffet to feel anything.
- Liver enzymes (especially one called CYP2C9) play a huge role. They convert Delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting. People with more efficient enzyme activity = deeper, sometimes more intense highs.
Oh, and let’s not forget tolerance. If you’re a daily dabber? That 10mg gummy might barely register. If you’re new or on a break? Buckle up.
Basically: same dose, different bodies = completely different outcomes. Your best friend might vibe, while you’re halfway to the moon—and both are normal.
Cannabinoid Type & Ratio
So you see “10mg THC” on the label and assume you know what you’re getting into. But here’s the plot twist: not all cannabinoids hit the same—not even close. Depending on which kind of THC (or combo of cannabinoids) is in your edible, you might get a breezy body high… or launch into existential outer space.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Delta-9 THC is the classic. Strong, fast-acting, and the one most edibles use. If it says 10mg of D9, expect a solid psychoactive experience—especially if you’re new.
- Delta-8 THC is the chill cousin. Milder, longer onset, and often described as more “functional” or “floaty.” Still psychoactive, but usually less intense than D9.
- THCP is the wildcard. It’s new-ish, and early studies suggest it’s 33x more active at CB1 receptors than Delta-9. That means even 1mg can hit like a truck. If you’ve ever had a low-dose edible that turned into a full-body shutdown… THCP might’ve been involved.
- CBN, CBG, CBD—these aren’t going to get you high, but they do influence how THC feels. CBN can mellow things out. CBG might help with focus. CBD can either buffer the intensity or (sometimes) stretch the high out.
TL;DR: The number on the label is just part of the story. If you’re feeling extra weird off a gummy that “shouldn’t be that strong,” check the fine print—it might’ve brought friends.
Delivery Format: Gummy vs Drink vs Tincture vs Smoking
Here’s something nobody tells you when you start exploring edibles: how you consume THC matters just as much as how much you consume. Same milligrams, totally different vibes.
Let’s break it down:
Drinks (like infused lemonades or seltzers):
These tend to hit faster than traditional edibles thanks to something called nanoemulsification (aka: breaking THC down into teeny tiny particles that your body absorbs more quickly). That means a 10mg drink might sneak up on you in 15–30 minutes and peak hard—great if you’re impatient. Dangerous if you’re reckless.
Gummies:
Classic and reliable, but more of a slow burn. They’re absorbed through your digestive system and processed by your liver (shoutout again to 11-hydroxy-THC). Onset can take 45–90 minutes depending on your body and what you ate beforehand. But once it kicks in? It’s a vibe marathon.
Tinctures:
These go under your tongue (sublingual delivery), which can bypass digestion and lead to a quicker onset—but only if you actually let it absorb there. If you swallow it too quickly? Congrats, it’s a gummy now.
Smoking & Vaping:
Inhalation is the fastest way to feel THC—usually within a few minutes. That’s because the cannabinoids hit your bloodstream through your lungs, skipping digestion entirely. Flower and vapes give you more immediate control over your high, which makes them great for stacking with edibles or testing the waters before you go full gummy mode. Just keep in mind: the high from smoking may fade quicker, even if it starts strong.
So yeah, if your friend smoked a bowl and you ate a 20mg gummy, y’all are not on the same timeline—or possibly the same planet.
Ingredients & Emulsification: The Hidden Power of the Recipe
Not all edibles are created equal—and we’re not just talking about cannabinoids. The actual recipe behind your gummy matters. A lot.
Here’s why:
Fat = absorption. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means your body absorbs them more efficiently when they’re paired with fats. That’s why some of the best edibles use things like coconut oil or MCT oil—they give THC something to cling to on the way into your bloodstream. No fat? Lower absorption. Sad high.
Emulsifiers make a difference. Some brands use nanoemulsification or other advanced techniques to make THC more bioavailable (aka: easier for your body to absorb). That’s part of why infused drinks hit faster and harder—the THC is prepped for rapid delivery.
Mystery gummies from your cousin? Yeah… no. Poorly made edibles often suffer from uneven dosing or low-quality carriers, which can lead to inconsistent effects. One piece might do nothing. The next might take you to another dimension. Respectfully? No thanks.
So if you’re wondering why one gummy slapped and the next one whispered, check the ingredients list and the COA. A well-made edible will tell you what’s inside and why it works.
The Setting, the Mood, and Your Brain
Okay, real talk: your mindset can absolutely make or break your high. Even if the dose is perfect, the format is dialed, and the product is top-tier—if your brain isn’t on board, your body might panic anyway.
Let’s unpack it:
If you’re anxious before you dose, your high might amplify that. THC can enhance whatever you’re already feeling. So if you’re spiraling about work, your ex, or the meaning of life? Yeah… that 10mg might hit different.
Setting matters. Are you at home with snacks and a blanket? Or are you in a crowded place trying to act normal while the walls breathe? Spoiler: you’ll feel very different in each.
Hydration, blood sugar, and sleep all factor in. If you’re dehydrated, hungry, or running on two hours of sleep and pure adrenaline, your edible might feel more intense—or just straight-up weird.
Cannabis is a vibe amplifier, not a mood fixer. If you want to have a good time, set yourself up for success: clean space, cozy clothes, water nearby, and a plan to do nothing stressful.
TL;DR: your edible isn’t trying to betray you—but your brain might be. Be gentle with it.
Final Thoughts: Respect the Edible. Know Thyself.
Edibles are magical little weirdos—delightful, unpredictable, and occasionally humbling. If one hit harder than expected (or not at all), it’s not your fault. It’s chemistry, baby.
From your metabolism to your mindset, from nanoemulsions to the type of THC—it all plays a role. And once you understand the edible equation, you can actually enjoy the ride instead of white-knuckling through it.
So whether you’re chasing chill or curating chaos, just remember:
✨ Start low. Go slow. Hydrate. Prepare snacks. ✨
And when you’re ready to fine-tune your experience?
Come visit us at The Hemptender. We’ve got the gummies, the drinks, the flower, and the friendly advice to help you find your just right high—every time.