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Whether you look to cannabis for wellness purposes or simply enjoy the effects as a form of adult recreation, you have so many options to choose from. Weed edibles are a go-to for people who want something other than flower, but traditional edibles are notorious for taking a while to kick in (up to 45 minutes). Enter fast-acting edibles. What is a fast-acting edible, and how does that work? Here is a closer look.

So, What Is a Fast-Acting Edible?

Theory Wellness Hi5

Normally, when you eat weed edibles you’re left waiting for the effects to settle in. In a lot of ways, precisely when the effects will hit and how intense they will be is a bit of a guessing game.
Consuming THC through ingestion usually means an onset time of between 30 and 90 minutes, with the effects reaching their peak at closer to 2 to 3 hours. However, several things can affect these numbers, including:

  • Bodyweight
  • Metabolism
  • Time since your last meal
  • Gender
  • The ingredients in the edible

A fast-acting edible takes effect much faster as they are traditionally absorbed directly through the blood stream. For example, something like Hi5 THC-Infused Seltzers and Chews are designed to yield effects in as little as five minutes, with the peak effects after about 30 minutes.

Nano-Emulsification: The Science Behind Fast-Acting Edibles

Most people well understand what THC is and that it is primarily responsible for the effects of cannabis. However, on a scientific level, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is simply a molecule derived from a plant. Normally, the molecules are pretty sizable, so it can take a little while for the body to break them down.

Nano-emulsification is a state-of-the-art process that takes those cannabinoid molecules and breaks them down into the tiniest, microscopic particles. This means that instead of having to wait for 30, 60, or 90 minutes or longer for the THC to interact with the endocannabinoid system and yield effects, you experience the effects in a matter of minutes.

The True Value of a Fast-Acting Edible

With a faster onset time, you are not left waiting and wondering when an edible’s effects are going to hit. This is valuable for a few reasons, including:

  • No surprises – Fast-acting edibles don’t leave you guessing and wondering when or how the effects are going to settle in
  • Scalable effects – Much like smoking cannabis, when you feel the effects right away, you can better tell if you want to get a little more of a buzz
  • More control – When you don’t know how an edible will affect you, you are more likely to inadvertently consume too much

How to Find Fast-Acting Weed Edibles

Hi5 Peach MangoLook for weed edibles at a dispensary that are labeled as “fast-acting” or that explicitly state they are made with nano-emulsified THC. A good option when it comes to fast-acting THC drinks is Hi5 Seltzers. These flavored seltzer drinks are available at numerous dispensaries and come in yummy flavors, like Peach Mango, Watermelon, and Winter Mule.

If you prefer weed edibles over drinks, Hi5 also makes a line of Fast-Acting Sour Chews. For an even more elevated edible experience, a good choice is THEORYx: Fast-Acting Pâte de Fruit THC Chews, which are jellied, fruit chews in flavors like Honey Apricot, Blueberry Pie, and Pomegranate Rose.

Hi5 at Theory WellnessFind Fast-Acting Edibles and THC Drinks at Theory Wellness

At Theory Wellness, we’re major supporters of the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy cannabis in a way that works best for them. Fast-acting products help make that possible. Ready to try a fast-acting edible or beverage for yourself? Be sure to take a look at the Massachusetts menus or Maine menus for a dispensary near you to reserve your order for pickup.

Common Questions

How do fast-acting weed edibles work?

Fast-acting weed edibles are broken down by the digestive system and even by the salivary glands in the mouth. The microscopic THC particles are absorbed into the bloodstream and then affect the endocannabinoid system, which then leads to euphoric effects. This all takes place in a matter of minutes.

How are fast-acting edibles different from traditional edibles?

Traditional edibles contain THC in the standard-size molecules. This means that those molecules have to be processed by the digestive tract before you feel the effects. By contrast, fast-acting weed edibles are usually made with smaller THC molecules, which means it doesn’t take as long for the cannabinoids to be broken down and you feel the effects faster.

Wondering how to make edibles hit harder?

While you may not be able to control the effects of an edible, some people can encourage edibles to hit faster. While there is no well-documented research on the idea, some anecdotal reports claim that the effects of edibles settle in faster if your metabolism is moving faster due to higher activity levels or even if you consume edibles on an empty stomach. Do keep in mind, however, it is best not to eat more edibles after an edible kicks in, as this may amplify the effects to an uncomfortable level.

Where is Theory Wellness located?

  • Bridgewater, Massachusetts (medical only): Our hours are 10 AM to 7 PM (Everyday)
  • Great Barrington, Massachusetts (medical and recreational): Our hours are 8 AM to 10 PM (Everyday)
  • Chicopee, Massachusetts (recreational only): Our hours are 9 AM to 9 PM (Monday – Saturday); 10 AM to 9 PM (Sunday)

About Theory Wellness

Theory Wellness is a vertically integrated dispensary with a deep passion for cannabis and the role it plays in improving people’s lives. We focus on small-batch cultivation of premium genetics sourced from select breeders around the world. We use high-efficiency growing techniques that help the plant reach its full potential in bud structure, terpene profile, and bag appeal. In addition, our lab is filled with an eclectic group of passionate scientists. We produce our products using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and are constantly exploring new methods to develop our products.

Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edible Marijuana Products may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.