Sep 9, 2025
You pop a gummy. Your friend pops the same gummy. An hour later, they’re laughing at a squirrel outside, and you’re just…waiting.
This isn’t in your head—edibles really do hit everyone differently.
Unlike smoking, where THC goes straight to your brain, edibles take the scenic route. First, they’re digested. Then, your liver steps in and transforms THC into something called 11-hydroxy-THC—a stronger, longer-lasting version that’s behind those deep edible highs.
Here’s the twist: not every liver works at the same speed. Some people break down THC quickly, and the effects slam them. Others? The process is slower, weaker, or just…different. You might barely feel a thing while your friend’s having a cosmic experience.
On top of that, timing is all over the place. Some folks feel it in 30 minutes, others in two hours. If you’re used to the instant feedback of smoking, that waiting game can make edibles seem like they’re “not working”—until suddenly, they are.
So no, you’re not “immune to edibles.” Your metabolism just plays by its own rules.
Want to figure out your rhythm? Start with low-dose edibles, give them time, and pay attention to how your body responds. It’s part science, part self-discovery—and all part of the fun.
Here’s where things get interesting: your metabolism calls the shots.
When you eat an edible, your body doesn’t just absorb THC—it processes it through the liver, which turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily and hits harder than smoked THC. That’s why edible highs often feel stronger and last way longer.
But everyone’s liver works a little differently.
Some people convert THC quickly and efficiently → boom, strong effects.
Others process it slowly → the high builds gradually, sometimes barely noticeable.
A few barely convert it at all → hello, underwhelming experience.
Your body weight, genetics, hormones, and even what you ate that day can tweak this process. Had a greasy burger before your gummy? The fats can help THC absorb better. Tried one on an empty stomach? You might either feel it sooner or get hit harder than expected.
Your friend might be on cloud nine because their body is a THC-conversion machine. You might barely feel it, even with a higher dose, because your metabolism is slower at creating 11-hydroxy-THC.
This is why edibles are such a wildcard. They’re not like alcohol, where weight and tolerance predict the buzz. With edibles, the same dose is never “one size fits all.”
If you’ve ever thought, “Edibles don’t work for me,” it’s worth experimenting—slowly—with different products and dosages. The right edible might just surprise you.
If metabolism is the engine, dosage and timing are the gas and the brakes. They’re the reason one gummy can be the perfect buzz for someone—and way too much (or too little) for someone else.
Start with a low dose—2.5 to 5 mg—especially if you’re new to edibles.
For some, 5 mg feels like a gentle wave.
For others, it’s lights out.
Jumping straight to 20 mg because your friend says “you’ll be fine”? That’s how you end up on the couch questioning life choices.
Here’s where most people trip up: edibles take time.
Fast-acting options: 30–45 minutes.
Traditional gummies or brownies: up to 2 hours.
On a full stomach? Maybe even longer.
That’s why the golden rule is “start low, go slow.” Taking more because “nothing’s happening” is a classic rookie mistake—you’ll feel it, just later… and harder than expected.
Some modern products use nano-emulsified THC, which kicks in faster because your body absorbs it more like alcohol than traditional edibles. The high tends to come on quick, peak earlier, and wear off sooner. If you’ve ever tried a THC beverage and thought, “Whoa, that was fast,” this is why.
So if timing has tripped you up before, try switching things up—snack before, hydrate, and choose a product type that matches your patience level.
For a variety of dosing styles (and onset speeds), check out our rotating lineup of edibles. There’s something for every tolerance and every vibe.
Edibles aren’t just about THC and metabolism. Plenty of little things can shift the experience:
Tolerance: If you’re a regular smoker, you may need more to feel the same effects.
Sleep & Stress: Your mood going in shapes how the high feels.
Product Quality: Stale gummies or unevenly infused baked goods? Don’t expect consistent results.
Environment: Chilling at home vs. out with friends can completely change the vibe.
Even two batches of the same edible might feel different if they’re made with different cannabis oil or infusion techniques. This is why consistency from a licensed shop (like Treehouse) matters.
Finding your ideal edible high is like learning your coffee order—you’ve got to experiment.
Start low (2.5–5 mg) and be patient.
Take notes—what did you eat that day, what product, how long did it take?
Try different types. Fast-acting gummies, traditional chocolates, beverages—they all hit differently.
Don’t chase someone else’s high. Your friend’s magic number might not be yours.
With a little trial and error, you’ll know exactly what works for your body and when to take it.
If edibles haven’t worked for you yet, don’t write them off. The way your body processes THC is unique, and sometimes it takes a few tries with the right product to unlock that perfect experience.
Treehouse Cannabis in Nyack carries a mix of traditional and fast-acting edibles so you can experiment safely and find what clicks. Order online for easy Hudson Valley delivery or swing by the shop to talk through options—your perfect dose is out there.
