How long does a 10mg edible last? A Guide to Duration and Effects

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

The effects of a 10mg THC edible can last from 4 to 8 hours, and for some, even up to 12 hours [1.2.2, 1.2.3]. Understanding how long does a 10mg edible last involves a timeline of onset, peak, and multiple personal factors.

Quick Summary

A 10mg THC edible typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, with peak effects around 2 to 4 hours, and a total duration of 4 to 8 hours. Individual metabolism, tolerance, and body weight heavily influence this timeline.

Key Points

Onset Time: Effects from a 10mg edible typically begin in 30 to 120 minutes [1.4.3].
Peak Effects: The most intense effects are usually felt 2 to 4 hours after consumption [1.2.1].
Total Duration: The entire experience from a 10mg edible generally lasts between 4 and 8 hours, sometimes up to 12 [1.2.3, 1.4.4].
Metabolism is Key: The liver converts THC into a more potent compound, 11-hydroxy-THC, causing a stronger, longer high [1.6.1].
Start Low, Go Slow: Beginners should start with 2.5-5mg, not 10mg, and wait at least 2 hours before redosing [1.2.2, 1.4.3].
Individual Factors: Metabolism, body weight, tolerance, and stomach contents all significantly impact duration and intensity [1.3.1].
Edibles vs. Smoking: Edibles have a much slower onset but last significantly longer (4-8+ hours) compared to smoking (1-3 hours) [1.5.1, 1.5.3].

The Science of Edible Consumption

When you consume a cannabis edible, the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) takes a different metabolic path than when it's inhaled [1.6.1]. The edible must first travel through your digestive system to the liver. In the liver, THC is converted into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC [1.6.1, 1.6.3]. This compound crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively, which is why edibles often produce a stronger and longer-lasting experience compared to smoking [1.6.1]. This entire process, known as first-pass metabolism, is responsible for the delayed onset and extended duration of effects [1.3.1].

The Timeline of a 10mg Edible Experience

A 10mg dose is often considered a standard dose for regular consumers but can be too intense for beginners [1.7.2, 1.7.3]. The experience can be broken down into distinct phases:

Onset (30 minutes - 2 hours): It takes time for the body to digest the edible and for the liver to metabolize the THC. Most people begin to feel the first subtle effects within 30 to 120 minutes [1.4.1, 1.4.3]. Factors like an empty stomach can speed up this process [1.3.7].
Peak (2 - 4 hours): The psychoactive effects reach their maximum intensity around 2 to 4 hours after consumption [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. This is when you will feel the full impact of the 11-hydroxy-THC.
Duration (4 - 8 hours): For a 10mg dose, the main effects typically last between 4 and 8 hours [1.2.2, 1.4.1]. Some individuals may experience effects for up to 12 hours, especially those with lower tolerance or slower metabolisms [1.2.3, 1.4.4].
After-effects (up to 24 hours): Some residual effects, such as grogginess or a light mental fog, can last for up to 24 hours after ingestion [1.3.6].

Key Factors Influencing Edible Duration

The question of "how long does a 10mg edible last?" doesn't have a single answer because several personal factors can dramatically alter the experience:

Metabolism: Individuals with a faster metabolism will process THC more quickly, potentially leading to a shorter duration of effects [1.3.4].
Tolerance: A regular cannabis user will have a higher tolerance, meaning they may experience less intense and shorter-lasting effects from a 10mg dose compared to a novice user [1.3.4]. For beginners, a dose of 2.5mg to 5mg is often recommended [1.2.2].
Body Weight and Composition: Since THC is fat-soluble, it is stored in fat cells. Individuals with a higher body fat percentage may store THC metabolites longer, which can influence the duration and how long it stays in the system [1.3.2, 1.6.2].
Stomach Contents: Taking an edible on an empty stomach can lead to a faster, more intense onset, while a full stomach slows down digestion and absorption, leading to a more gradual and potentially longer-lasting experience [1.3.7]. Consuming edibles with fatty foods can increase the absorption of THC [1.3.7].

Edibles vs. Inhalation: A Comparison

The method of consumption directly impacts the onset, intensity, and duration of effects. Inhaled cannabis provides a much different experience than ingested cannabis.


Feature	Edibles (10mg)	Inhalation (Smoking/Vaping)
Onset Time	30 - 120 minutes [1.5.3]	1 - 10 minutes [1.5.2, 1.5.6]
Peak Effects	2 - 4 hours [1.2.1]	5 - 15 minutes [1.5.4]
Total Duration	4 - 12 hours [1.4.4]	1 - 3 hours [1.5.1]
Metabolite	Primarily 11-hydroxy-THC (more potent) [1.6.1]	Primarily Delta-9-THC [1.2.7]
Intensity	Often stronger, more body-focused [1.2.3, 1.5.2]	More cerebral, less intense body high [1.5.2]

Safety and Dosing Recommendations

The guiding principle for edibles is to "start low and go slow" [1.2.2]. Because of the delayed onset, a common mistake is to take a second dose before the first one has fully kicked in, which can lead to overconsumption and uncomfortable side effects like anxiety or paranoia [1.4.3].

For a first-time user, a dose of 2.5mg to 5mg is highly recommended [1.7.4]. You can always take more after waiting at least two full hours, but you can't take less once it's consumed [1.7.2]. A 10mg dose is best suited for those with some existing tolerance to THC [1.7.2]. Always consume in a safe, comfortable environment and avoid mixing with alcohol, which can intensify the effects [1.2.2, 1.4.5].

Conclusion

The effects of a 10mg edible can last for a significant portion of the day, typically between 4 and 8 hours, with a delayed onset of up to two hours [1.2.1, 1.4.2]. The unique metabolic process it undergoes creates a powerful and long-lasting experience that is distinct from other consumption methods. Understanding the factors that affect duration—such as your metabolism, tolerance, and what you've eaten—is key to a safe and predictable experience. Always prioritize caution by starting with a low dose and patiently waiting to gauge the effects before considering more.

For more information on cannabis safety, you can visit Health Canada's resource page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The effects of a 10mg THC edible typically last between 4 and 8 hours, though some people may feel them for up to 12 hours. The peak effects usually occur 2 to 4 hours after ingestion [1.2.1, 1.2.2].

Yes, 10mg is often considered too much for a beginner. It's recommended that first-time users start with a lower dose, such as 2.5mg to 5mg, to avoid overwhelming effects like anxiety or paranoia [1.2.2, 1.4.3].

Wait longer. The effects of edibles can take up to two hours, and sometimes even longer, to begin. It is strongly advised to wait at least two full hours before considering taking another dose to prevent accidental overconsumption [1.3.1, 1.4.3].

Consuming an edible on a full stomach or with a fatty meal can slow down absorption, which may lead to a more gradual and longer-lasting experience compared to taking it on an empty stomach [1.3.7].

When you eat an edible, your liver metabolizes THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that is more potent and can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than the Delta-9-THC you get from smoking. This results in a more intense and body-focused high [1.6.1, 1.2.7].

For an occasional user, THC from an edible can be detectable in urine for 3-7 days. For frequent users, it can be detected for 30 days or more. In blood, it's typically detectable for 1-4 days, and in hair for up to 90 days [1.8.1, 1.8.4].

If you consume too much, the most important thing is to stay calm and find a comfortable, safe place to relax. Stay hydrated by drinking water, and try distracting activities like listening to music or watching a familiar movie. The effects will subside over time [1.2.2].