How cannabis works — the friendly version
Flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, topicals — every form of cannabis has its own onset, its own effects, and its own vibe. Here's what you need to know before you consume, dose by dose.
Fast onset
The classic
Flower is cannabis in its most familiar form. Different strains give different effects — indicas tend to relax, sativas tend to energize, and hybrids land in between. With inhalation, onset takes only minutes, and effects typically last one to three hours.
Not sure which strain fits your mood? Ask our budtenders — matchmaking is kind of our thing.
Slow and steady
Edibles — like our THC-infused gummies — are consumed rather than inhaled, so the THC is processed through your digestive system. That means onset is slower: expect 30 minutes to two hours before you feel anything, with effects that can last several hours. Many people find the experience lasts three hours or more.
The golden rule (full details in our beginner's guide): start with a low dose (2.5–5 mg THC), wait at least two hours before you take more, and never dose in a hurry. Patience pays off.
Lasts several hours
Under the tongue
The precise one
Cannabis tinctures are oils infused with extracted THC or CBD. Drop a measured dose under your tongue, hold for 30–60 seconds, and the effects arrive in about 15 to 45 minutes — faster than edibles, gentler than inhalation. Tinctures allow very precise dosing, which makes them a favorite for wellness-focused routines.
You can also add a dose to food or a drink — it'll behave more like an edible that way, with a slower onset.
The potent one
Concentrates are made by extracting the good stuff from cannabis flower into potent oils — think vape cartridges, live resin, and dabs. Because you consume them through inhalation, onset takes just minutes, and the psychoactive effects are stronger per puff than flower.
Heads up: concentrates often test at 70–90% THC. If you're new, take a single small puff and see how you feel before going back for more.
High THC
No high
The no-buzz option
Topicals — balms, lotions, and salves infused with cannabis — are applied directly to the skin. They offer localized benefits without psychoactive effects, because the cannabinoids don't reach your bloodstream in meaningful amounts. Apply where you need it, as often as you need it.
Great for people who want the wellness side of cannabis without feeling high at all. Curious how that works? See CBD vs THC.
Onset & duration by method
Typical ranges — everyone's body is different, so your experience may vary.
flower, vapes, concentrates
Lasts: 1–3 hrs
under the tongue
Lasts: 4–6 hrs
gummies, chews
Lasts: several hours
balms, lotions
No psychoactive effects