What Are Fast-Acting Edibles?
Fast-acting edibles differ from traditional edibles in the time they take to kick in, the effects, therapeutic benefits, taste, and the way they are made. Unlike traditional edibles, fast-acting edibles deliver D9 THC molecules that have been individually encapsulated. These molecules are absorbed more quickly, resulting in a faster onset and a shorter duration of effects. Fast-acting edibles are becoming increasingly popular for providing quick relief and an experience more similar to smoking or vaping cannabis.
Fast-Acting Edibles
Onset Time: 5 – 30 mins
Duration of Effects: 2 – 4 hours
Cannabinoid Responsible for Effects: Delta-9 THC
Common Effects: More head sensations
Taste: Neutral
Traditional Edibles
Onset Time: 30 – 90 mins
Duration of Effects: 4 – 8 hours
Cannabinoid Responsible for Effects: 11-hydroxy-THC
Common Effects: More body sensations
Taste: May have hints of cannabis
What Are the Effects of Fast-Acting Edibles Like?
Fast-acting edibles are designed to kick in quicker and produce a different effect than traditional edibles. Traditional D9 THC edibles are processed in the digestive tract and liver and are converted into 11-hydroxy-THC before entering the bloodstream, so the onset time may vary between 30 to 90 minutes. Many patients find that 11-hydroxy-THC is more potent and has stronger body relaxing and sedative properties than D9 THC. Others find that traditional edibles don’t work at all for them due to a variety of factors (metabolism, digestive issues etc..), but do get relief with fast-acting edibles. With fast-acting edibles, the D9 THC is absorbed into the bloodstream through soft tissue, so the onset time is 5 to 30 minutes, and only a small amount is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC. The effects may more closely resemble smoking, vaping, or using tinctures.
Benefits of Fast-Acting Edibles
- Fast-acting relief without smoking or vaping
- An experience that may resemble smoking and vaping more than traditional edibles
- May provide relief to people who don’t get enough from traditional edibles
- Good for occasions where you want a shorter period of effects
- Less of a cannabis taste
- More cost-effective since you may need fewer milligrams to feel the desired effects
Potential Therapeutic Uses
- At the correct dose, it may give quick anxiety relief
- Discreet product that you can use if you can’t smoke or vape
- Quick relief from sudden pain
- Can be used in combination with traditional edibles for long-lasting relief
- Help with falling asleep, at bedtime or in the middle of the night
- Try in combination with traditional edibles for help falling and staying asleep
How Are Fast-Acting Edibles Made?
To create these products, we have partnered with Azuca, a company that specializes in providing ingredients and resources to transform any standard cannabis oil into a smaller particle size.
The science behind these new fast-acting products is called TiME (Thermodynamic individual Molecular Encapsulation) INFUSION®. These fast-acting edibles are made with a special ingredient called CX TiME Infusion ACTIVATOR®, a proprietary blend of plant-derived modified food starches and gums.
The process and ingredients create a hydrophilic (water-friendly) coating around the cannabinoid. This allows the cannabinoids within the oil to be absorbed by the soft tissues in the mouth and esophagus, resulting in a faster onset and effects that differ significantly from traditional edibles.
Disclaimer: This is an educational document and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your medical provider if you have questions related to your healthcare.
Updated September 18, 2024
