How Long Do Weed Gummies Last?

Marijuana edibles are often seen as a more discreet or convenient way to consume cannabis, but what many people don’t realize is how long the effects of edibles can last in the body, and how unpredictable or dangerous that can be. Whether you’re using cannabis brownies, cannabis cookies, or edible gummies, these products stay in your system much longer than most people expect. They may even result in someone seeking treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder.

In fact, because edibles must be digested and metabolized, their impact is not only delayed but prolonged. For some, this can lead to accidental overconsumption, intense psychological effects, and even serious medical emergencies. While some people use these products under the guidance of a medical marijuana card, many more use them recreationally without understanding the full risks.

How Do Edibles Work in the Body?

Unlike smoked or vaped cannabis, marijuana edibles are absorbed through the digestive system. When you consume an edible, the active ingredients—primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and sometimes CBD—are metabolized by the liver before entering your bloodstream. This process produces a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is significantly more potent than regular THC.

This metabolic route not only increases the intensity of the effect of cannabis, but also makes it far more unpredictable. How long the effects last can vary depending on:

The mg of THC in the product
Your metabolism
Your tolerance level
Whether you’ve eaten food beforehand
The specific cannabis product (e.g., gummy edible, hard candies, cannabis cookies)

Despite popular belief that marijuana is a non-addictive substance, repetitive long-term use of cannabis can become habit-forming. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 30% of people who use this substance likely fit the criteria for having a marijuana use disorder.

How Long Do the Effects of Edibles Last?

For many, the effects of edibles begin anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption and can last up to 12 hours. However, traces of THC can remain in your system for days or even weeks, depending on how much was consumed and how often you use cannabis.

Average Timeline After Consuming a Marijuana Edible:

Time After Ingestion	What Happens
30–90 minutes	You may begin feeling the effects (delayed onset)
2–6 hours	Peak intensity; may cause disorientation or paranoia
6–12 hours	Effects taper off but can linger, especially with high doses
1–30 days	THC remains in your system and may show up on drug tests

While this timeline can vary depending on the type of edible and your individual body chemistry, it’s clear that edibles stay in your body much longer than most people realize.

The Risk of Overconsumption and Psychological Side Effects

Many users make the mistake of taking more edibles before the first dose kicks in. This leads to dangerous levels of THC in the body, causing:

Severe anxiety
Hallucinations
Rapid heart rate
Nausea or vomiting
Panic attacks
Difficulty sleeping

These reactions are even more common when people unknowingly consume a high mg of THC without understanding their tolerance. Just because cannabis education is growing, doesn’t mean the average person is informed about how edibles work, or how they can affect you for hours or even days.

Can Medical Marijuana Edibles Be Safer?

Even medical cannabis products aren’t immune to these risks. Those with a medical marijuana card, including patients using cannabis for ulcerative colitis or chronic pain, are often told to start with a low dose. But even small amounts can cause intense and prolonged effects, especially for new users or individuals with sensitive systems.

Are Edibles Worth the Risk?

Whether you purchase from a licensed dispensary or receive a medical marijuana card, the risks of edibles are clear. Products may contain CBD and THC, offer unclear dosing, or lack consistency in strength, especially in homemade or black-market products.

Many users also store them improperly, unaware that cannabinoids degrade over time when exposed to heat and light, even if stored properly in a cool, dark place or an airtight container. While this affects potency, it doesn’t eliminate how long THC stays in your system once consumed.

And while some ask whether you can eat expired edibles, the reality is that expired edibles may contain degraded active ingredients, and in some cases, harmful bacteria, especially if the food product wasn’t refrigerated or frozen correctly. Don’t be fooled by clever packaging or friendly branding—cannabis edibles are not as harmless as they seem.

Final Thoughts: Skip the Edibles

It’s easy to be misled by marketing or anecdotes about medical marijuana, CBD edibles, or delta-9 THC. But no matter how they’re packaged, marijuana edibles pose a real risk—especially because their effects last much longer than people expect. From accidental overconsumption to lingering THC in your system, these products are far from harmless.

Even if you’re considering edibles for medical purposes, always question the long-term health effects and consider safer, evidence-based alternatives. Cannabis education is crucial, but so is making informed decisions that protect your body and mental health.

If you’re looking for guidance or experiencing issues after consuming edibles, consult your doctor and avoid further use. Don’t take a chance on something that could hijack your system for hours or weeks.

Marijauna Addiction Treatment

At Royal Life Centers, we understand the serious toll that substance abuse and addiction can have on your life. That is why our treatment programs offer a full continuum of care for a wide variety of substance use disorders, including marijuana addiction.

Some of the treatment services you will have access to while recovering at one of our marijuana addiction treatment facilities include: