Glossary · Consumption
Onset
The time it takes to feel effects after consuming cannabis. Smoking and vaping have an onset of minutes, while edibles can take thirty minutes to two hours as they pass through the gut and liver. Misjudging edible onset is the leading cause of accidental overconsumption.
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Related terms, defined
- Edible
- A cannabis-infused food or drink, from gummies to chocolates to seltzers, that delivers THC through digestion. Edibles hit slower and last far longer than smoking, which makes overconsumption easy. The golden rule is to start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before taking more.
- Half-life
- The time it takes for the concentration of a compound like THC in the body to fall by half. THC's half-life varies widely with body fat and frequency of use, which is why it lingers in drug tests for days or weeks. It explains why effects fade gradually rather than abruptly.
- Decarboxylation
- The heating step that converts non-intoxicating THCA in raw cannabis into active THC. Smoking and vaping decarb instantly; edibles require baking the flower first or the result will not get you high. Skipping or rushing decarb is the most common reason homemade edibles disappoint.
- Microdose
- Taking a very small, sub-intoxicating amount of cannabis — often 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC — to get subtle benefits without feeling impaired. Microdosing suits people who want a mood or focus lift while staying functional. It also helps manage tolerance and is a smart entry point for nervous beginners.