What Are Fast-Acting Edible, and How Do They Work?
Tired of waiting for over an hour for your edible to kick in? The solution: fast-acting edibles! These innovative edibles take effect much quicker than traditional edibles.
For years, this advancement has changed how people consume cannabis. But how exactly do fast-acting gummies work? The answer lies in the science behind absorption methods and product formulation. In this blog, we’ll break down how these products are made, why they work faster, and what sets them apart from traditional edibles. Let’s take a closer look at the technology driving this shift in cannabis consumption.
What Are Fast-Acting Edibles?
Fast-acting edibles are cannabis-infused products that are designed to take effect more quickly than traditional edibles. While standard edibles typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce noticeable effects, fast-acting versions can begin working in as little as 5 to 15 minutes.
The key difference lies in how the cannabis compounds—usually THC or CBD—are delivered into the body. Fast-acting edibles use advanced formulations such as nanoemulsions or other water-soluble technologies that allow cannabinoids to be absorbed through the mouth and stomach lining more efficiently. This results in a quicker onset and often a shorter duration of effects compared to conventional, fat-based edibles.
These products are commonly found in the form of gummies, beverages, and lozenges, and are popular among consumers looking for more predictable timing and faster results.
Fast Acting Edibles vs Traditional Edibles
Traditional edibles can take over 45 minutes before the consumer feels any kind of psychoactive effects. This is because your digestive system needs more time to break down THC and other cannabinoids. The amount of time you need to wait before regular edibles begin taking effect also depends on the dosage, factors of your physical body, and more.
The Science Behind Rapid Absorption Technology
At the core of fast-acting edibles is the cutthroat technology called nano-emulsification. This mechanism reduces the size and shape of THC. Nano THC can easily cross cellular barriers because of its microscopic size. When THC is nano-sized, its teeny-tiny shape makes it easy for it to penetrate certain cellular barriers. Therefore, they interact with receptors and hormones faster than your regular THC.
Why More Consumers Are Choosing Fast-Acting Edibles
At the core of fast-acting edibles is a technology known as nanoemulsification. This process breaks cannabis oil into extremely small droplets—measured in nanometers—and suspends them in water, creating what’s called a nanoemulsion. These nano-sized droplets are significantly smaller than those found in traditional cannabis edibles, which typically rely on fat-based absorption.
Why does size matter? Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are naturally fat-soluble, meaning they don’t dissolve well in water and must be digested and processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This is why traditional edibles take longer to kick in.
Nanoemulsified cannabinoids, on the other hand, are engineered to be more water-compatible. Their microscopic size allows them to be absorbed more efficiently through the mucous membranes in the mouth and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to a quicker onset of effects compared to traditional edibles.
While the effects still depend on individual factors such as metabolism, tolerance, and dosage, nanoemulsion technology offers a more predictable and faster-acting experience for many consumers. This makes it an appealing option for those looking for quicker cannabinoid delivery without the long wait times associated with conventional edibles.
Another form of Fast Acting Edible Cannabis
Most edibles need to be chewed and digested to take effect. However, there are types of edibles that act way faster. We’re talking about sublingual administration, where you put an edible cannabis product — like a tincture or an oil — under your tongue. Absorption is faster with sublingual edibles because cannabinoids bypass the digestive system. They travel through the mucous membranes under your tongue that are directly connected to nerves and the bloodstream. In addition, there are fewer compounds lost to metabolism.
How Metabolism Affects Onset Time
Metabolism affects how quickly you feel the hit. Every individual breaks down compounds at a different rate. Those with a fast metabolism can feel the effects of edibles faster than those with a slower metabolism. Because of this, make sure to give edibles enough time to take full effect before taking more. Chat with budtenders at Bud 2 Bloom if you’re new to edibles and not sure how much to take at once.
The True Value of a Fast-Acting Edible
Aside from not having to wait as long for your edibles to kick-in, there are other reasons fast-acting edibles are a real game-changer for cannabis enthusiasts:
- Faster Onset Time Means Better Dosing Control: Since fast-acting edibles promise effects within 15 to 45 minutes, you have better control over your consumption. Nanotechnology minimizes metabolized and excreted compounds, you get consistent and controlled results every time.
- A Convenient Choice for Social Settings: Fast-acting edibles offer a discreet and easy way to enjoy cannabis in social or recreational settings. There's no smoke, no gear, and no need to step outside—just a simple, shareable format that fits right into any gathering. Whether you're at a dinner party, game night, or just relaxing with friends, these edibles make it easier to stay present and engaged. Plus, their quicker onset means the timing is more in sync with the flow of your evening, so you’re not waiting around wondering when they’ll kick in.
Key Ingredients
- When choosing a fast-acting edible, one of the most important components to look for is water-soluble cannabinoids. These are typically created through processes like nanoemulsification, which reduce the size of THC or CBD particles, making them easier to suspend in water-based formulas. You’ll often see terms like “nano-emulsified THC,” “water-soluble THC,” or “fast-acting CBD” on product labels—these indicate the product uses advanced delivery technology designed for quicker absorption.
- In addition to the primary cannabinoids, many products include other cannabinoids and terpenes. While their roles vary depending on the formulation, they contribute to the overall profile and characteristics of the product.
- Because fast-acting edibles are often water-based, they also contain ingredients that support shelf stability, texture, and flavor. These formulations may be more sensitive to heat, light, and humidity, so proper storage is essential to help maintain quality over time. Always follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Find Fast-Acting Edibles of New Jersey at Bud 2 Bloom
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fast-acting edibles different from traditional edibles?
Fast-acting edibles and traditional edibles differ mainly in how quickly they take effect. Because manufacturers use a special process to significantly transform the structure of cannabinoid particle sizes in fast acting edibles, these edibles take effect within 15 to 45 minutes. It’s much more efficient as the nano-sized cannabinoids penetrate the digestive lining more easily. Traditional edibles take 30 minutes up to an hour and a half to take effect, as the relatively larger molecules take their time to pass through the digestive system.
How to make edibles hit harder?
If you’re looking for a more noticeable experience with edibles, fast-acting options may be worth exploring. These products are often made with water-soluble cannabinoids—like nano-emulsified THC—which are formulated to be absorbed more efficiently by the body compared to traditional, oil-based edibles.
Other factors that can influence how edibles are experienced include dosage, product type, and individual body chemistry. Some consumers also consider the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the product when selecting edibles. Additionally, consuming edibles with a meal—especially one containing fat—may affect how cannabinoids are processed by the body, although results can vary from person to person.
As always, it’s best to start with a low dose and wait before taking more, especially when trying a new product.
Where is Bud 2 Bloom dispensary located?
Bud 2 Bloom dispensary is located at 123 Ledgewood Ave Suite 1A, Netcong, New Jersey. It’s open daily to serve everyone, with operating hours 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.
