How long does it take to feel the effects of THC oil?

So, 

• What is cannabis oil?

• How long does THC oil take to peak? 

• Is THC oil an effective treatment option for pain?

• How long do THC oil effects last?

• What is the difference between THC oil and CBD oil?

How long does it take to feel the effects of THC oil?

The time it takes for you to feel the effects of THC greatly depends on the methods of administration, as well as individual factors such as metabolism and tolerance levels. Fortunately, there are fast and slow-acting options, as well as ways to take low or high doses in order to facilitate control over the way your body reacts to your medicine.

“How to take THC oil?” is a question we hear all the time. The answer is surprisingly simple. 

Through sublingual application. 

Vaporising THC through flower or THC vapes is among the fastest ways to feel the effects. When vaporised, THC is drawn into the bloodstream in a matter of seconds when inhaled through the lungs. 

This rapid onset is preferable to many pain and nausea patients, as it provides almost instant relief of symptoms.

Expect to feel the effects of vaporised THC within 10 to 15 minutes.

Tinctures (and Oils)

Using a tincture to take your THC is another common way to take THC. Tinctures are best administered as sublingual THC drops (under the tongue), as the active THC is absorbed through the oral mucosal membrane located there. 

This route of administration allows the THC to enter the bloodstream within an hour and a half. 

Sublingually taken THC oil drops will take between an hour to an hour and a half to be felt and can last from 6 to 8 hours.

Pastilles 

Cannabis pastilles are individually dosed and allow patients to take an exact amount of cannabis each and every time (something that can be difficult when vaping). Pastilles are often prescribed to patients looking to find long term pain relief, as while they do take longer to take effect (up to an hour and 30 minutes depending on your metabolism), their effects last for a long time – anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.

Metabolism and tolerance

Individual differences in metabolism, tolerance levels, and the endocannabinoid system's varying activity can also impact how long it takes to feel THC oil's effects. Some people may feel the effects almost immediately, while others may take longer for the THC to fully kick in. Additionally, tolerance levels can change over time with regular application of THC oil, but we dive into this further down below.

For more on how long it takes CBD oil to take effect, read our guide “How long CBD oil takes to work for anxiety.”

THC oil effects

The range of effects that taking THC can offer patients is as wide-ranging as the health conditions and related symptoms that it can potentially address. Patients taking THC oil have reported relief from serious and chronic medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and Crohn's disease. THC oil for pain reduction is a very common application. 

Some of the most common THC oil effects include pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, nausea and vomiting relief, relaxation and mood enhancement, appetite stimulation and as a sleep aid.

New patients are often confused regarding the differences between THC and CBD oil. To learn more, check out our helpful guide "Cannabis oil fully explained."

The risks and side effects of THC oil

Aside from these therapeutic effects, taking THC oil may also have some potential side effects. These include dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and changes in blood pressure. It is important to consult with a specialist doctor before taking THC oil to ensure you are administering it correctly for your specific health needs.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that THC oil effects can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone may experience the same effects. The psychoactive properties of THC may also impact cognitive function and impair motor skills, so it is crucial to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of THC oil.

What to do whilst waiting for THC oil to take effect

If you have taken a THC oil or pastille and are waiting to feel the effects for the first time, it is best to do something relaxing and non-stressful. Put on some nice music, a familiar film or TV show, or have a conversation with someone you are close to. Try not to think about it, and allow the onset of effects to begin naturally. There is no need to worry. The less you focus on any potential negative effects, the better the outcome most likely will be.

What happens if it takes longer than it should?

This should only be an issue if you have taken THC oil or a pastille. 

If you still have not had any noticeable effect after an hour and a half, it is possible that you either did not digest the medicine yet, or you took a dose that was too weak to treat your symptoms. 

You will want to avoid taking another dose straight away, in case you just have a slower system for metabolising THC oil. Stick to your dosing time schedule, and be patient. You may find that after another 30 minutes, you do start to feel the effects. If not, you should discuss dosage sizing with your prescribing doctor. 

What happens if I realise I’ve taken too much THC oil?

If you think you have taken too much THC oil and experience adverse effects you should try to remain calm and not panic. 

Dry mouth, dizziness, lethargy, sickness, vomiting, delayed responses, and memory loss can all be negative side effects of taking too much THC oil , effects typically last 6 to 8 hours, so they should reduce after that time.

Having sips of water and a light snack may also be beneficial and you should contact your clinician about the side effects.

You can also contact 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency. 

How long does it take for the effects of THC oil to wear off?

A dose of THC oil taken sublingually or THC taken in pastille form should last you around 6-8 hours.

If you have inhaled your THC through a vaporiser, then expect the effects to last around 2 to 4 hours. When taken sublingually, the effects of THC can be felt within an hour and a half and last 6 to 8 hours. However, other factors such as individual metabolism and tolerance can also impact the duration and intensity of THC's effects.

It is important to remember that THC oil affects everyone differently, and it may take some experimentation with dosages and methods of ingestion to find what works best for you.

THC oil when stored properly can have a shelf life of two to three years.

How often can I take THC oil?

The timing of dosage is a unique and subjective experience, and there is no single answer that will work for everyone. It's essential to follow your specialist’s instructions and not exceed your dose without talking to them first.

It's also essential to remember that THC oil is a potent form of cannabis, so it's best to start with smaller dosages and increase gradually until you find the right dose that helps to relieve your symptoms with clinical oversight, a process known as titration.

Before beginning any medical cannabis treatment, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Building up a tolerance to THC oil

Over time, you will start to be able to tolerate the effects of THC more easily. For some people, this is a quicker process than for others. If you find it is taking many weeks for you to tolerate THC in higher doses, it may be beneficial for you to take a CBD tincture half an hour before. This can help negate some of the psychoactivity of THC. You do not need to feel the psychoactive effects of THC in order to receive the medicinal benefits.

How long does it take THC oil to have a long-term impact on a medical condition?

Factors to consider

The length of time that THC oil has an effective impact on your medical condition will vary depending on the type of condition, how frequently you take it, and the method of administration. Generally speaking, the effects of THC oil can typically last 6 to 8 hours.

This question has very variable answers from condition to condition and person to person. THC oil is not a magic bullet that helps with every diagnosis, for most patients it’s likely to be one part of a wider treatment plan. 

With daily administration, many patients have reported significant improvements after three months of continuous application, but again, this is a case-to-case situation. Anecdotal evidence, while helpful, cannot replace clinical research. Thanks to the changes in medicinal cannabis laws globally in the past decade, we are finally seeing cannabis research gain momentum. Hopefully, in the coming years, we will be able to provide clear, clinically proven answers to many of the questions that are still unanswered.

THC oil FAQs

What is the difference between THC oil and CBD oil?

THC and CBD are both cannabinoids but have different effects. CBD oils must contain less than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid, such as THC, per container and can be legally sold over the counter here in the UK. Medical cannabis contains higher levels of THC and can only be obtained with a prescription from a qualified specialist doctor.

What medically beneficial effects does THC offer patients?

THC has been found to have the potential to help with pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and improvement in symptoms of conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD, for a more in-depth look at the benefits of THC and CBD, head to our guide right here!

How long does THC oil take to peak?

That is dependent on a few factors, including:

• The method of administration - THC that has been vaporised and inhaled is usually felt within 10 to 15 minutes and tends to peak within the first hour. Sublingually administered THC drops take around an hour and a half to kick in, and have a gentler peak around the middle of the 6 to 8 hours they last, the same as pastilles. 

• The dosage amount will have an impact on how quickly THC peaks.

• The individual's metabolism and body chemistry will affect the onset and duration of THC effects.

How long does it take to develop a tolerance to THC oil?

As with any substance, developing a tolerance to THC oil differs from person to person. However, it's important to remember that tolerance can develop quickly with frequent applications of high doses.

Your prescribing doctor will be able to walk you through a personalised treatment plan to help manage and monitor your dosage and tolerance levels.

How long does it take for THC to leave your system?

Generally, THC can stay in your system for up to 30 days, but if you are taking medical cannabis containing THC daily, then it may take longer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, THC oil's interaction with the endocannabinoid system of the body offers a potential for various medical applications, though the effects and timing can vary significantly depending on the method of administration and the individual's metabolic response. Whether it's vaping for rapid relief, sublingual tinctures for longer-lasting effects, or cannabis pastilles for controlled dosage, the potential benefits of THC oil for medicinal purposes are promising.

However, careful management of dosage and frequency, preferably under the guidance of a medical professional, is paramount to ensure its effective administration. It is vital to remember that THC oil, like any other medicine, may affect individuals differently, and a gradual approach to dosing is advised to ascertain one's tolerance. With more research into medicinal cannabis gaining momentum, our understanding of the therapeutic properties of THC oil is poised to increase, potentially unveiling newer therapeutic avenues in the future.

Releaf understands that medical cannabis can be helpful for many people. That's why we offer tailored monthly packages based on your cannabis prescription, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a medical cannabis card.

We also have an extensive blog and a huge education section, so feel free to head over if you want to learn more.