How Fast Do THC Drinks Kick In and How Long Do They Last? A New Study Shows the Answers

(Photo: RYTHM)

THC-infused beverages are often marketed as a more predictable alternative to traditional edibles, but many consumers — especially those new to or hoping to get into the category — still wonder what that actually means in practice. Two of the most common questions are simple ones: How long does it take to feel the effects of a THC drink? And once you do, how long does it last?

Recent real-world data from a large consumer study of more than 2,500 participants by MoreBetter helps provide answers to these questions.

How Fast Do THC Beverages Kick In?

(Infographics: MoreBetter)

For most people, THC beverages begin to take effect within 11 to 40 minutes.

According to data collected from thousands of real-world drinking sessions, 52% of participants reported feeling effects in that 11-40 minute window. A smaller group noticed effects within the first 10 minutes, while 30% took longer than 40 minutes or didn’t feel much at all that day.

The key takeaway? Be patient. Early onsets are possible, but they are not the norm. Judging a THC beverage experience at or before the 10-minute mark often leads people to drink more too quickly, before the first serving has fully kicked in. With that said, if it’s been an hour and you still don’t feel the desired effect, maybe have a bit more. Everyone’s tolerance is different!

How Long Do the Effects of THC Drinks Last?

Most people should expect the effects of a THC beverage to last one to three hours, though experiences vary.

In the study, 57% of participants reported effects in that one-to-three-hour range. About one in five said effects lasted longer than three hours, while a smaller group of 8% experienced effects lasting under an hour.

Because the onset can feel mild at first, the data reinforces a common recommendation: don’t keep drinking just because the first 20 minutes feel light. Effects often continue to build after they start and can last longer than expected.

More About the Study

Nearly half of the participants said they were drinking a THC beverage for the first time, indicating that these results are useful information for novices and veterans alike.

The study included a broad mix of non-users, occasional cannabis users and more frequent users. That range makes the timing data especially useful for people who are THC-curious, returning to cannabis after a long break, or specifically choosing beverages because they want a more controlled experience.

The findings come from a three-week, structured consumer study of thousands of adult participants conducted by MoreBetter, a research organization that focuses on real-world product use rather than lab-only testing.

More than 2,500 adults logged when they drank THC beverages, how much they consumed, when they felt effects, how long those effects lasted and whether the experience felt positive or negative. The result is one of the largest datasets focused specifically on THC beverages and how they behave outside of controlled settings.