Bioavailability Breakdown: Why Some THC Hits Faster
Why do edibles take an hour while a vape pen hits almost instantly? Why do two people feel the same gummy differently? The answer lies in a key concept that many THC consumers overlook: bioavailability.
Let’s break it down—without the chemistry class headache—and help you choose the right THC product based on how you want it to hit, how long it should last, and how strong it should feel.
What Is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability is the percentage of a substance that enters the bloodstream after it’s consumed. For THC, that determines how quickly and how intensely you’ll feel the effects.
For example:
- Smoking/vaping THC = high bioavailability (~30-50%)
- Edibles = lower bioavailability (~4-12%)
- Tinctures or sublinguals = somewhere in between (~20-35%)
Delivery Methods and Their Impact
Inhalation (Vapes, Joints, Pipes)
- Bioavailability: 30-50%
- Time to onset: Seconds to minutes
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Why it hits fast: THC goes straight into your lungs and then your bloodstream—no digestive system detour.
Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, Beverages)
- Bioavailability: 4-12%
- Time to onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Duration: 4–8 hours
- Why it hits slower: THC has to travel through the digestive system and liver. It also gets converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form that’s long-lasting.
Sublinguals (Tinctures, Strips, Sprays)
- Bioavailability: 20–35%
- Time to onset: 15–30 minutes
- Duration: 2–6 hours
- Why it’s unique: Absorbed under the tongue directly into the bloodstream, skipping the digestive tract.
Topicals & Transdermals
- Bioavailability: Local (unless it’s transdermal)
- Time to onset: 10–60 minutes
- Usage: More for localized relief than a “high,” unless it’s transdermal (which enters the bloodstream).
Factors That Affect THC Absorption
- Empty vs. full stomach: Edibles hit harder on an empty stomach but may feel more intense.
- Body fat: THC is fat-soluble and may linger longer in those with higher fat composition.
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism may absorb and process THC more quickly.
- Hydration and diet: Affects how your body processes and distributes cannabinoids.
Optimizing Your High
Want something fast for a social hour? Choose a vape or sublingual spray.
Want something longer for a creative session or deep sleep? Go for edibles.
Need to hit a specific pain point or avoid the high entirely? Try a topical.
Final Take
Bioavailability is the unsung hero of your THC experience. When you understand how each product interacts with your body, you can control your high like never before. Not all THC is created equal—but with the right method, you can make every milligram count.
