Tool
Edibles, explained.
How long they take, how much is in each piece, California's limits and how to store them safely.
Updated October 2026
Read the package
Enter what the label says. See how much is in each piece and when effects could arrive.
Package math and timing
Timing uses California's guidance: up to 2 hours to begin and up to 4 hours for full effects. Everyone reacts differently. This is not medical advice.
Why edibles feel different
Edibles take longer to work than inhaled cannabis. California's guidance is that they can take up to two hours to begin and up to four hours for full effects. That gap is why people take a second piece too early and end up with far more than they meant to.
How you react depends on your body, your tolerance, the THC content, how much you take and how you take it. Start low, go slow. If you have a health question, ask a doctor.
California's edible limits
Every adult-use edible sold in a licensed shop is capped at 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg per package. A 100 mg chocolate bar is usually scored into 10 servings of 10 mg each. Medical-only products can follow different rules.
What to look for on the label
- Total THC per package in milligrams.
- THC per serving or piece. Divide total by pieces if it is not printed.
- CBD and other cannabinoids, if listed.
- Ingredients and allergens, like any food.
- Batch information tied to required lab testing.
Storage, kids and pets
Keep edibles in their sealed, child-resistant package and out of sight and reach of children and pets. Edibles can look like regular candy or snacks, and cannabis affects children more than adults. Some ingredients safe for people can harm animals.
Edibles FAQ
How long do edibles take to kick in?
California's Department of Cannabis Control says edibles can take up to two hours to begin working and up to four hours to produce full effects.
How much THC can a California edible contain?
Adult-use edibles can contain at most 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg per package.
Why do people say start low and go slow?
Edibles take longer than inhaled cannabis, and people react differently based on body, tolerance, THC content and amount. Taking more too soon is the most common mistake.
What if a child or pet eats an edible?
Call California Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 for a child, or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for a pet.
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