What is the difference between oral and inhaled cannabis in terms of effects and duration?

Route of administration profoundly affects cannabis pharmacokinetics. Inhaled cannabis (smoked or vaporized): onset 2–10 minutes, peak effects 20–30 minutes, duration 2–3 hours. THC bioavailability is 10–35% via inhalation. Oral cannabis (edibles, capsules): onset 30–120 minutes, peak effects 2–4 hours, duration 4–8 hours. Oral bioavailability is only 4–20% due to first-pass metabolism, but the liver converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting than THC itself — explaining why edibles often produce stronger, more prolonged effects than expected. Sublingual (tinctures): intermediate onset (15–45 minutes), moderate bioavailability. The delayed onset of oral cannabis is the primary cause of accidental overconsumption, as users re-dose before the first dose takes effect.