THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes you feel high. When you smoke marijuana, THC enters your bloodstream quickly and reaches your brain in minutes. The effects can last for a few hours, depending on how much you smoke and how potent the marijuana is. When you eat an edible with THC in it, such as a brownie or a gummy, the THC has to go through your digestive system before it reaches your bloodstream. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much you eat and what else is in your stomach. The effects can last for several hours, and they can be more intense and unpredictable than smoking. Because edibles take longer to kick in and last longer, it is easier to consume more THC than you intended. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, confusion, nausea, drowsiness, or even hallucinations. These symptoms are not life-threatening, but they can be very uncomfortable and scary.