What is the typical time frame for drugs to take effect when inhaled?

When drugs are inhaled, they are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream through the lungs. This method of administration allows drugs to bypass the digestive system and enter the circulatory system almost immediately. Typically, the onset of effects from inhaled substances can occur as quickly as 5 to 7 seconds, depending on the specific compound and the individual's physiology. This rapid onset of effects is a key characteristic of inhalation as a drug delivery method, making it distinct from other routes such as oral or intravenous administration, where the time frame for effects is longer.

The other time frames mentioned do not align with the immediate physiological response associated with inhalation. The 15 to 17 seconds and 30 seconds or more are longer than the actual time it typically takes for inhaled drugs to affect the body, while the 2 minutes or more time frame is significantly longer and would be more applicable to drug routes that require digestion or slower absorption methods.