Welcome to the dark side.
Sounds like your doing it right. Here are some pointers I have come up with through research and experimentation.
Do not consume too often, this will raise your tolerance after a single large dose, better to wait 5-7 days between uses.

I don't know how much you had to eat before consumption the night you experimented, but the more food in your stomach the more diluted the dose.

This makes for a great wake and bake when your stomach is empty or if you are going to use it at night, try not to eat for 4-6hrs before consumption.

The time frame of feeling the effects is about the norm, sometimes sooner, sometimes longer. Next time wait an hour then smoke a bowl or small joint, you will really enjoy it.