Weed enthusiasts all over the world are enjoying new freedom as the recreational consumption of cannabis has been legalized. This has opened the door to a massive industry designed to provide recreational users with a variety of products that give them exactly the type of experience that they’re looking for. And it has also given those who have never used marijuana before the opportunity to try the substance without fear of prosecution or punishment.
As a new user or a seasoned user trying out a new product, there are several factors to consider. One of the main questions is how long the high from consuming the substance will last. Similarly to how everyone reacts differently to alcohol, everyone reacts differently to marijuana. However, there are a few ways you can estimate how long your high can last and prepare accordingly. These are a few estimations of how long a high might last and factors that affect your high so you can take them into account and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
How Long Does a Weed High Last
The average time it takes for a high to kick in and how long it lasts depends on the type of product you’re using and the way you consume it. In general, there are three ways to consume weed and each has a generally expected effect:
- Smoking or vaping: The high from smoking cannabis strains typically peaks about 10 minutes after consumption and usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours, though it can last for up to 8 hours.
- Edibles: Weed edibles take longer to kick in because they must be digested to feel the effects. They usually peak around 2 hours after consumption and the effects can last up to 24 hours.
- Dabbing: Dabbing involves a special pipe that delivers a hyper-concentrated dose of THC, most commonly done with shatter. Similar to smoking, the effects of dabbing usually last 1 to 3 hours, but they can last all day depending on how high the THC concentrate is.
If you’re about to try marijuana for the first time, the general recommendation is that you clear your schedule so that you can try the substance without worrying about how long the high lasts. Weed can be unpredictable and it’s better to clear your schedule completely and take your time to experience the high however it plays out. This way you’ll be able to relax and take note of what kind of dosage and delivery system works best for you.
It’s also not a bad idea to try marijuana with a regular user who is used to the effects and knows how to recommend a dosage and handle a bad high. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you are completely comfortable with the person and that you trust them to take care of you. Paranoia and edginess can be a side effect of weed, and that aspect of a high can be exacerbated by your environment. If you’re already nervous and worried to try a weed product, you might have a worse experience if you aren’t in a situation where you can be comfortable.
Factors that Effect How Long Your High Lasts
1. The Amount of THC You Consume
Of course, the more marijuana you consume, the longer your high will last. You’ll want to take a look at the dosage and start slowly, whether you’re a regular weed user or you’re new to the substance. Whenever you try a new product, there’s a certain level of predictability that comes with it, and it’s difficult to know how your body will react. Certainly, it’s easier to consume a little more than walk back using too much. Start slowly and evaluate how it hits your system, then you can change up the dosage.
2. The Amount of THC In the Product
Different products come with different levels of THC. THC is the chemical compound that actually induces the high, so if there’s a higher percentage of THC in a product, you’ll experience a longer high. You’ll want to check the amount of THC contained in your product before you use it and if it’s a higher concentration than you are used to, you’ll need to adjust accordingly. Again, you can always use a little more, but it’s much harder to counteract the effects of a bad high.
3. Your Metabolism
Just like with alcohol, different people metabolize cannabis at different rates. Those who are smaller and lighter with a lower body weight will experience weed completely differently than those who have a higher percentage of body fat. Whether or not you’ve eaten, how hydrated you are, your height and your weight all make a major difference in the way your high plays out and how long it lasts for you.
4. Your Tolerance
Habitual users of weed will often notice that over time, their tolerance to the drug increases and their highs don’t last quite as long. This could be the consequence of growing accustomed to the feeling of being high and not noticing the effects for as long, or it could be that those who have been using the drug for a while simply need to use more of it to feel the effects. Either factor makes a difference in your experience with the substance.
5. Consumption of Other Substances
In addition, if you’ve consumed other substances, such as alcohol in addition to marijuana, you will likely experience a completely different high. In fact, even just a little alcohol can have a major effect on how the THC affects your system, and it can lead to “green out” where you feel similar symptoms to if you drank too much. These can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or sweating.
There are so many products and strains of cannabis available for purchase these days that whether you’re a seasoned user of the drug or you’re just interested in trying it out, you can find a product that will work for you. There are plenty of different dosages and concentrations of the drug that will allow you to enjoy the effects without having to worry about a high lasting too long or negative side effects. For beginners, we advise starting slow and allowing enough time for your stoned experience. While making cannabis edibles is a great option for those looking for a longer high, the length of time your high will last is much more unpredictable. It may take some experimentation, but if you are patient and conservative in your dosage, chances are good that you’ll find exactly what type of cannabis product works best for you.