How Long Does Weed Effects Last? Duration of Weed’s Effects Explained

Updated on December 12, 2023

When it comes to cannabis, one of the most common questions people have is, “How long does weed high last?” 

The duration of a weed high can vary depending on several factors, including the type of weed, the method of consumption, and individual characteristics.

We explore the typical duration of a weed high, the factors that influence its length, and how to shorten or extend the effects.

Let’s get started!

>>Check the best prices for weed seeds here

Weed’s Effects

Before diving into the duration of weed’s effects, let’s briefly understand how it produces its effects. 

Weed seeds sold by the best seed banks contain more than 113 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the primary psychoactive component responsible for the “high” sensation. 

When weed is smoked, THC and other chemicals enter the bloodstream through the lungs and travel to the brain, resulting in immediate effects. 

When consumed through edibles, the effects are delayed as the weed must first pass through the digestive system.

How Long Does Weed Take To Kick In?

The primary factor influencing how soon you experience the effects of cannabis is how you consume it:

  • Smoking or vaping: Within two to ten minutes of ingesting cannabis, you will start to experience its effects. Within minutes of inhalation, it reaches your bloodstream via your lungs, causing it to kick in swiftly.
  • Eating: The metabolism of cannabis by the digestive system is a slow process. While most edibles take 30–60 minutes to start working, others may take up to two hours.
  • Dabbing: Dabbing is a way to smoke marijuana that involves using a specific pipe to inhale a concentrated dose of the drug. Because of the high concentration of THC in dabs, the intoxicating effects of cannabis are felt practically immediately.

>>Check the best prices for weed seeds here

Factors Affecting the Duration of Weed’s Effects

We’ll discuss some of the factors that affect’s the duration of weed’s effect in this section.

Type or Strain of Weed

Different strains of weed sold by online seed banks have varying compositions, particularly in terms of THC and CBD content. THC is the primary compound responsible for the high, and strains with higher THC levels are likely to produce longer-lasting effects.

Individual Characteristics

Individual characteristics such as metabolism and tolerance play a role in how long weed’s effects last. People with a high metabolic rate may process THC more quickly, leading to shorter durations of effects. 

Method of Consumption

The method of consuming weed also influences the duration of its effects. Smoking or vaping weed allows THC to enter the bloodstream quickly, resulting in a rapid onset of effects that typically last 1-4 hours. 

On the other hand, consuming edibles delays the effects, usually taking 30 minutes to 1 hour to kick in. However, the high from edibles can last much longer, sometimes exceeding 6 hours.

Tolerance

Regular and frequent weed use can lead to the development of tolerance, where the effects become less pronounced over time. Individuals with higher tolerance may experience weaker and shorter-lasting effects compared to those who are less accustomed to using weed.

>>Check the best prices of weed seeds here

How Long Does Weed’s Effect Last?

Now that we have explored the factors influencing the duration of weed’s effects, let’s discuss the estimated duration based on different consumption methods.

Smoking or Vaping

When weed is smoked or vaped, the effects are typically felt within 2 to 10 minutes. This quick onset is because THC enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs. 

The peak effects are usually reached around 10 minutes after consumption and can last 1 to 3 hours, with lingering effects lasting up to 8 hours in some cases.

Consuming Edibles

When weed is consumed in the form of edibles, the effects take longer to kick in. It usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour for the effects to be felt due to the time it takes for the weed to pass through the digestive system. 

However, once the effects set in, they can last for more than 6 hours, providing a more prolonged high compared to smoking or vaping.

Dabbing

Dabbing involves smoking a highly concentrated form of marijuana using a special pipe. This method delivers a high THC content, resulting in almost instantaneous effects. Similar to smoking, the effects of dabbing usually last 1 to 3 hours. However, if a high THC concentration is used, the effects can last for an entire day.

How To Cut Short the Effects of Weed

Sometimes, you may want to shorten the duration of weed’s effects, especially if you feel overwhelmed or need to be alert. While it’s difficult to completely eliminate the effects, there are a few strategies you can try:

Take a Nap

Taking a nap can help relax your body and mind while allowing time for your body to process and eliminate the cannabis. It can also help alleviate any feelings of anxiety or paranoia that may arise from being too high.

Try Some Black Pepper

There is some evidence that compounds found in black pepper, such as caryophyllene, can enhance the sedative effects of THC, potentially calming the high. [1] Simply sniffing a container of black pepper or chewing on a couple of whole peppercorns may provide some relief.

Consume CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD), another cannabinoid found in cannabis seeds popularly sold by seed banks, has calming effects that may counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. Consuming CBD products or strains derived from marijuana seeds with a higher CBD content can help dull the high and provide a more balanced experience.

Eat Some Pine Nuts or Lemons

Pinene, a compound found in pine nuts, is believed to have a calming effect and improve mental clarity. 

Similarly, lemons, particularly the peel, contain compounds that can potentially counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC. 

>>Check the best prices for weed seeds here

How Long Does Weed Effect Last – FAQs

Next are some frequently asked questions about the duration of weed’s effects.

How Long Does Weed Effect Usually Last?

The duration of a weed high can vary depending on several factors, including the type of weed, the method of consumption, and individual characteristics. On average, the effects of weed can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.

Does the Duration of Weed High Vary Among Individuals?

Yes, the duration of the weed high can vary among individuals. Factors such as metabolism, tolerance, and individual sensitivity to THC can influence how long the effects last.

What Factors Influence the Length of Cannabis High?

Several factors can influence the length of a cannabis high, including the potency of the strain, the method of consumption, metabolism, tolerance, and individual characteristics.

Can the Duration of Weed High Differ Based on Consumption Methods?

Yes, the duration of the weed high can differ based on the method of consumption. Smoking or vaping cannabis typically results in a shorter duration of effects compared to consuming edibles or using tinctures.

Is There a Typical Onset and Offset Time for Weed Effect?

The onset and offset time for weed effects can vary depending on the method of consumption. Smoking or vaping cannabis usually results in a rapid onset of effects, while edibles have a delayed onset. The effects gradually fade away over time.

Are There Ways to Shorten or Extend the Duration of a Weed High?

Some strategies may help shorten or extend the duration of a weed high. Reducing or increasing the dosage, choosing strong strains of weed with different potencies, and adjusting the method of consumption can impact the duration of the high.

How Long Does Weed Effect Last Final Verdict

The duration of weed’s effects can vary depending on factors such as the strain, method of consumption, individual characteristics, and tolerance. 

Smoking or vaping weed provides a quicker onset of effects but a shorter duration, while consuming edibles leads to a delayed onset but a more prolonged high. 

It’s essential to consume weed responsibly, be aware of individual tolerances, and prioritize personal well-being.

>>Check out the best prices for weed seeds here

References:

  1. Butt, M. S., Pasha, I., Sultan, M. T., Randhawa, M. A., Saeed, F., & Ahmed, W. (2013). Black pepper and health claims: a comprehensive treatise. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 53(9), 875–886. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.571799
14556571 1295515490473217 259386398988773604 o

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.