It’s almost impossible to discuss cannabis without talking about THC, the cannabinoid that produces the euphoric and intoxicating effects that the plant is so well known for.
This compound is often associated with effects like relaxation and focus, but THC’s strong intoxicating qualities may also leave you wondering how long you’ll feel impaired.
So, if you find yourself wondering, “How long does a THC high last?” you’re not alone. The answer is complex, so here’s a thorough breakdown of everything you need to know.
Factors that determine how long a THC high lasts
Different people may experience cannabis’s effects for different amounts of time, and every high will gradually decline.
The factors that shape how long your high may last include:
- Cannabis product type. THC high durations vary depending on the type of product you choose. While each consumer may be affected differently, you can generally estimate how long a high will last by considering product type.
- Amount of THC. In general, the more THC that’s in your bloodstream, the longer your high lasts. Put more simply, the more you smoke or vape — or the more of an edible you eat — the more time you spend high.
- Personal factors. If your metabolism is on the faster side, your cannabis experience may be shorter since your body will process THC more quickly. Similarly, if your tolerance is high because you consume cannabis often, your high may not last for as long since you need more THC to experience effects. For new consumers, knowing how much cannabis you should try for the first time can help you avoid overlong highs.
- What you’ve eaten recently (for edibles). If you’ve eaten fatty foods before taking an edible and you’re not yet on an empty stomach, your edible may be more effective. A more effective edible typically leads to a longer THC high. That said, in general, the emptier your stomach, the faster your edible’s onset time and, potentially, the shorter your high since THC won’t be competing with anything else in your digestive system.
How long a THC high lasts by product type
| Product type | Onset time | THC high duration | Typical THC content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower and pre-rolls | One to 10 minutes | One to three hours | 20% to 35% |
| Vaporizers | One to 10 minutes | One to three hours | 70% to over 90% |
| Edibles | 30 minutes to 2 hours | Four to six hours, or longer | 2.5mg to 10mg |
| Concentrates | Instantly or within a few minutes | One to three hours, or longer | 70% to over 90% |
| Tinctures | 15 to 30 minutes | Two to five hours | 5mg to 10mg |
| Topicals | Within a few minutes | Two to three hours | 50mg to 100mg per container |
Flower and pre-rolls
Smoking flower is the classic method of consuming cannabis. You may begin to experience effects within one to 10 minutes of taking your first hit.
Whether you’ve ground whole flower or purchased pre-rolls, your high will typically last one to three hours.
Most flower or pre-rolls contain 20% to 35% THC by weight. The greater your product’s THC content, the longer you can typically expect your high to last.
Vaporizers
As with smoking flower, vaping cannabis may lead to effects within one to 10 minutes, and your experience may last one to three hours.
However, vaporizers are far more potent than flower, ranging from 70% to more than 90% THC content.
Newer cannabis consumers may experience highs longer than three hours with just one hit from a vape. If you’re exploring cannabis for the first time, you may want to start with flower.
Edibles
With edibles, a THC high typically lasts four to six hours, with peak effects tapering off after the first four hours.
That said, some cannabis consumers may feel the effects of edibles for well over six hours. The onset time is usually 30 minutes to two hours.
A single THC gummy, chocolate, baked good, or other edible may contain as little as 2.5mg THC or up to 10mg. Most people consider 2.5mg a microdose and 5mg a starter dose.
Consuming 7.5mg or 10mg is often considered a strong dose, and stronger doses are associated with longer highs.
Concentrates
From live rosin to crumble, concentrates typically lead to THC highs lasting one to three hours, though sometimes longer.
More inexperienced cannabis consumers may experience longer highs due to concentrates’ exceptional potency of 70% to 90% THC.
Notably, concentrates are the only cannabis product associated with a high that starts within just a few minutes.
Tinctures
Most tinctures contain 100mg THC per bottle, but you’ll likely never ingest anywhere close to this much per dose.
Instead, expect your dose to be 5mg to 10mg THC, leading to a high of two to five hours that begins within 15 to 30 minutes.
You’ll administer tinctures sublingually (under your tongue) so they absorb through mucus membranes in your mouth, which explains their quick onset as compared to edibles.
After 30 to 60 seconds under your tongue, you’ll swallow your tincture, meaning that, in a way, it doubles as an edible. This explains why tincture’s THC high lasts longer than inhaling.
Topicals
Applying topicals to your skin may provide localized effects such as relief from soreness or dryness. Since you apply them to the skin, they very rarely result in THC highs.
However, when you apply transdermal topicals, THC enters your bloodstream and may make you feel high. Check the product label to determine whether your topicals are transdermal.
Of course, the localized effects of topicals don’t last forever. You may need to reapply your topical after two to three hours. Many people report feeling localized relief within just minutes.
How to choose the right product based on THC high duration
Choosing a cannabis product with the right duration of effects starts with understanding your goals and needs.
For example, if you’re working cannabis into your routine to fall asleep faster, then you may want a faster-acting product. Tinctures may be more appropriate for your needs than edibles.
Conversely, if you’re incorporating cannabis into your nighttime rituals to stay asleep, a longer-lasting product may be better. Edibles — or, for the highly experienced, concentrates — may be more suitable for this goal.
Another reliable method for choosing a cannabis product that provides effects for the duration you’re seeking is to speak with dispensary staff.
At Blue Oak, our expert sales specialists personalize your cannabis journey, introducing you to the right products for any and all of your needs and goals.
What to do if your THC high is lasting too long
As you try new cannabis products to find one with your ideal product duration, you may wind up with a THC high that lasts longer than you’d like.
This can happen because you’ve consumed too much THC, your metabolism is slower than expected, or your tolerance isn’t yet developed.
In any case, relaxation techniques may help you manage the experience until the effects fade. Drinking water or taking a nap can promote your body’s ability to process THC and shorten your experience.
Some people say that distracting themselves from their overlong high, such as by taking a walk or watching TV, can help manage the experience.
Once your cannabis’s effects have worn off, commit to the classic advice to start low and go slow next time. Consume less cannabis than you might need at first, then wait for a bit longer than the onset period before you consume more.
This careful, caring approach typically results in consuming just enough THC, no more, no less, and experiencing effects for the duration you’re targeting.
Find the right cannabis products at Blue Oak
Visit Blue Oak in Bloomfield for expert help in choosing cannabis products that are likely to result in your desired duration of effects.
Our sales specialists are happy to answer all your questions, or you can book a private consultation for discreet assistance. If you know what you’d like to shop online and pick up in store, or curbside in our parking lot. Or have our products come directly to you through our delivery service!
From our education on cannabis cultivars, effects, and consumption methods to our vast product selection, we put you on the path toward THC highs that last just the right amount of time.
