You’ve just sparked up a joint, taken a hit from your bong, or eaten an edible, and you start feeling the effects of cannabis. You’re feeling more relaxed, creative, or giggly! But how long does the weed high last? What if you suddenly feel uncomfortable or has your day planned out, so you just want to get off the high?
Understanding the duration of a weed high is critical for safe and responsible cannabis use. This is what this blog is for. To help you understand better, we’re going to break down the factors that can impact how long your weed high can last, some practical tips and tricks on how to manage the high, and the possible methods of making the high last a little longer or end it a bit sooner.
So, before you grab your favorite strain, sit first and read further to learn how to make the most of your cannabis experience by understanding the duration of a weed high.
Several factors can affect the duration of a weed high. These include your method of consumption, THC concentration, level of tolerance, metabolism, and body weight. Understanding these factors will help you better predict how long your high will last and plan accordingly.
Method of Consumption
There are many ways to consume cannabis where Smoking or inhaling cannabis typically produces a shorter high that peaks within 30 minutes to an hour and lasts 2-4 hours. Vaping, on the other hand, has a quicker onset than smoking which high lasts also up to 4 hours. Edibles take longer to effect, usually up to 2 hours. Depending on the dose and your tolerance, the high can last up to 8 hours.
If you’re planning a night out while enjoying cannabis, smoking or vaping may be your best bet. However, if you’re in for a relaxing night, edibles are the best way to go.
THC Concentration
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component of cannabis that produces that high. The higher the THC concentration, the stronger and longer the high will be. The average THC concentration in cannabis flowers is around 15-20%, but it can reach up to 30% or more in some strains.
You may want to stick to strains with lower THC concentrations if you’re a new cannabis user to avoid an uncomfortable high.
Individual Tolerance
Your level of tolerance can vary widely from others and depend on factors such as gender, age, and genetics. If you’re a regular cannabis user, you usually have a tolerance to THC—meaning, you need to consume more cannabis to get high. However, if you haven’t consumed cannabis in a while, you’re more sensitive high easily, so you need to start small.
Body Weight and Metabolism
Individuals with higher body weight and slower metabolism may experience a longer high. THC is stored in fat cells, so a higher body fat percentage equates to a longer-lasting high. But if you have a faster metabolism, you break down THC quicker and experience a shorter high.
How Long Does a Weed High Typically Last?
Besides the fact that the duration of weed high depends on the factors stated above, it still varies widely among users. In general, though, it lasts around 1-3 hours when smoked or vaped. But, if you consume weed through cannabis infused edibles, the high lasts much longer—up to 4 to 6 hours or more.
Also, the effects of cannabis can be delayed, risking overconsumption. You should wait at least 30 mins after consuming another or more to avoid this risk.
Tips for Managing the Duration of a Weed High
Now that you know the average duration of weed high, it’s equally important to learn how to manage it. While the feeling can fun and relaxing for most users, you must stay in control for a safe experience. It also helps you avoid feeling over or underwhelmed.
Here are some tips for managing or controlling the duration of a weed high:
Drink water.
Staying hydrated helps alleviate some of the adverse effects of cannabis, such as a dry mouth. It’s important since experiencing dehydration and dry mouth when high can make you feel even more tired and sluggish. Drinking water can also help you manage the munchies, another side effect of consuming weed.
Eat food.
Consuming food, especially those high in fat helps increase your THC absorption and extend your high. THC is fat-soluble, so it binds to your fat molecules. If you want the high to extend, eat fatty food to increase the THC absorbed in your bloodstream. Just be mindful still to avoid overeating unhealthy food or snacks.
Take a shower.
Taking a shower helps refresh your body and mind, making it easier for you to take control. A quick, refreshing shower awakes and makes you feel more alert. It helps you concentrate and focus on tasks. Additionally, it helps reduce feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Get some fresh air.
Getting outside and inhaling fresh air helps clear your mind and reduce feelings of paranoia or anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed after smoking weed, walking outdoors takes you back to feeling present and helps you feel more grounded. The fresh air also reduces coughing or shortness of breath, which are common effects of smoking.
Use CBD to counteract the effects of THC.
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has a range of therapeutic benefits. Hence, it can counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. This helps you feel calmer and more relaxed, making it easier to manage the high. CBD products, such as tincture or oil, can help reduce the high associated with smoking weed.
How to End a Weed High
Maybe, sometimes, you want to get rid of a weed high prematurely, as you have other obligations, a sudden need to go somewhere, or you simply feel uncomfortable.
Yes, you can choose to end a weed high, and here are some ways you to do it:
Waiting it out.
In most cases, the cannabis high will wear off on its own. You can wait out and let the high pass naturally. THC usually has a half-life of about 4 hours, but it still depends on many factors. During this time, you can distract yourself by doing calming activities like watching TV or reading.
Trying relaxation techniques.
If the high is causing you paranoia or anxiety, relaxation techniques help reduce them. Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga helps calm your mind and body. Some users also find taking a shower or warm bath relaxing as it reduces the intensity of the high.
Using anti-anxiety medication.
Some users need the help of anti-anxiety medications to manage the effect of cannabis. However, you need to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any medication. Some drugs can interact with THC and can cause adverse effects. Specific medications and drugs help reduce anxiety and calm the mind, but you need to take them under a doctor’s guidance.
These methods of ending the high may work differently for each person. Hence, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and with a responsible mindset to avoid prolonged highs.
Why it’s Important to Know How Long a Weed High Lasts
Knowing when a weed high wears off helps avoid overconsumption and the risks that come with it. It can help you plan activities ahead. This way, you make sure you have enough time to enjoy the high without consequences. If you know how the duration beforehand, you can choose to consume cannabis at a time when you have no obligations or responsibilities.
Overall, the knowledge ensures you have a positive and enjoyable experience—not a strained one.
To Summarize…
The duration of a weed high can vary depending on several factors, such as the method of consumption, THC concentration, individual tolerance, body weight, and metabolism. To ensure a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience, you need to understand these factors and follow the tips for managing the duration of a high.
You can manage your high by drinking water, eating high-fat food, getting some fresh air, or showering. You can also choose to end the high through medication or by simply waiting for it to wear off.
But while you can end the uncomfortable high in multiple ways, you still have to approach cannabis responsibly, especially if you’re a new user. Take note, though, that they may not always be effective. And, although most users don’t experience any negative effects, some still experience anxiety and other side effects. Keep in mind also that in many parts of the world, cannabis is not entirely legal so please check the laws and regulations before consuming it.
Lastly, educating yourself on the topic of cannabis is essential for safe and responsible use. By understanding its effect on your body and mind and how to manage the duration of a weed high, you have a positive and enjoyable experience as you avoid potential negative effects.
