How Long Does a Weed High Last?

How Long Does a Marijuana High Last & What to Expect?

Whether you have somewhere to be or you’re just not enjoying your high, knowing how long your high will last is good info to have. Unfortunately, the answer to that question is far from cut-and-dry—a long list of variables come into play.

We’ll do our best to help you understand how to estimate how long a weed high will last and throw in some tips to shorten or prolong your high to boot. 

The Quick Answer

On the off chance that you're in a hurry, we'll start with the quick—albeit not very precise—answer. A weed high can last anywhere from1 to 24 hours.That's based on how the body processes THC, the cannabinoid that makes you feel high, alone. 

Why such a massive range? Because not everyone metabolizes THC at the same rate, and not every THC product contains the same amount of THC. We realize a 23-hour time block is likely not quite accurate enough to answer your question, so let’s explore some variables.

Factors That Play a Role in How Long a Weed High Lasts

As already noted, the amount of THC ingested plays a significant role—but there’s more to it than that. You’ll need to consider:

• Your metabolism. Much like drinking alcohol, your weight, height, body composition, and the resulting metabolic rate will affect how long your high lasts. Metabolism isn’t necessarily a factor of size either. Muscle mass is actually the highest determinant in metabolism. Those with more muscle tissue will have a faster metabolism and so a shorter high.
• Your tolerance level. Here, we can reference the alcohol analogy again. A new smoker can expect a high to last longer than someone who has built up a tolerance to the same amount of weed. 
• THC percentage. In cannabis plants, THC content can range anywhere from 0 to over 25%--though strains over 20% are uncommon. The more THC in the product you consumed, the longer the high will last.
• Consumption method. Because different consumption methods alter how your body processes THC, they will also affect how long your high lasts. Smoking, vaping, and dabbing generally produce a 1 to 3 hour high, while edibles keep you stoned for up to 24.

While none of these factors are going to give you a firm answer, they can help you narrow down which end of that 23-hour range your high is more likely to fall.

When Will the High Begin?

Another factor to consider when calculating how long a high lasts is when it will start. The ranges above are for the actual high, not the lead-up. How quickly you'll feel a high is influenced by the same factors as how long the high will last. However, more weight falls on the consumption method.

Here's how quickly the most popular consumption methods kick in:

• Smoking, vaping, or dabbing: Typically, around 10 minutes.
• Sublingual: About 15 minutes.
• Edibles: Often peak around the 2-hour mark.

Edibles are the trickiest option to calculate as there are more factors to consider, such as what you’ve had to eat and what kind of edible it was. Liquids and other edibles that require less digestion may hit a bit faster than something with some substance. 

How to Shorten or Reduce Your High

Alright, what happens if you’re high and you don’t want to be? You might be wondering if there’s a way to stop a high. There’s not. However, there are ways you can shorten the duration of a high or lessen its effects.

• Take a nap. Taking a nap won’t shorten your high, but it will calm you down if you’re experiencing a bit of paranoia. Plus, chances are you’ll be sober when you wake up.
• Munch on black pepper. It doesn’t sound as tasty as chowing down on an entire box of Cheez-Its, but black pepper contains caryophyllene, a compound that can increase the sedative effects of THC—that’ll help you nap.
• Use CBD oil. Ironically, CBD can counteract the effects of THC to some degree. It likely won’t shorten your high, but it will mellow it out.
• Have a snack and drink water. While both are nice for the munchies and dry mouth, they’ll also kick your metabolism into gear to process that THC faster. High protein options will be the most effective.
• Go for a walk. Physical activity will also help you metabolize the THC, and the fresh air might at least feel like it helps as well.  

How to Prolong Your High

Admittedly, most people trying to find out how long a weed high lasts are hoping the answer is soon—but most is not all. If you’re hoping your high will hang around as long as possible, there are a few things you can do.

The easy solution is to roll another joint or take a few extra bites of an edible. As we explained above, the latter is going to be the best option as the high from edibles lasts longer than any other cannabis product.

However, if you’re all tapped out, anecdotal evidence suggests you should eat mangoes, nuts, sweet potatoes—or all the above, though that doesn’t sound like a very tasty combination. 

The drawback is that none of these foods have been scientifically proven to do the job. However, there are some logical reasons they might. 

• Mangoes contain some of the same terpenes found in cannabis, such as myrcene, which may enhance your high. 
• Nutsare rich in omega fatty acids, which may bind to cannabinoids and slow their metabolization.
• Sweet potatoescontain high levels of Vitamin E, which increases serotonin levels. Serotonin levels are believed to play a role in the way THC produces a high.

Even if none of the above works, it won’t do any damage. Worst-case scenario, you enjoy a nice snack.

The Final Answer

In the end, the information above is the closest we can get you to an answer as far as how long your weed high will last. However, we can offer you the best cannabis smoking equipment, accessories, and more. Check out Hemper today or sign up for a smoking subscription box and prepare to be surprised!