Do you want to try medical marijuana but are worried about what to expect? Maybe you’ve heard good things about using cannabis for medical purposes, or perhaps recreational use has recently become legal in your state. However, if you’ve never tried marijuana before, the first question on your mind is undoubtedly, “how long does marijuana high last?”
The duration of a marijuana high can vary depending on several factors, including the method of consumption, the potency of the cannabis, and individual differences in metabolism. Typically, the effects of marijuana are felt within a few minutes to an hour after consumption and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours on average. However, it’s important to note that the duration can be shorter or longer depending on various circumstances.
Different methods of consumption can have different onset and duration times. Inhalation methods, such as smoking or vaporizing cannabis, generally provide a quicker onset of effects but may not last as long as other methods. Edibles and orally ingested cannabis products usually take longer to take effect, but their effects can last significantly longer, often extending beyond the 3-hour mark. It’s essential to be mindful of the dosage when consuming edibles, as their onset can be delayed, leading some individuals to consume more than necessary, resulting in an intensified and prolonged high.
It’s worth mentioning that individual responses to marijuana can vary. Factors such as body weight, tolerance, and sensitivity to the compound can influence the duration and intensity of the high. Additionally, different strains of marijuana can produce varying effects, with some strains being more potent and long-lasting than others.
Time to Peak: How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to feel the effects of marijuana, also known as getting high, can vary depending on the method of consumption. Here are some general guidelines:
Inhalation (smoking or vaporizing):
When you inhale cannabis smoke or vapor, the effects are usually felt almost immediately or within a few minutes. The cannabinoids in marijuana quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs and are rapidly delivered to the brain, resulting in a relatively fast onset of effects.
Sublingual (tinctures or sprays):
Sublingual cannabis products are placed under the tongue, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. The onset of effects typically occurs within 15 to 30 minutes.
Oral ingestion (edibles, capsules, beverages):
When cannabis is consumed orally through edibles, pills, or capsules, the onset of effects can take longer compared to inhalation methods. This delay is because the cannabinoids need to be metabolized by the digestive system before they enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. The time frame for onset can vary, but it usually ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours or even longer, depending on factors such as metabolism, the presence of food in the stomach, and the specific product.
It’s important to note that the effects of orally consumed cannabis can also last longer compared to inhalation methods. The duration of the high from edibles, pills, or capsules can range from 4 to 8 hours or even more, depending on the dosage, potency, and individual factors.
When consuming edibles or other orally consumed cannabis products, it’s crucial to be patient and allow sufficient time for the effects to kick in. Some people make the mistake of consuming more because they don’t feel the effects immediately, leading to an intensified and potentially overwhelming high. It’s always recommended to start with a low dose, wait for the effects to fully manifest, and then adjust the dosage as needed in subsequent sessions.
It’s advisable to start with a low dose and wait for the effects to fully manifest before consuming more, especially when trying a new product or method of consumption. This approach allows you to gauge your response and adjust your dosage accordingly to achieve the desired effects while minimizing the risk of overconsumption.
The Primary Determinants of How Long a Marijuana High Will Last
There is no way to give an accurate range for how long the effects of cannabis will continue. The duration of psychoactive effects is highly variable due to the presence of dozens of distinct factors. Among these are:
- Which marijuana variety you smoke
- Consumption technique
- How much THC is administered
- How you’re built
- To what extent does your metabolism
- The code of your genes
- How much food you have consumed
- Tolerance to THC
THC (and other cannabinoids) attach to cannabinoid receptors in our body, which is why we experience psychoactive effects. Cannabinoid receptor abundance is influenced by both genetics and usage patterns. Therefore, even when employing the same method and dose, the effects of marijuana will be different for different people.
Since you’re still relatively green in the world of cannabis, it’s probably better to ease into things. Try to move slowly and quietly. Take no more than 5 mg and wait. Again, you’ll need to experiment to see how long the effects of marijuana last for you. Assuming you act ethically, you should have a simple and satisfying time with this.
