How Long Does a Marijuana High Last?
Here’s a loaded question for you: how long does a marijuana high last? There is no simple answer to this question. Estimating how long a marijuana high can last depends on numerous factors.
At Fast Slice, we want to break down some of the factors that affect a high, how long it takes to feel a marijuana high, and how long you can feel the effects of weed.
Anatomy of a Marijuana High
What is a marijuana high? When people talk about feeling high, they are generally referring to the euphoric effects of the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, that they experience after consuming cannabis. THC is a chemical compound that binds to specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain, triggering feelings of euphoria and altering sensory perception.
Some people experience a high in stages. When smoking or vaping marijuana, you can feel an almost immediate sense of happiness as THC begins to bind with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Soon, a person begins to feel the full effects of the THC and describes the high as “being in the zone.” This stage is generally the peak of your marijuana high experience as you crest into the most intense effects of weed. As your mind and body adjust, you tend to start feeling the most intense therapeutic effects of marijuana.
When the “high” feeling levels off, you may begin to feel the first stages of the comedown. You may feel hungry, sleepy, or relaxed and experience a slight reduction in the euphoric effects of the THC. As the THC slowly dissipates, you reach a cooldown period followed by a decompression period where you may experience drowsiness or lethargy.
What Are the Factors That Affect a High?
Although the anatomy of a marijuana high remains essentially the same for most people, several factors affect how you get high, how long it takes for the high to kick in, and how long you stay high. Understanding how these unique factors can help you adjust your marijuana experience to get the most out of cannabis consumption.
Some of the most vital factors that can influence your high include:
- The dosage
- The potency of the marijuana product
- The marijuana strain you consume
- Your method of consumption
- Your marijuana tolerance level
- Your body weight
The dosage and potency of the marijuana you consume have an impact on how you experience a marijuana high. The same is true for the strain you choose to consume. Cannabis strains with higher levels of the compound THC tend to deliver a more intense and euphoric high. In contrast, strains with higher concentrations of CBD give people a mellow marijuana experience.
Body weight, tolerance level, and method of consumption are often the overlooked factors that influence how intensely a person experiences a high. The same dosage and potency can impact a smaller person more dramatically than it can a taller or heavier person. Those who consume marijuana regularly may also experience less of a high than those trying weed for the first time. Studies indicate that, over time, individuals can develop a tolerance to the effects of cannabis, so that eventually, it takes greater cannabis consumption to produce the same effects on the mind and body.
Another overlooked aspect of cannabis use in relation to the high people experience is the method of consumption. Smoking or vaping marijuana delivers a pleasant, high sensation within minutes. Consuming edibles gives people a more intense and longer-lasting high than smoking, but it takes much longer to develop.
How Long Does a High Take to Kick In?
Again, this is a question without a straightforward answer. How long a high takes to kick in largely depends on the method of consumption. Smoking, vaping, and dabbing can deliver a high effect within minutes of consumption. Individuals may feel the effects of the marijuana within two to ten minutes of inhaling flower. Inhaling marijuana smoke or vapor delivers THC and other chemical compounds to the lungs, where it quickly enters the bloodstream before binding with cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Consuming marijuana in edible form means it takes longer for the THC in the cannabis to get to your brain and deliver the “high” sensation. When you eat an edible, you need to digest and metabolize the product before the THC can enter the bloodstream and make its way to the brain. This process takes much longer, typically 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes up to two hours. However, it is vital to note that the liver uniquely metabolizes THC, transforming it into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting psychoactive compound. Although it takes longer for you to feel the high sensation, when you consume edibles, you can experience a more intense and longer-lasting high than you would by consuming marijuana by smoking or vaping it.
What Is Better for High Blood Pressure, Indica or Sativa?
Cannabis plants come in two varieties: indica and sativa. Choosing which strain is better for high blood pressure means understanding the differences between the two plants. Indica plants natively grow in the harsh, dry climate of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Hindu Kush Mountain range. Indica is a fast-growing and hardy cannabis variety with buds that produce higher concentrations of the compound CBD. These plants are prized for their deeply calming effects.
Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America are the home to native sativa plants. Taller and slower to mature overall, sativa plants have higher concentrations of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives you a “high” feeling. Sativa plants help increase energy levels and heighten mental focus and clarity.
Indica plants or indica-dominant hybrid strains are a popular choice for those looking to lower their blood pressure with cannabis. These plants have naturally higher concentrations of CBD, a compound thought to affect heart health positively. Indica and indica-dominant strains also promote relaxation, better sleep, and a sense of calm, which may help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
How Long Will I Be High?
The length of time you can remain high again depends on factors such as how you consume weed and the dose you take. The high that comes from smoking or vaping weed can typically last between one and three hours. The lingering side effects of marijuana can last for as long as eight hours. Dabbing causes a similar reaction, with a high lasting about one to three hours on average. The higher the dose and potency of the product, the longer you may feel the sensation of being high. Those who have developed a higher tolerance to cannabis may experience the high sensation for a shorter duration of time.
The high effect of consuming edibles varies. Although it can take up to two hours to feel the peak of an edible high, the effects can last up to 24 hours. If you want to extend a high’s duration, consuming edibles is the way to go. However, use caution. Consuming too much marijuana, especially in edible form, can lead to a weed hangover.
If you are looking for high-quality cannabis products in the D.C. area to give you an intense buzz, look no further than Fast Slice. At Fast Slice, we deliver premium cannabis products for a smooth and satisfying experience.
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