How Long Does The High Last?
For many people, smoking weed is a recreational activity that can provide a sense of relaxation and euphoria. However, if you're new to the world of cannabis, you might be wondering: how long does a weed high actually last? In this article, we'll explore the factors that can affect the duration of a cannabis high, as well as some tips for managing its effects.
If you are unfamiliar with the effects of cannabis, you may believe that a stoner is the same as all other stoners. The effects can vary between humans and marijuana plants. Two people could consume the same amount of weed and react very differently.
The time that the effect of marijuana lasts in the body is completely relative and cannot be reduced to a specific number. Marijuana's effects on our bodies, as well as the duration of those effects, are directly related to factors such as our age, metabolism, weight, method of consumption, type of marijuana, quantity, environment, or personal tolerance.
So how can you predict your or someone else's reaction? How are the duration and intensity of the effect calculated? And how will you feel during the different levels of the high? In this article, we answer all these questions and more.
Comparing the Duration of the Effects of Different Weed Products
The duration of weed's effects varies according to the method of consumption and the specific product used. Here is a general comparison of the duration of effects for different weed products:
Smoking: The effects of marijuana are typically felt within minutes and can last for 2-4 hours. The high is generally stronger but shorter-lasting than with other methods of consumption.
Edibles: When marijuana is consumed in the form of edibles, such as gummies or brownies, the effects can take up to an hour or more to kick in and can last for 4-8 hours. The high is generally longer-lasting but can be more unpredictable and intense than smoking.
Vaping: When marijuana is vaped, the effects are typically felt within minutes and can last for up to 2-3 hours. Generally, the high is similar to smoking but may be less harsh on the lungs.
Tinctures: When marijuana is consumed in the form of tinctures, which are liquid extracts that can be taken orally, the effects can take 15-45 minutes to set in and can last for 4-6 hours. The high is generally less intense but longer-lasting than smoking.
It's important to note that the duration of the effects of weed can vary depending on factors such as the potency of the product, the individual's tolerance, and the method of consumption. It's always a good idea to start with a small dose and wait for the effects to set in before consuming more, regardless of the product used.
What Factors Influence the Duration of the Effect of Weed?
When you smoke a joint, you get an instant high that sends a shot of inspiration through your body before dissipating. Smoking a bong, on the other hand, can produce a high that lasts for hours.
Below, you will discover the fundamental variables responsible for the duration of a weed experience.
THC Concentration
When you buy a seed online or pick up a bag of weed at a coffee shop or dispensary, the products are labeled with a percentage. This number shows the potency of what you have bought. The average variety offers a THC content of between 15 and 20%. However, modern breeding has unleashed a wave of genetics that easily produces a THC concentration of 25-30%.
The more concentrated THC you inhale or consume, the stronger and possibly longer-lasting the effect. When you smoke, you begin to feel the effects of THC within two minutes of taking your first hit from the bong.
If you got a gutsy rush and filled a bong with a 25% THC strain or moonrock-type concoction, be prepared to feel the effects for a long time before you hit the ground again.
Amount of Weed Consumed
The amount of marijuana you smoke or consume during the same session will also affect the duration of the effect. In many ways, the quantity of marijuana consumed outweighs the potency of each bud.
THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs' air sacs with each puff. Soon after, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and begins to bind to CB1 receptors in the brain.
The psychoactive molecule activates these receptor sites, causing a temporary change in how your brain sends and receives neurotransmitters. The more THC you inhale, the more receptors you activate. Smoking for several hours keeps your CB1 receptors active, extending the psychoactive effect.
Consumption Method
When it comes to consuming weed, there are three main routes of administration. Each of them enters the body in a slightly different manner, resulting in differences in the onset and duration of the effect.
- Smoking/Vaping: They work quickly, with full effects lasting 30-60 minutes (but can be much longer based on other variables).
- Edible: It can take up to an hour to take effect. The intense effect typically lasts 4 to 6 hours.
- Sublingual Route: Sublingual ingestion involves placing weed-infused oil under the tongue and holding it there for several minutes. This allows THC and other cannabinoids to be absorbed through the capillaries under the tongue, bypassing the digestive tract. Because of the immediate access to blood, sublingual marijuana has a similar onset and duration to smoked or vaporized marijuana.
Weed Quality
Obviously, there are many different types of marijuana, each with its own unique quality and effects. As a result, if we consume high-quality, resinous, and potent marijuana, the effects will last longer. However, if you consume softer, lower-quality marijuana, the effects will be milder and, as a result, less long-lasting.
Metabolism
Some people process drugs slowly, resulting in longer-lasting effects. Others, on the other hand, have faster metabolisms, and while you feel the effects sooner, they also wear off faster. Furthermore, our age, weight, constitution, and overall health all influence the duration of marijuana's effects.
Age
There is very little evidence to suggest that age influences the duration of marijuana's effect. Tolerance may increase with age in people who smoke frequently. An older person with a higher tolerance will likely experience fewer long-term effects, especially if they smoke a relatively mild strain of marijuana.
Height and Weight
Height and weight have little effect on marijuana's psychoactive effects. Because the majority of the action occurs in the brain, body mass and height don't matter much.
A person who is overweight, in part due to slow metabolism, may benefit from edibles for a longer period of time. Their bodies process marijuana more slowly, giving them a slightly longer-lasting high.
Tolerance
Tolerance is one of the factors mentioned previously. This factor refers to your body's tolerance to cannabis processing. The more used you are, the less time it takes to recover from the effects. It should be noted that marijuana is a drug that quickly loses tolerance. When a regular user stops smoking for only a week, he will notice a much stronger and longer-lasting effect, as if he hadn't used it for months.
How to Extend the Duration of the Effect?
The duration of the effects of weed can vary depending on a number of factors, including the method of consumption, the strain of cannabis, and the individual's tolerance level. However, there are a few things you can do to potentially extend the duration of the effects:
- Choose a strain with a longer-lasting effect: Some cannabis strains are known for having longer-lasting effects. For example, Indica strains produce more of a body high and can have a more sedative effect, which may last longer than the more energizing effects of sativa strains.
- Use a method of consumption that produces longer-lasting effects. For example, edibles and tinctures can produce effects that last longer than smoking or vaping.
- Instead of consuming a large amount of cannabis all at once, consider taking smaller doses over a longer period of time. This can help to maintain a more consistent level of THC in your system and potentially extend the duration of the effects.
- Avoid consuming cannabis with alcohol: Consuming cannabis with alcohol may intensify the effects of both substances and result in a shorter duration of the high.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to support your body's natural processes and potentially extend the duration of the effects of weed.
It's important to note that everyone's body is unique, and the effects of cannabis can differ greatly from person to person. Always start with a low dose, and be aware of any potential side effects or negative reactions.
Additionally, be aware of your local laws and regulations regarding the use of cannabis.
How Long Does Weed Hold its Value?
The shelf life of weed, like most plant products, can vary depending on a number of factors such as the quality of the original product, how it was stored, and the conditions it was stored in.
In general, properly stored cannabis can last several months to a year, with some strains lasting longer than others. When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place with low humidity, cannabis can remain fresh for longer periods of time. Exposure to light, heat, and air can degrade the quality of the cannabis and reduce its potency over time.
In summary, the freshness of weed can be prolonged by proper storage, but it's important to note that it will eventually lose its potency and flavor over time.
How Long Does it Take to Kick In?
The onset time for the effects of weed can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the method of consumption and the potency of the strain.
For example, smoking or vaporizing cannabis typically results in a faster onset time, with effects being felt within minutes. On the other hand, Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, as the active compounds must first be processed by the digestive system.
The peak effects of weed can last anywhere from 2-4 hours, with residual effects lasting up to 12 hours or more depending on the individual and the dosage.
Wrapping Up
The duration of a weed high varies depending on the method of consumption, the specific product used, and individual factors such as tolerance and dosage. However, the effects of marijuana can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. It's important to start with a low dose and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more, and to be aware of the potential risks associated with marijuana use.
Sources
https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/cannabis
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-marijuana-high-last
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-a-weed-high-last
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