Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 18% of Americans consumed cannabis in 2019, despite federal prohibition. But if you’ve never tried it before, how long does a weed high last?

Various sources will talk about weed offering highs starting at 30 minutes and lasting for up to 24 hours. None of these answers are necessarily incorrect because so many factors determine how long a high lasts.

In this guide, we’re going to answer “How long do weed highs last?” and “What does being high feel like?”

Photo by Gras Grün

What Does Being High Feel Like?

While veteran smokers may find this to be a strange question, smoking weed for the first time can be intimidating. After all, many people cannot imagine what a high is like or how long it will last.

Knowing how long does a high last is critical because it enables you to plan your smoking session and answer questions like “How long after smoking weed can you get a DUI?”

The truth is that marijuana has massively different effects based on the person. Some will feel happy and relaxed, whereas others experience increased appetite or altered sensory perceptions.

According to Healthline, how you react to marijuana depends on various factors, including:

Dose
Strain
Potency
Whether you smoke, vape, or ingest
How often do you use it
Age
Gender
Physiology
Whether you combine it with other substances

As always, the only way to find out how long it takes to get high and for the effects to kick in is to try it for yourself. Nobody can tell you exactly how you’ll feel when you eat an edible or puff away on a vape.

How Long Does it Take to Get High?

Typically, you can expect your high to begin as soon as you begin smoking. While your THC levels won’t peak for some time, most users will start to feel something immediately.

Note that this rule changes for edibles. For example, if you consume a gummy or a brownie, it will usually take between 30 and 60 minutes for the THC to reach your bloodstream. Your THC levels will peak around three hours after eating an edible.

How Long Does it Take for Weed to Kick In?

Weed kicks in the fastest when smoking it because the THC reaches your bloodstream via the lungs. In contrast, edibles must go through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which takes time.

So, how long does weed take to kick in? We’ll examine the time it takes by examining different methods of using it.

Smoking Bowls or Bubblers

Bowls and bubblers are ideal for smoking on the go and for solo smoking because they are easy to pack and enjoy.

Like smoking a joint or a blunt, the high should come on instantly. Veteran smokers may need to wait for a few minutes or smoke more to begin feeling high.

Smoking Joints or Blunts

Joints and blunts are the traditional way to smoke. It’s also the most common smoking method and the one that most beginners start with.

Like a bowl or bubbler, you can expect it to kick in within a few minutes, so avoid hitting your joint too much in quick succession if this is your first time.

Smoking Vapes or Pens

Vaping is similar to smoking, but some people find the high slower to appear. Some vapers have found that it can take up to ten minutes for them to feel the THC beginning to work its magic.

However, the speed of a vape high is comparable to smoking.

Smoking Bongs

Bongs are larger and more cumbersome than bowls and bubblers, making them an excellent option for parties and other group smoking events.

Bongs will work as quickly as a joint, but higher concentrations or spending longer working the bong can mean getting a bigger high faster.

Smoke Dabs

Dabs involve getting high with a highly concentrated form of weed. This is by far the fastest way to get high.

Regardless of how much you smoke, dabs will typically lead to an instant high, so if you’re in a hurry, this is the best way to do it.

How Long Does a Weed High Last?

Many people want to know, “How long does being high last?” so they can plan out their sessions. Unfortunately, many beginners often underestimate how long a high can last, leading them to become paranoid or scared because their high appears to be lasting longer than expected.

Again, how long you’re high largely depends on how you’re ingesting weed and your tolerance. High-tolerance smokers may find that their highs are weaker and last for shorter periods.

Here’s a breakdown of how long you can expect your high to last based on your consumption method of choice.

Smoking Bowls or Bubblers

Bowl highs can have wildly different concentrations, ranging from 8% to 35% THC. However, you can expect your high to last from one to three hours, with some experiencing highs of up to four.

Note that your high may not last as long if you’re smoking a partially smoked bowl or bubbler.

Smoking Joints or Blunts

Joints and blunts provide you with a high within minutes. Your THC levels peak within the first 30 minutes, and you’ll remain at the peak for at least an hour before gradually returning to normal.

Most joint/blunt smokers report an average high time of two to four hours.

Smoking Vapes or Pens

Vaping highs usually leave you at the peak for a shorter period of 20 to 30 minutes. This shorter peak is why many people choose to vape their weed while on the go.

Generally, vapes and pens will give you a high lasting from one to three hours.

Smoking Bongs

Bongs are similar to bowls, only the apparatus is bigger. So, how long does weed last when smoking a bong?

Depending on how many times you hit it, your high should last for up to three hours. Some smokers can extend their high by taking another hit to elevate their THC levels.

Smoke Dabs

Dabs are highly concentrated, so you’ll reach the peak within minutes, with the effects beginning to tell instantly.

Like other methods of smoking weed, dabs will give you a high of three hours, but highly concentrated dabs can lead you to be high for longer.

Photo by Jeff W

How long does weed smell last?

If you’re concerned about how long a weed high lasts, you may also be worried about the smell of your cannabis.

Like cigarette smoke, cannabis odor can hang around for a long time. Let it get into your furniture, and it could take months to shift. However, if you smoke in a well-ventilated room or close to an open window, the smell should vanish within three to five hours.

Consider using fans if you want to shift the pungent smell faster. Alternatively, consider smoking on a balcony or in an outdoor environment if permitted in your state. To get the smell out of your clothes, throwing them in the laundry hamper will get rid of the smell.

How long does edible high last?

Edibles work differently from other forms of consuming weed because they enter your bloodstream via your digestive system.

So, how long does an edible last?

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the effects to kick in. Most people will reach their THC peak in four hours. However, the effects of an edible can continue for up to 12 hours, especially if consuming highly potent edibles.

This is why beginners are advised to avoid eating a whole serving of weed brownies or cookies and opt for half instead.

How long does weed paranoia last?

Weed paranoia is one of the most common side effects of smoking marijuana. Everyone is different, with some smokers never experiencing paranoia, but others may find themselves experiencing discomfort while smoking.

If you’re asking, “How long can you be high for?” because you’re worried about paranoia, the good news is that these symptoms only last for one to two hours.

You can also alleviate these symptoms with music or by smoking weed away from the public eye. Over time, you’ll find out what works best for you.

Finally, even though these feelings of paranoia can be unnerving if you’re experiencing them for the first time, they’re not permanent.

Weed High FAQs

How long does a weed pen high last?

Weed pens have varying concentrations of THC. Opt for the strongest ones, and you can extend your high to between three and five hours. Again, your tolerance will influence how long your high lasts.

How long does a weed high last first time?

First-time users will typically enjoy the same period of being high as anyone else. The difference is that as you explore these new sensations, the period may feel longer.

Cases where highs appear to last longer for beginners typically involve beginners far exceeding their natural tolerance levels. If you’re starting alone, consuming too much is not uncommon.

How long does a weed brownie high last?

Weed brownie highs may last anywhere from six to twelve hours. If you’re able to purchase brownies from a retail store, you will have the chance to ask about different concentrations.

Brownies that contain more weed, or high-potency weed, will provide a more significant, longer high. Likewise, eating more edibles will pack a greater punch.

How long does a high from a weed gummy last?

Weed gummies function the same way as brownies. Potent gummies may contain up to 20% THC, which is the legal limit in most places. However, when buying gummies, read the label to find out how many mg of THC is within each gummy.

Strong gummies often have 10 mg of THC in each one, meaning eating three gummies would provide a powerful high, with the effects not completely dissipating for up to 12 hours.

Remember, there’s no limit to how long can you be high for, so dose carefully.

Smoke the Right Weed for You with a Medical Marijuana Card – Apply Today!

In most states, obtaining a medical marijuana card is your only way to purchase and consume weed legally.

With an array of qualifying medical conditions, you could be eligible for an MMJ card. Find out if you qualify for a medical marijuana card with the help of Green Health Docs by scheduling your appointment online today.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.

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