How long a weed high lasts can vary depending on the person, how they consume the weed, and the type of weed itself. When smoking cannabis, the high typically lasts 1–4 hours.
Weed is the general term for products that come from the
The nature of the high a person experiences depends on the composition of these compounds in the product a person is using and how they use it. For example, edible cannabis
Keep reading to learn more about how long a weed high lasts and what factors may affect its duration.

Different factors affect how long a person stays high, including:
- the type or strain of weed
- a person’s individual characteristics, such as metabolism and tolerance
- the method of consumption, for example, smoking or edibles
- taking other substances, such as alcohol
Type of weed
Whether the cannabis plant is male or female and whether it contains seeds are some features that determine a weed strain’s composition. The type of high that weed induces depends mostly on the THC and CBD content.
Weed is
Cannabis growers have been
Learn more about types of weed and their effects here.
Method
The
- smoking
- inhaling vapor
- consuming edibles
The method of cannabis consumption will affect how long and potent its effects are.
Once THC reaches the bloodstream, the body absorbs the compound
People often smoke weed alongside tobacco in cannabis cigarettes. The effects of smoking in this way depend on the amounts of cannabis and tobacco within the cigarette.
When smoking cannabis, THC reaches the blood quickly, creating a high that lasts
Cannabis vapes trigger a similar duration of high to smoking the substance, although the drug’s effects are
Food products that contain cannabis, such as brownies or cookies, are called edibles. The effects of consuming edibles differ from inhaling the substance: they begin
Metabolism
The body of a person with a high metabolic rate will process cannabis more quickly. Because of this, THC can reach their bloodstream faster, but the duration of the effects will probably not last as long.
Eating
Some foods contain chemicals that can strengthen and extend a high. For example, anecdotal reports suggest mangoes can have this effect. In contrast, other food items may reduce the effect of weed, such as those rich in fat.
Alcohol
Cannabis and alcohol use
Be aware that mixing cannabis and alcohol comes with several risks.
Learn more about the risks of mixing cannabis and alcohol here.
Tolerance
Those who ingest weed more frequently will likely have a greater tolerance to the substance than those who do not. A person with a higher tolerance for cannabis may find its effects are weaker and do not last as long.
The same factors that affect how long a weed high lasts also determine how long it takes to kick in. How a person uses cannabis is the main influence on when THC levels in the blood reach their peak.
- When smoking cannabis, the high kicks in within
minutes . - Inhaling vapor causes an even
faster effect, with higher peak THC concentrations in the blood. - Edibles produce the slowest effect, taking
30–60 minutes to occur.
Weed can trigger
Taking a cold bath or shower can increase a person’s alertness and reduce the high.
However, if possible, the best way to wear off the effect of THC is through sleep.
The method that a person uses to get high influences how long the effects last. Consuming edibles does not trigger the effects as quickly, but it does prolong the high.
The more cannabis a person consumes, the longer the body takes to metabolize the THC, and the longer the high lasts.
Recreational cannabis use is a controversial subject and illegal in many states. A person should ensure cannabis is purchased legally.
Weed comes with short- and long-term risk factors, so people should consume cannabis products with care.
Short-term risks
- increase in heart rate
- anxiety
- paranoia
Long-term risks include:
- memory issues
- difficulty learning
- insomnia
- schizophrenia, for those with a higher genetic risk of the condition
If a person is pregnant, using cannabis
A person should see a doctor if they become dependent on cannabis, or they experience concerning side effects, such as insomnia or memory loss.
A weed high generally lasts between 1–6 hours. The time varies depending on how a person ingests the product, alongside other factors.
Vapor generally creates the fastest but strongest high, while edibles are slower to kick in but cause longer-lasting effects.