Cannabis highs last anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the strain, the method of consumption, and the individual's tolerance to the drug. When you visit a dispensary San Diego and consume cannabis, the effects usually last from 1 to 3 hours, whereas edibles can last for anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Everybody's body reacts differently to cannabis, so your experience will differ from person to person. It's always a good idea to start small with cannabis if you're new to it and speak with the staff at your local dispensary in San Diego for personal recommendations.
When it comes to making your own edibles, learning how to make cannabis honey can be a fun and easy way to infuse your favorite treats.
The Factors That Affect the Duration of a Cannabis High
You will find a wide variety of cannabis strains, edibles, concentrates, and other products to choose from when you walk into a dispensary San Diego . You should understand what factors influence the length of the cannabis high. Your cannabis high will last for a variety of reasons.
1. Method of Consumption
In order to get the most out of cannabis, you need to consume it properly. There are several ways to do so.
Smoking or Vaping: Cannabis enters your bloodstream through your lungs, producing almost immediate effects, but these wear off relatively quickly after about one to three hours. The onset is fast, but the high can last only a few minutes.
Edibles: It takes much longer for edibles like cannabis-infused gummies or cookies to kick in because they must be digested and metabolized by the liver. A high lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 hours or even longer, and you'll start feeling the effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours of taking the drug. Due to the different way THC is broken down in edibles, they produce a slower and longer high.
Tinctures and Oils: Cannabis tinctures, which are dissolved in oil or alcohol, are typically consumed sublingually (under the tongue). They are more effective than edibles due to their quick onset, usually within 15 to 45 minutes. In a way, tinctures provide a good compromise between smoking and edibles, lasting between two and four hours each.
2. Potency of the Cannabis
In order to get a stronger and longer-lasting high, you need cannabis strains with high THC levels. In San Diego, you will often find that products like concentrates, which contain much more THC than flower, produce a much stronger and longer-lasting high when you visit a dispensary. A strain with a lower THC content, on the other hand, will produce a milder and shorter high.
3. Tolerance Level
Your body may have developed a tolerance to THC if you use cannabis frequently. You may need a higher dose to feel the same effects, and the high may not last as long. Beginners, however, may experience stronger effects with a smaller dose. To ensure you choose the right product for your experience, it's crucial to think about your own tolerance level when you shop at a dispensary in San Diego.
4. Metabolism and Body Chemistry
You can influence how long the high lasts by your individual metabolism, which affects how quickly THC is processed by your body. A faster metabolism may result in a faster wear off of cannabis effects, while a slower metabolism may result in a longer high. Because THC is stored in fat cells, body composition, such as body fat percentage, can also influence how long it stays in your system. Therefore, people with a higher body fat percentage may experience a longer-lasting high.
5. Hydration and Overall Health
A cannabis high can last longer if you stay hydrated and maintain good health. Dehydration can amplify the effects of cannabis, making it last longer. Staying well hydrated can, on the other hand, help regulate your experience and keep your body functioning optimally, which may shorten its duration. Moreover, stress, sleep, and diet all play a role in how cannabis interacts with your body.
How Long Does a Cannabis High Last Based on Consumption Method?
Let's dive into how the consumption method affects the duration of a cannabis high now that we've covered the factors that influence it.
Smoking or Vaping Cannabis
Whenever you smoke or vape cannabis, the THC is absorbed into your bloodstream almost immediately. The effects typically last around 30 minutes and peak within minutes. For most people, the high from smoking or vaping lasts between 1 and 3 hours, with the peak effect occurring early on and gradually tapering off. If you're looking for a quick high, smoking or vaping is a great choice.
Pros of Smoking or Vaping:
Fast onset
Short duration
Easier to control dosage
Cons:
Short-lived effects
Possible respiratory irritation from smoking
Cannabis Edibles
When compared to smoking, edibles provide a longer-lasting high, such as cannabis honey, gummies, chocolate, and baked goods. The liver processes THC when you consume edibles, converting it into a stronger form that lasts longer. A high can last for up to 6 hours or more, depending on the dose, and will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to completely take hold.
Pros of Edibles:
Longer-lasting effects (4-6 hours)
Discreet consumption
Suitable for those who want a more intense body high
Cons:
Slow onset (delayed effects)
Harder to control dosage (overconsumption is common)
Tinctures and Oils
In most cases, cannabis tinctures are consumed sublingually (under the tongue), because they contain cannabis extracts dissolved in oil or alcohol. Because THC is directly absorbed into the bloodstream, it bypasses the digestive system, making tinctures more potent than edibles, with most users feeling its effects within 15 to 45 minutes of taking them. For those who prefer a quick, yet moderate experience, tinctures are a good option. The high typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
Pros of Tinctures:
Quick onset (15-45 minutes)
Longer-lasting than smoking
Precise dosing
Cons:
Shorter duration compared to edibles
Strong flavor (may not be pleasant for everyone)
How to Extend or Shorten Your Cannabis High
There are a few things you can do if you find yourself enjoying a longer-lasting high than expected:
To Extend the High:
Stay hydrated: Water can keep you feeling comfortable and sustain your high.
Consume more cannabis: Adding more cannabis to an edible or tincture can extend the high.
To Shorten the High:
Take CBD: CBD counteracts the effects of THC and helps you regain balance more quickly.
Stay active: Physical activity can speed up your metabolism, potentially shortening the high's duration.
Hydrate: Staying active and drinking water can help flush out THC faster.
Conclusion:
A great cannabis experience requires understanding how long a high lasts and what factors influence it. It is important to consider factors like the method of consumption, potency, your tolerance level, and body chemistry, no matter whether you are visiting a dispensary in San Diego or trying out new consumption methods. Whether you're looking for a quick burst of energy or a long, relaxing high, the right product can give you what you want.
