How long is high
How long is high
Cannabis is becoming increasingly popular - whether it's for medical or recreational use. One key question arises, especially for beginners: How long does the high actually last? The answer to this is not so simple, as the duration depends on many different factors. From the form of consumption, to the amount, to your personal condition, many things influence how long you feel the high.
A cannabis high is more than just a short effect. It goes through different phases and can last for different lengths of time depending on the situation and type of consumption. In this article, we will shed light on how long you are high for on average, which factors influence the duration of the effect and what you should consider in order to better categorise the high.
Whether you smoke a Joint, try an edible hash biscuit or are simply curious: here you will find the answers to all the important questions about the duration of a cannabis high.
How long do you stay high?
The duration of a cannabis high depends on many factors, including the type of cannabis consumed, the method of consumption and the individual's condition. While some people are clear-headed again after just two hours, others can feel the effect for much longer. A closer look at the various influencing factors helps to better estimate the duration of the high.
The role of the cannabis strain:
Indica, sativa and hybrid
The choice of cannabis strain plays a crucial role in how long you stay high and how the high feels:
- Indica strains: These strains are known for their relaxing effects, which mainly affect the body. A "stoned" feeling is more common here, which often lasts longer. Typically, you will feel high for 2 to 4 hours, followed by a period of deep relaxation or fatigue.
- Sativa strains: In contrast, sativa strains often produce an energetic, creative high that is felt mentally rather than physically. The effect can also last 2 to 4 hours, but often wears off more quickly than with indica strains.
- Hybrid strains: Hybrids combine properties of indica and sativa, and the duration of the high and the type of effect depend heavily on the exact mix of strain properties.
Depending on the choice of strain, the intensity and length of the high can therefore differ significantly.
A decisive factor:
The consumption method
The way in which cannabis is consumed influences the duration and intensity of the high. When smoking or vaping, the effect sets in within a few minutes, but usually only lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Edible products such as hash biscuits work more slowly, as THC is first processed in the digestive tract. Here it often takes 30 minutes to 2 hours before the high is felt, but it can last for 6 to 10 hours.
Tinctures or oils that are taken sublingually work faster than edible products, but not as quickly as smoking. The choice of consumption method therefore not only determines how quickly the high sets in, but also how long it lasts - a consideration you should make consciously.
How long does a Joint last?
A Joint is one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis, and the duration of the effect is relatively manageable compared to other types of consumption. The effect usually sets in within a few minutes, as the active ingredient THC quickly enters the bloodstream via the lungs. The peak of the high is usually reached after 15 to 30 minutes, while the total duration of the high is around 1.5 to 3 hours.
However, there are individual differences here too. Experienced users who have a higher tolerance may find that the high is shorter and less intense, while beginners or people with a low tolerance often experience a stronger and longer-lasting high. The THC concentration in the cannabis strain also plays a major role: strains with a high THC content generally lead to a more intense and longer-lasting effect.
Individual factors:
Why the high varies from person to person
How long you are high for and how intense the high is perceived depends heavily on individual factors. One of the most important aspects is tolerance. People who use cannabis regularly often develop a higher tolerance, which means that they need more THC for the same effect. Their high is often shorter and less intense compared to occasional users.
Metabolism also plays an important role. People with a fast metabolism break down THC more quickly, which can lead to a shorter high. In contrast, people with a slower metabolism often experience a longer and more intense high. Body weight and fat percentage also influence the duration, as THC is stored in fatty tissue and can be released slowly.
The mental and emotional state before consumption is another decisive factor. People who are relaxed and in a good mood often experience the high as more pleasant and longer-lasting. In stressful or insecure situations, on the other hand, the perception of the high can be negatively influenced.
Finally, age also has an influence: younger people can experience the high more intensely as their endocannabinoid system is more sensitive. As we get older, this sensitivity can decrease, resulting in a weaker high.
To summarise: everyone reacts differently to cannabis, with factors such as tolerance, metabolism, weight, mental state and age all contributing to the fact that the effect can vary greatly from person to person.
THC content: How strength affects the high
The concentration of THC in cannabis is an important factor that influences the duration of the high. Cannabis strains with a higher THC content often cause a more intense and longer-lasting high.
In addition, products such as concentrates (e.g. dab wax or THC oils) can have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than conventional flowers. Beginners should therefore start with products with a low to medium THC content to avoid a high that is too intense.
How long can THC be detected in the body?
Although the high often only lasts a few hours, THC remains detectable in the body for much longer. THC is stored in fatty tissue and is only broken down slowly. The detection time depends on how often and how much has been consumed.
- Occasional users: THC is usually detectable for 1 to 3 days.
- Regular users: THC can remain in the body for up to 10 days or longer.
- Intensive users: With daily use, traces of THC can be detected for several weeks, in some cases even over 30 days.
The exact detection time also varies depending on the test method. Blood tests only show THC for a few hours after consumption, while urine tests have a significantly longer detection time. Hair analyses can even detect THC for months, as the active substance is deposited in the hair follicles.
How does the body actually get high?
To understand how the body gets high, it is important to understand the effects of THC and the path of the active ingredient through the body. When cannabis is smoked or vaporised, the THC enters the bloodstream directly via the lungs. The fine air sacs (alveoli) allow the active ingredient to be absorbed quickly, so that the THC reaches the brain within a few seconds.
In the brain, THC binds to so-called cannabinoid receptors (CB1 receptors), which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates many important functions such as mood, memory, pain perception and appetite. By activating these receptors, THC changes the communication between the nerve cells, which leads to the typical effects: euphoria, altered perception and relaxation.
The rapid onset of effects when smoking or vaping is one of the reasons why these types of consumption are so popular. In contrast, edibles take longer to work, as the THC must first be processed by the gastrointestinal tract and liver. In the liver, THC is converted into a stronger form, known as 11-hydroxy-THC, which makes the effects of edibles more intense and long-lasting.
Conclusion on "How long do you stay high?"
The duration of a high depends on many factors, including the form of consumption, the choice of strain, the THC content and the individual's condition. On average, the high lasts 2 to 4 hours when smoking or vaping, while edible products such as hash biscuits can have a significantly longer effect of 6 to 10 hours.
It is particularly important to take personal factors into account. Factors such as tolerance, metabolism, weight and mental state influence how long the high is felt and how intense it is perceived. The choice between indica, sativa or hybrid strains also plays a role, as they each have different effects and durations.
If you want to better understand the effects of cannabis, you should consciously consider the dosage and method of consumption. An overly intense or long-lasting high can often be avoided by using smaller doses, strains with a moderate THC content or a relaxed environment.
In the end, cannabis is an individual experience. Whether short or long, strong or mild - everyone experiences a high differently. The conscious choice of consumption method and strain helps to achieve the desired effect and enjoy the high.