How Long Does Weed Last? What to Expect

If you’re new to weed, you might have a hard time gauging or even finding out the answer to the question “how long does weed last?”

That said, this knowledge gap may potentially interfere with future plans if you choose to indulge in some icky sticky without knowing how long your high will last. Most long-time cannabis enthusiasts will tell you that the general range of smoking cannabis will be anywhere from 1 hour to 6 hours, with the duration for edibles being closer to 3 to 8 hours.

It may seem like a pretty wide range. However, it could be even broader, depending on several impacting factors.

So, how long does weed last? To give you a solid understanding of this complex topic, we’ve created a quick guide on how to determine just that.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How Long Does Weed Last? What Determines it?

Generally speaking, if someone told you that a typical high lasts for 2 to 3 hours, they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. However, the thing is, that’s just the average time for most people.

That said, each of us has different physiology that will cause us to react to weed differently. Several factors will either extend that base 2 to 6 hour period or shorten it, including:

The Type of Cannabis Strain Consumed

When it comes to cannabis, there are thousands of different strains to choose from, and not all of them are the same. Every cannabis strain carries a different set of genetics, with some having a higher concentration of THC and others having a higher concentration of CBD.

In some cases, there are certain plants with a rare cannabinoid THCV. Other compounds like terpenes, which also influence the high in subtle ways, also tend to vary depending on the specific plant’s genetics.

Terpenes are the compounds that give plants their unique scents, like the smell of citrus from the rinds of lemons or even the unique smell of cannabis itself. That said, terpenes actually play a role much more significant than that. They can influence your high in subtle yet noticeable ways through a phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect.

Different terpenes interact with cannabinoids differently, either amplifying or diminishing certain aspects of the high. This relationship is one of the main reasons why different strains can have a different feeling high. These subtle effects may also play a role in determining how long the high will last, as well.

The Amount of THC Consumed

This point is a big one. Generally speaking, the more THC you consume, the higher you’ll feel. After all, THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis and is the ingredient you’ll be looking for when it comes to finding dank, potent weed.

When you consume cannabis, depending on the specific product, you’re also ingesting THC. The more THC you consume, the longer it’ll take your body to process it and remove it from your system. When you consume large amounts of THC, the effects can last quite a bit longer than more subtle smaller doses of THC.

Personal Metabolism

Another thing that may influence how long your high will last is your personal metabolism. That said, those who have a high resting metabolism will generally go through their high much quicker than those who have slower metabolisms.

With a faster metabolism, the body can process compounds and nutrients at high efficiency and speed than slower metabolisms.

Cannabis Tolerance Levels

Like pretty much anything else, personal tolerance or experience with cannabis consumption may affect your overall high. The higher your tolerance, the more cannabis you’ll need to smoke to feel the same effects as someone with a low tolerance level.

For that reason alone, it’s a great idea to take tolerance breaks every once in a while.

How Long Does a High Last?

We’ve previously stated that your typical high would last around 2 to 6 hours, but that’s only for smoking cannabis. If you’re going to be ingesting your cannabis or applying it topically to your skin, different rules apply.

Edibles

Cannabis edibles have earned a reputation for being some of the longest-lasting and most potent types of cannabis you can consume. Though the same factors as before apply to how long the effects should last, your typical edible is set to get you high for 4 to 8 hours, and sometimes longer if you overdo it.

Keep in mind. There is a delayed onset time to feel the effects, which can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on if you ate something before consuming the edible.

That said, edibles are arguably one of the most reliable products because they are precisely dosed. In this way, you know exactly how much THC you’re consuming.

If you’re looking for some delicious edibles to try, Sugar Jack’s creates some of the tastiest treats on the market! If you’re a lover of classic bud-infused baked goods, try the Ginger Molasses or Chocolate Chip cookies. More of a gummy lover? Test the various flavours to find your favourite with a delicious variety pack!

Sublingual Administration

This consumption method applies to cannabis tinctures that are dropped under the tongue. Sublingual administration typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to kick in and can last for 6 to 8 hours.

Smoking

If you smoke your weed, your body will process it much quicker than edibles, so a standard 3 to 6-hour window is what you should be expecting.

You can’t go wrong with classic flower, and carts us has a prime selection for all of your weed needs! Whether you’re an indica, sativa, or hybrid lover, our selection is designed to cater to tokers of all experience levels and preferences.

Topical Application

With topical cannabis products, this method of application will not have you feeling high.

Rather, topically applied cannabinoids are designed to treat locally inflamed areas. They’re fast-acting and short-lasting.

Vaping

Vaping is considered to be a healthier alternative to traditional smoking that produces a cleaner feeling high. Vaping can also affect how long you’re high for, with each vape session lasting for around 1 to 3 hours.

Although the high is shorter than it would be if you were to smoke your cannabis, vaping exposes you to fewer harmful carcinogens.

Suppose you are looking to try vaping out or would like to find more suitable products. In that case, Pyro Extracts Vaporizer Kits are a sleek and discreet solution for those looking to toke on the go, not to mention the high-quality taste and all-around pleasurable experience!

Does Weed go Bad? How Long Does Weed Stay Good?

Similar to anything else organically grown, weed tends to go bad after about six months.

Of course, you can delay this by storing your marijuana in opaque, air-tight containers kept in a cool, dark place, but generally speaking, six months is the time frame you should give yourself to consume your marijuana.

After the initial six months, the THC content would have reduced significantly, so enjoy it while you have it!

Final Thoughts

Answering the question “how long does weed last” is not as simple as it may seem, as we have proven in this article. Ultimately, it boils down to multiple key factors, including ingestion method, the specific strain and potency of the weed, and personal physiology.

All things considered, you should be on your way to accurately determine how long each batch of weed should stay in your system.

One of the most pertinent factors is the specific product you’re consuming. Edibles will take longer to set in, but the high will be much longer than if you were to smoke straight-up cannabis flower. The length of your high, if you’re vaping, will also depend on the specific type of pen you have and if you are vaping dry flower or cannabis concentrates.

Of course, a bit of trial and error will determine the duration of each product’s effects and how they impact you on an individual level, which is part of the fun!

Happy toking!