Understanding: How many hours can you be high for?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, over 48 million Americans reported using cannabis in 2019, leading many to wonder exactly how many hours can you be high for? The duration of a cannabis high is not fixed and depends heavily on your consumption method and individual body chemistry.

Quick Summary

The length of a cannabis high varies significantly based on consumption method, potency, and tolerance. Inhaled effects typically last 1–4 hours, while edibles can last up to 12 hours, with some residual effects lingering longer.

Key Points

Method Matters: Inhalation methods like smoking and vaping offer a fast-acting but shorter high (1-4 hours), while edibles are slower to start but last much longer (6-12 hours+).
Tolerance is Key: A regular user's high will be shorter than that of a new or occasional user, as their body has built up a higher tolerance to THC.
Potency and Dose: A higher concentration of THC and a larger dose will lead to a more intense and prolonged high.
Metabolism and Body Fat: Your individual metabolism and body fat percentage can influence how quickly your body processes and eliminates THC, affecting how long the high lasts.
Start Low, Go Slow: This is especially important for edibles, where the delayed onset can lead to overconsumption. Wait at least two hours before taking more.
Residual Effects: Even after the perceived high fades, especially with potent edibles, you may still experience residual effects like grogginess for up to 24 hours.

The Different Ways to Consume Cannabis

The method of cannabis consumption is the most significant factor in determining the duration and intensity of its effects. Each route of administration affects how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is metabolized and absorbed by the body, leading to vastly different timelines.

Inhalation: Smoking and Vaping

When cannabis is inhaled, either by smoking or vaping, THC is rapidly absorbed through the lungs and enters the bloodstream almost immediately. This leads to a fast onset of effects, usually within minutes. The high typically peaks within 30 minutes to an hour and gradually tapers off over the next one to three hours. For individuals with a lower tolerance or if a particularly potent strain is used, the effects might linger for up to eight hours.

Edibles: Ingestion

Ingesting cannabis via edibles, such as baked goods or gummies, provides a much different and longer-lasting experience. Because THC must pass through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver, the onset is significantly delayed—anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. This is because the liver converts THC into a more potent compound, 11-hydroxy-THC, which creates a stronger and more prolonged high. The peak effects can be felt around two to four hours after consumption, and the overall high can last for 6 to 12 hours, sometimes longer depending on the dose.

Dabbing Concentrates

Dabbing involves vaporizing highly concentrated cannabis extracts, which means users are ingesting a very high dose of THC. This results in an almost instantaneous and very potent high. The effects of dabbing tend to be more robust than smoking flower and can last for 3 to 5 hours, potentially lingering even longer for inexperienced users due to the high concentration of THC.

Tinctures: Sublingual Use

Tinctures, which are liquid extracts, are administered sublingually (under the tongue). This allows THC to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, bypassing the digestive system. The onset time is faster than edibles, typically 15 to 30 minutes, but the duration is shorter, usually lasting between two and four hours. Swallowing the tincture instead of absorbing it sublingually may increase the duration but slow the onset, similar to an edible.

Factors that Change the Experience

Beyond the consumption method, several individual factors can influence the duration and intensity of a cannabis high. These include:

THC Potency: The higher the concentration of THC in the cannabis product, the more potent and potentially longer-lasting the effects will be.
Dosage: Consuming a larger quantity of cannabis, regardless of the method, will generally result in a more intense and extended high.
Tolerance: Regular or chronic users of cannabis develop a higher tolerance, meaning they will feel the effects for a shorter period compared to infrequent or first-time users.
Metabolism: An individual's metabolic rate affects how quickly their body processes and eliminates THC. A faster metabolism may lead to a shorter high.
Body Composition: THC is fat-soluble and is stored in fat cells. Individuals with a higher body fat percentage may experience effects for a longer period as the THC is released slowly over time.
Food Intake: Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can accelerate the onset of effects, while eating a meal beforehand may delay it and lessen the intensity.
Environment and Mindset: A person's setting and psychological state can significantly affect their high. Feeling anxious or stressed can lead to a more unpleasant experience, while a relaxed environment can enhance it.

How Long Can You Be High For?: A Comparison


Consumption Method	Onset Time	Duration	Peak	Special Considerations
Smoking/Vaping	Minutes	1-3 hours	30-60 minutes	Shorter, more controllable high
Edibles	30 min - 2 hours	6-12 hours+	2-4 hours	Delayed onset, long duration, higher potency
Dabbing	Seconds	3-5 hours	1-3 hours	Immediate onset, very intense high
Tinctures	15-30 minutes	2-4 hours	1-2 hours	Faster than edibles, more predictable

What to Do When the High is Too Much

For some, the high can feel overwhelming or last longer than expected. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, remember that the experience is temporary. Here are some strategies that can help:

Stay Calm: Remind yourself that the feeling is not permanent and that you are safe.
Change Your Environment: Move to a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax. Putting on some calming music can also help.
Distract Yourself: Engage in a relaxing activity, such as watching a familiar movie, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.
Hydrate and Snack: Drink plenty of water and eat a light, healthy snack. Some people find that specific foods, like nuts or sweet potatoes, can help balance the effects. Lemon juice is also rumored to help in some cases.
Consider CBD: In some cases, consuming a product with CBD can help counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD can help reduce anxiety associated with a high, although more research is needed.

Important Safety Considerations

Start Low and Go Slow: This is especially crucial for edibles, where the delayed onset can lead to overconsumption. Take a small dose and wait at least two hours before considering more.
Avoid Driving: Never operate a vehicle or heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis, even if you feel the effects have worn off. Residual impairment can persist much longer than the perceived high.
Be Mindful of Mental Health: Frequent, high-potency cannabis use can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, particularly for individuals with a family history of mental health issues.

For more detailed information on cannabis consumption and safety, consult reliable health resources.

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Conclusion

There is no single answer to the question of how many hours can you be high for, as the duration is a complex interplay of the consumption method, product potency, and individual physiology. By understanding these variables, consumers can make more informed choices to ensure a safer and more predictable experience. Always prioritize safety, especially by avoiding overconsumption and abstaining from driving while impaired. Knowing your limits and being patient with the process, particularly with edibles, is key to a positive outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Edibles produce a longer high because the THC is metabolized by your liver into a more potent compound. Unlike inhalation, which sends THC directly to the brain, edibles take a slower, more prolonged route through your digestive system.

For occasional smokers, the high from smoking or vaping typically lasts between 1 and 3 hours, with effects peaking within the first hour. It may be slightly more intense and potentially longer than for a regular user due to lower tolerance.

Yes, taking a tolerance break can help reset your body's sensitivity to THC. After a break, you may find that smaller doses produce more potent and longer-lasting effects, similar to when you first started using cannabis.

It is unlikely to get high from secondhand smoke unless you are in a small, unventilated space with a high concentration of smoke. Modern testing shows positive results for non-smokers in very specific, high-exposure scenarios, but significant intoxicating effects are rare.

The main psychoactive effects, such as altered perception and impaired coordination, typically coincide with the peak of the high and can last for several hours. Some cognitive effects, like a feeling of mental 'fogginess', may linger longer.

A high from dabbing is known for its intensity and can last between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the potency of the concentrate and your individual tolerance. The effects are more potent and can feel more overwhelming than other methods.

If your high is too intense, try to remain calm, find a quiet and comfortable place, and distract yourself with a relaxing activity. Hydrating with water and having a light snack can also help to ground you. Remember that the feeling is temporary.