How long does it take for the effects of Cannabis to kick in?
Why do the effects of Cannabis sometimes kick in immediately and sometimes take up to 2 hours? This article explains how individual factors and your consumption method influence your Cannabis high.
TL;DR
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A Cannabis high can kick in immediately and last anywhere from 2 hours to a full day.
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Individual factors like tolerance, potency, body weight and metabolism play a big role in how fast and long the Cannabis high will last.
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Effects will usually kick in the fastest through inhalation.
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Edibles will have a slower onset time, but a longer-lasting effect compared to inhalation.
The onset of the effects of Cannabis depends on the method of consumption. Here's a general overview:
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Inhalation (smoking or vaping): The effects can be felt within minutes and typically peak within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Inhalation kicks in almost immediately because after inhaling Cannabis, it will enter your bloodstream through your lungs almost immediately. The effects will last 1 to 3 hours, but depending on your tolerance and the potency of the product you are using could last up to 8 hours.
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Oral consumption (edibles): The effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to start, usually peak around the 2-hour mark, and they can last for 4 to 24 hours. This method of consumption is considered to have a slower onset time because your digestive system needs to metabolise it first. It does have a longer-lasting effect compared to inhalation.
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Sublingual (under the tongue) or transdermal (through the skin): The effects can start within 15 minutes to an hour and last for several hours.
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Dabbing: The effects of dabbing are felt instantly because dabs usually have higher THC content than other forms of Cannabis, and like smoking or vaping, the THC will enter your bloodstream through your lungs immediately. The effects usually last 1 to 3 hours, but the effect could last a whole day if you're using a very high THC concentrate.
A Cannabis high can kick in almost immediately and last anywhere from 2 hours to a full day. It's important to note that the onset time and duration of the effects depend on individual factors, such as:
Tolerance
The potency of the cannabis productÂ
Body weight and body fat percentage
Metabolism
If you have eaten
Additionally, people's experiences with Cannabis can vary greatly, so it's always a good idea to go low and slow and wait to feel the effects before using more.
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What to do if you have taken too much Cannabis?
Too much of a good thing can make you feel bad. Luckily there are ways to counteract the effects if you have accidentally taken too much Cannabis or are having a bad high.