How Long Do the Effects of Cannabis Last?
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How Long Do the Effects of Cannabis Last?
With the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis across Canada, many people are trying the herb for the first time. For an inexperienced cannabis consumer it can be difficult to wade through all the information out there to get the answers that matter the most. One of the common questions that people ask with regards to cannabis is how long the effects last. The answer to that question is that it depends upon several factors including the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level in the cannabis strain, method of ingestion, and dosage amount.
What Are the Effects of Cannabis?
When a person ingests cannabis through smoking or eating, compounds within the plant called cannabinoids connect to receptors in the brain. These receptors send out messages of euphoria, happiness, well-being, and relaxation. Some people may feel highly energetic after smoking a joint, while others may feel sleepy and relaxed. The reason for these differences is all in the specific level, or percentage, of one cannabinoid called Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short.
How Long do the Effects Last?
If you’re planning on smoking your cannabis, you can expect the effects to begin within a few minutes. On average, smokers experience the effects of cannabis anywhere from one to three hours. If you’re going to be consuming edibles, however, you need to be a bit more patient. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour for the effects to kick in, but they’ll last anywhere from four to eight hours. No matter what method you choose, you’ll notice a peak in the high and then a slow decline as the cannabis wears off.
Factors that Determine the Intensity and Duration of Cannabis Effects:
High THC Content
THC levels in cannabis products are expressed as a percentage. They vary, depending upon the strain. Dispensaries label their products with the THC content for consumers. The higher the THC level, the more psychoactive properties the cannabis will have and the longer it will last. You’ll also find strains that are higher in Cannabidiol (CBD) which are less psychoactive and the effects of THC are lessened.
Ingestion Method
Smoking cannabis is the most popular means of consumption, although it’s not the healthiest. The flowers can be rolled into joints, packed into a pipe, or smoked from a water pipe (bong). There are also cannabis products such as dabs and oils that can vaporized, which is a healthier choice than smoking. Finally, cannabis can be infused with a variety of foods and eaten.
Dosage Amount
Regardless of the method, the amount you ingest will determine how long and how intense the effects are. A person that only takes a couple of puffs from a joint won’t get nearly as high as someone who smokes the whole thing. Edibles can be especially tricky for beginners since the effects take a while to come on. If you’re not sure how cannabis will affect you, start with small doses and give yourself time to experience the effects. You may find that a couple of puffs is all you need to feel happy, comfortable, and relaxed.
For medical cannabis patients and canna-curious consumers, understanding the effects of cannabis and how long they last is an important part of the experience. Remember that the short-term effects of smoking cannabis come on fast and fade within 3 hours or so. Edibles don’t kick in for an hour or more and the effects can last for an entire day. Armed with the knowledge of the THC and CBD levels in a particular strain, choosing the optimal ingestion and proper dosing methods, individuals can safely medicate and enjoy the experience.
