How Long Do Cannabis Effects Last?

One of the most important things to understand as a beginner is how long cannabis effects last. This varies significantly based on how you consume it.

Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping)

• Onset: 1-10 minutes
• Peak effects: 15-30 minutes
• Total duration: 1-3 hours
• Why it's fast: Cannabinoids enter your bloodstream directly through your lungs

Edibles (Gummies, Brownies, Drinks)

• Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Peak effects: 2-4 hours after consumption
• Total duration: 4-8 hours (sometimes longer)
• Why it's slow: Your liver processes the cannabis, converting THC to a stronger form

Sublingual (Tinctures, Oils Under Tongue)

• Onset: 15-45 minutes
• Peak effects: 1-2 hours
• Total duration: 2-6 hours
• Why it's moderate: Absorbed through mouth tissues, bypasses some digestion

Factors That Affect Duration

• Your metabolism and body weight
• Tolerance level (new users feel effects longer)
• THC potency of the product
• Whether you've eaten recently
• Your individual body chemistry

Pro Tip for Beginners: If you're trying edibles, wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. Many beginners make the mistake of eating more because they "don't feel anything," leading to an overwhelming experience hours later.

Key Takeaways

• Smoking/vaping: Fast onset (minutes), shorter duration (1-3 hours)
• Edibles: Slow onset (up to 2 hours), longer duration (4-8 hours)
• Always wait before taking more, especially with edibles
• Your personal factors significantly affect timing