How Long Does It Take for A Marijuana High to Wear Off?
Whether you’re using marijuana recreationally or medicinally, understanding how long it takes for the effects to wear off is important. This is especially true if you’re planning to drive, work, or face a drug test. The duration of a cannabis high can vary widely depending on your body, the consumption method (ex: smoking vs edibles), and the potency of THC—the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. To figure out how long does a marijuana high last and how to sober up, you must understand these key factors that affect marijuana’s high duration.
What Causes the Marijuana High?
The high you feel from cannabis is primarily due to Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. When THC enters your system, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and nervous system, altering perception, mood, coordination, and more. With edibles, your liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent metabolite that leads to a longer and stronger high.
Typical Duration of a Marijuana High
- Smoking or Vaping: Effects begin within minutes and typically last 1 to 3 hours.
- Edibles: Effects can take 30–90 minutes to start and may last 4–12 hours.
- Dabbing (Concentrates): Potent highs that may last up to 5 hours or more.
The answer to how long a marijuana high lasts depends on several factors that affect the duration of the high, but for most users, the cannabis buzz length is between 1 to 3 hours with smoking, and up to 12 hours with edibles.
When comparing cannabis consumption methods, the smoking vs edibles wear off time differs significantly, with smoking effects typically lasting 1-3 hours while edibles can take 4-8 hours to fully wear off.
Here’s a quick comparison on how long it takes for marijuana to wear off depending on consumption:
| Consumption Method | Onset Time | Duration of High |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking | 2–10 minutes | 1–3 hours |
| Vaping | 1–5 minutes | 1–3 hours |
| Edibles | 30–90 minutes | 4–12 hours |
| Dabbing | Seconds to minutes | 2–5 hours |
Factors That Influence How Long a Marijuana High Lasts
Several key variables influence weed high variability, including your tolerance level, cannabis strain, dosage, and the method of intake.
- THC Content: Higher THC leads to longer effects duration.
- Consumption Method: Edibles last longer than smoking.
- Body Fat: THC is stored in fat cells, affecting wear-off time.
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism may reduce the high more quickly.
- Liver Function: Impacts how quickly THC is metabolized.
- Hydration & Activity Level: May help speed up THC clearance.
- Regularity of Use: Frequent users often experience longer highs and slower detox.
These factors affect the duration of your marijuana high and are good guides to follow to stay within your desired ideal.
“The duration of a marijuana high can vary significantly between individuals. Factors like liver enzyme function, THC dosage, and method of consumption all influence how long the psychoactive effects last.”— Dr. Rachel Knox, MD, MBA, Cannabinoid Medicine Specialist
How Long Does It Take for Weed to Wear Off by Method?
One of the most common questions is about the differences in wear off time between smoking vs edibles—while smoking wears off faster, edible highs are more intense and longer lasting due to liver processing.
- Smoking: High wears off within 1–3 hours.
- Vaping: Similar to smoking but may feel lighter or shorter for some.
- Edibles: Can take up to 12 hours to fully wear off.
- Dabbing: Effects are intense and may linger for 3–5 hours.
- Tinctures: Last 2–4 hours depending on dosage and absorption rate.
Psychoactive Properties vs THC Detection Time
It’s crucial to distinguish between how long the high lasts and how long THC stays in your system. Even after the psychoactive effects wear off, THC metabolites can remain detectable in drug tests for days or even weeks. These metabolites are stored in fat stores and released slowly over time.
How to Sober Up from Marijuana Faster
If you’re looking for ways to reduce marijuana high duration, these THC sobering tips may help you regain clarity more quickly.
- Hydrate: Drinking water supports kidney function and metabolism.
- Black Pepper: Contains terpenes that may reduce anxiety and paranoia.
- CBD: May help balance out the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Physical Activity: Stimulates blood flow and may speed up THC metabolization.
- Rest & Nutrition: Help the liver and brain recover faster.
Common Myths:
- ❌ Vinegar or cranberry juice: Not proven to help.
- ❌ Niacin supplements: Can be dangerous and ineffective.
- ❌ Detox kits: Largely unregulated with mixed results.
Using detox kits, supplements, or over hydration is not recommended to sober up from marijuana due to the fact they have no clinical backing. Additionally, if you need to be sober from marijuana within a short timeframe, it is not recommended to take edibles.
Effects Duration vs Detection Time: Visual Guide
| Test Type | Occasional Use | Frequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | 1–3 days | 7–30+ days |
| Blood | 1–2 days | 3–7 days |
| Saliva | 24 hours | 1–3 days |
| Hair | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
THC Storage and Metabolism: What Happens in Your Body?
When THC enters the body, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed into organs and fat tissue. The liver metabolizes THC into compounds like THC-COOH, which are stored in fat and slowly excreted. Factors such as body fat percentage, liver health, and hydration levels influence how long THC stays in your system.
How Long Do the Mental and Physical Effects Last?
Keep in mind that there will be differences in how long effects last depending on consumption method. The effects of an edible will last longer vs smoking marijuana which will wear off within a quicker time frame.
- Cognitive Effects: Impaired memory, concentration, and coordination may last a few hours post-high.
- Physical Effects: Drowsiness, red eyes, or hunger typically resolve within 3–6 hours.
- Residual Fatigue: Some users feel lethargic or cloudy for up to 24 hours.
When Should You Be Concerned About Extended Effects?
In some individuals, marijuana effects may linger due to slow metabolism, underlying health issues, or interactions with alcohol or other medications. Seek medical advice if effects last longer than 12–24 hours or impair daily function.
Personal Safety Considerations
- Driving: Wait at least 6 hours after smoking, or 12 hours after edibles, before operating machinery.
- Workplace: Be cautious of impairment even if you feel “sober.”
- Legal Risks: Marijuana legality doesn’t protect against employer drug testing or DUI laws.
Weed High FAQs: Duration, Safety, Sobering Up
- How long do edibles take to wear off? Typically 6–12 hours depending on dosage.
- Can second-hand smoke make you high? Unlikely unless in a small, unventilated space.
- Why am I still high after 6 hours? Potency, metabolism, or overconsumption.
- Can CBD help me sober up? May reduce anxiety and counteract THC’s effects.
- Do detox kits work? Not reliably. Most results are anecdotal or placebo-driven.
Conclusion: Marijuana Wear Off Duration
How long a marijuana high lasts before it wears off and the duration of the high depends on a variety of affecting factors including THC content, metabolism, consumption method, and more. While smoking typically wears off in a few hours, edibles can last all day. Regardless of how you consume, personal safety should come first—avoid driving or working while high, and consult with healthcare professionals if needed.
