One of the most frequently asked questions you hear from those new to the world of cannabis is, “how long will the expected effects last?” It’s a great question and one that someone needs to know the answer to before taking that first puff or digesting that first edible. So let’s jump into it.

The length of time effects will last is largely dependent on the method of intake. Different parts of the body digest or process the THC differently. Lung tissue and mouth tissue absorb the THC quicker than the stomach lining. That simply means that any cannabis consumed via smoking or sublingually (drops of a tincture under the tongue) will offer quicker effects than cannabis consumed by eating (i.e. edibles).

Some forms of cannabis can be consumed in multiple ways. For example, concentrates can be smoked/vaped, held under the tongue or taken along with food or beverage. Someone who vapes or smokes the concentrate will feel the effects much quicker than someone who takes the concentrate along with food.

So let’s look at each form of intake and talk about how long you can expect effects to last once consumed.

1. Smoking or vaping. When someone smokes a bong or a joint or a vape cartridge, they can expect to feel some effects with a minute or 2. It is fairly immediate. But with quick intake and absorption comes a shorter time that the effects last overall. So while you may feel the effects more immediate, you can expect those effects to last anywhere between 2-4 hours, depending on the strain, terpenes etc.
2. Sublingual tinctures. Tinctures are cannabis in an oily liquid form. They are usually dropped under the tongue where the consumer will wait about a minute before swallowing. This method again allows for quick absorption. This means you can feel the effects again within 1-2 minutes or maybe as long as 30 minutes, depending on how long you left it under your tongue. And the length of the effects felt are very similar to smoking or vaping. You can plan on them lasting between 2-4 hours.
3. Edibles and capsules. This is the method of intake preferred by those who want or need the effects to last much longer. The trade off for a longer period of being able to feel the effects is a longer onset time. If someone eats the THC or takes it in capsule form, their stomach is where the THC is about to be absorbed. As mentioned earlier, the stomach lining absorbs at a much slower rate than the mouth or lungs. So users need to be careful and allow for more time to pass before judging the effects. It can take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour before effects are felt using this intake method. BUT, the effects can be felt anywhere between 4-12 hours again depending on various factors. If someone takes an edible on an empty stomach, absorption can happen much faster and vice versa. They say that eating fatty foods near or at the same time of intake of cannabis can also effect how quick the effects kick in as well as how strongly you feel the effects.

So let’s finish this by talking briefly about things to consider before deciding on your intake method. Will you be able to basically chill for 6-12 hours? No driving or using any form of machinery? Edibles need time for absorption AND effect timeframe. You won’t want to consume edibles if you need to be doing something outside of the house and driving is involved.

And if you are new to edibles, please please give them time to “kick in” before thinking you need to take some more. Edibles can creep up on you slowly and so many people lose patience and think they are not working. Next thing you know you are hiding in the closet from things that no one else can see because you decided to eat another gummy too soon after eating the first one.

Other things to consider are what effects or relief are you looking for? If you need something to reduce stress after work, then smoking or vaping may be the preferred intake method since the onset time is so short and it offers a nice amount of time for the relief you are seeking. If you need it for sleep, just make sure you calculate onset time so you can enjoy the cannabis and also maximize the time you plan on being in bed.

So there you go. “How long does something last” is a more complex question than people realize when it comes to cannabis and it all depends on the things I have mentioned in this post. Please leave your comments or questions below. And most of all, cheers to you when it’s time for your next cannabis session.