How long does a THC high last?
If you’re new to medical marijuana and are researching it as a possible treatment for a condition you’ve been struggling with, you may be wondering (or maybe even concerned) about the nature of that “infamous high.”
At Elevate Holistics, we thought it might be helpful if we shared some information on what you can expect with your first medical marijuana experience.
Without getting deeply technical, what you need to know is that THC is the active ingredient that produces the high. Your physical makeup, the dosage, and the type of the product all affect the potency, duration, and specific sensations you’ll experience.
So How Long is This High Going to Last?
While we’re here, let’s answer this question (and a few others).
- How long will it last?
- How intense will it be?
- Will I be giggly? Paranoid? Sleepy? Immobilized?
The answer to the above questions isn’t simple. The answer to all of them is, “It depends.”
Your reaction depends on your size/weight, your experience with THC-based products, the strains of the products themselves, and the method of use (smoking, edibles, vaping, etc.).
Generally, once you begin to feel the effects of medical marijuana, you’ll notice the experience is more intense at the beginning and the intensity fades after an hour or two. Like everything else, the length of intensity and the overall duration of your reaction depend on the factors we mentioned above.
Possibly the easiest way to understand how you will respond to any certain product, strain, or dose is to compare-and-contrast with a sample. This way, you’ll learn how you react and then judge what is the best method for your condition and your body.
Smoking Vs. Edibles
When you’re smoking marijuana, the effects begin almost immediately. About 30 minutes to an hour after you’ve taken your dose, the reaction will be at its strongest. From that point on, the intensity of the “high” dissipates.
However, if you’re consuming edibles, the THC has to be absorbed through your digestive system and it can take 30 minutes to 3 hours before you begin to feel anything. Once you begin to feel the reaction, the peak lasts about 1 to 3 hours, with the overall experience lasting about 9 hours.
Some medical marijuana users find edibles can be tricky since the active ingredient (THC) is absorbed through your digestive system and therefore takes longer to effect your condition. People sometimes consume one dose and think, “Nothing’s happening, I’ll have another,” and by the time the THC has begun to work, you’ve got more in your system than you intended.
Additionally, THC is heat activated, so when it’s baked into cookies, brownies, or other edibles, the potency is often intensified. So, for edibles, moderation is recommended.
THC Vs. CBD Strains
THC is the compound in marijuana that is most responsible for the high, while CBD is less about the feeling of euphoria and more connected to the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of medical marijuana.
Strains that are higher in THC will produce a more potent high, while the CBD-heavy strains offer more physical comfort with a higher level of cognitive and physical functioning during use. Depending on what your condition and tolerance, you’ll want to know the ratios of THC to CBD to get the desired results.
Your dispensary staff is indispensable during the discovery and dosage process. They will have the knowledge of their products and the experience to help you find what is right for you.
So What is the High Like? What Can I Expect?
Each strain has its own properties, so when you visit your dispensary take advantage of the knowledge the staff is able to share. They know the strain-specific information and helping you find the right product is what they are really trained to do.
In general, many people experience feelings of euphoria and as the effects begin to wane, that euphoria is generally replaced with drowsiness.
As we’ve mentioned, your physical composition and the makeup of the particular strain you’re using will be the deciding factors in the experience. Some experiences include creativity, a warm sense of calm, increased appetite, or even motivation to get up and get moving.
Other strains produce couch-lock, or general immobility, which is beneficial to many suffering from insomnia or muscle pain.
It all just depends on your genes and the specific makeup of the product. Again, ask your dispensary staff! They want to help and they’ll be able to give you specific facts about each product they offer.
Here’s one thing you can expect – you won’t overdose. There hasn’t been one recorded case of a marijuana overdose, and you’re certainly not going to be the first. Some people find that a high may be too intense for them, and there are ways to combat that.
if you need to reduce the effects of your medical marijuana dose, you can ingest black pepper, take a cold shower, hydrate, employ deep breathing techniques, or even consume CBD-rich oils that can counteract the intoxicating effects of THC.
When you work with us at Elevate Holistics and get in touch with professionals in your area, we’re confident that you can find the right product to offer serious, effective relief for whatever ails you.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US and we’ll connect you to our network of medical professionals and high-quality dispensaries to help you find your natural path to true comfort.
This article was first published on Elevate Holistics
Elevate Holistics is a Missouri focused online cannabis clinic focusing on helping aspiring MMJ cardholders get compassionate service along with valuable resources to assist them on their cannabis journey.