How long does it take to feel “high” from cannabis?

You may feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis in your system anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after consuming the plant.

The timeframe depends greatly on your method of consumption and the type of cannabis being consumed.

How long does it takes to feel cannabis?

The amount of time it takes to feel the effects of cannabis depends on how you consume it:

• Dabbing: Effects begin almost instantly.
• Smoking or vaping: Effects typically begin in 2 to 10 minutes. Smoking and vaping can offer rapid relief of symptoms, especially pain.
• Edibles: Effects typically begin in 30 to 60 minutes, but this varies by edible type. You will likely feel the effects of edibles more intensely and for a much longer period compared with other methods of consumption.
• Taking a tincture: Effects typically begin 15 to 30 minutes after placing a cannabis tincture under the tongue (sublingually).

These are estimates for how soon the “high” associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will begin. 

Unlike THC, it may be harder to notice any immediate effects of cannabidiol (CBD) since it is non-intoxicating.

With CBD, you may notice same-day pain relief, reduced inflammation, and a reduction in seizures. However, many find that they notice the effects of CBD after weeks or months consistent use, not after a single dose.

The duration of cannabis’s effects (how long they last) also varies by consumption method.

How long does it take to feel cannabis topicals?

Cannabis topicals, even those that contain THC, typically do not cause a “high.” Still, topicals containing THC and CBD are excellent choices for localized pain and inflammation in the skin and muscles.

Topicals often begin working within 30 minutes, as they are absorbed through the skin at the site of pain, and effects last for a few hours.

What if you don’t feel the effects of cannabis?

You may not experience cannabis’s effects as expected. Among other factors, your unique body chemistry plays a role in your experience.

Similarly, not all benefits of medical cannabis are noticeable immediately after use, especially if you use CBD.

Try not to let this discourage you. If you use a regulated cannabis product consistently, you will likely see the results you’re looking for, even if it takes some time. Speak with your healthcare team or a provider at Leafwell for personalized guidance on using cannabis.

Another factor to consider is whether you have built a tolerance. Over time, your body may get used to your usual dose of cannabis, meaning you’ll need to use more to achieve the same result.

How long should you wait before taking another dose?

If you’re not feeling your desired effects, you can always consume more of your cannabis product.

Consider waiting several minutes or hours beyond the expected timeframe for onset of effects. For example, if you’re not feeling the effects of an edible, it’s best to wait several hours before ingesting another. This is especially important for products that are high in THC.

The bottom line: Your method of cannabis consumption controls the onset of effects

How you choose to consume cannabis will play the biggest role in how long it takes to feel its effects.

Smoking, vaping, and dabbing tend to produce the fastest effects, whereas edibles usually work more slowly.

Consider speaking with a provider at Leafwell to develop a personalized care plan that suits your health needs.

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