The experience of being “high,” particularly due to substances like marijuana, varies significantly among individuals and can depend on numerous factors, including the method of ingestion, the type of substance used, and individual physiological characteristics. This blog post aims to explore how long does being high last, the factors that influence these time frames, and practical advice for managing and understanding these effects.
What Does It Mean to Be High?
Being high refers to the altered state of consciousness and physical condition that occurs after using psychoactive substances like cannabis. The effects can range from euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception to impaired coordination, anxiety, and altered thinking processes.
Factors Influencing the Duration of a High
Several key factors influence how long does being high last after using a substance:
1. Type of Substance
The substance itself is the most significant determinant of how long its effects last. For instance, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, can affect users differently depending on its concentration.
2. Method of Consumption
- Smoking or Vaping: The effects of smoking or vaping marijuana are typically felt within minutes and can last between 1 to 3 hours. This is because THC enters the bloodstream quickly through the lungs.
- Edibles: Consuming edibles introduces THC through the digestive system, leading to a delayed onset of effects (30 minutes to 2 hours) but prolonging the duration of the high, which can last from 4 to 8 hours or even longer.
- Topicals: While topicals can deliver localised effects to treat pain or inflammation, they generally do not produce a psychoactive high.
3. Dosage
The amount of a substance used directly impacts how long does being high last. Higher doses can lead to more prolonged and sometimes more intense effects.
4. Individual Tolerance
Individuals with regular usage patterns often develop a tolerance to the substance, necessitating larger doses to achieve the same effect. Conversely, those with lower tolerance may experience more prolonged effects.
5. Metabolism
Metabolism plays a crucial role in how quickly a substance is processed and eliminated from the body. People with faster metabolism may find that the high wears off quicker, while those with slower metabolism might experience longer-lasting effects.
6. Physical Condition and Body Composition
Body fat percentage and overall health can affect how long a high lasts. THC is lipid-soluble, meaning it can be stored in fat cells and released slowly over time.
Understanding the Phases of a High
The experience of being high can be broken down into several phases:
1. The Onset
The initial feeling when the effects of the drug make themselves known. This can vary dramatically based on the method of ingestion.
2. The Peak
This phase is when the effects are felt most intensely. The peak can last for a few minutes to several hours, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
3. The Come Down
During the come down, the intensity of the high decreases. The user may feel relaxed or fatigued as the effects wear off.
4. After Effects
Some residual effects may be felt for hours or even days after the initial high, often referred to as a “hangover” effect.
Managing and Understanding the Effects of Being High
Understanding the Effects
The “high” from substances like marijuana comes primarily from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This interaction can affect brain areas that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception. As a result, users may experience:
- Enhanced sensory perception, such as brighter colors.
- Mood alterations, feeling euphoria or, conversely, anxiety and paranoia.
- Altered sense of time, the feeling that time is passing more slowly.
- Increased appetite, often referred to as “the munchies.”
- Physical relaxation, which can sometimes verge into physical impairment.
Recognizing these effects as normal can help reduce anxiety or fear that first-time users might experience.
1. Start Low and Go Slow
Particularly for new users or when trying a new form of cannabis, the principle of “start low and go slow” is critical. This means beginning with a small dose and waiting to see the effects before deciding whether to consume more. This approach is especially important with edibles, which can have a delayed onset and prolonged duration, making it easy to overconsume if you’re impatient.
2. Stay Hydrated
Cannabis use can sometimes lead to dry mouth, commonly known as cottonmouth. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after using cannabis can help alleviate this discomfort. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can exacerbate dehydration, is also wise.
3. Create a Comfortable Environment
The setting in which you use cannabis can significantly affect your experience. Being in a safe, familiar environment, especially with trusted people, can enhance the experience and help prevent feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Conversely, being in a stressful or unfamiliar setting can lead to a negative experience.
4. Monitor Your Mental State
Your state of mind when you decide to use cannabis can influence the effects. If you’re already feeling anxious, stressed, or upset, cannabis might amplify those feelings. It’s generally recommended to use cannabis when you feel mentally calm and stable.
5. Know How to Handle Intense Effects
Sometimes, even experienced users can find themselves feeling uncomfortably high. If this happens, some strategies may help mitigate the intensity:
- Distract yourself by listening to music, watching a comforting TV show, or engaging in a light activity like colouring or crafting.
- Take deep breaths and remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will pass.
- Try CBD, as it can counteract the psychoactive effects of THC and help ease anxiety and paranoia.
- Use black pepper, which, according to some anecdotal evidence, can help alleviate some of the negative effects of being too high.
6. Plan for Recovery Time
Depending on how much and what form of cannabis you consume, you might experience residual effects, such as grogginess or a “cannabis hangover,” the following day. Planning a quiet day after using can be a good strategy, allowing you to recover fully without additional stress.
Conclusion
Many factors influence how long does being high last. By understanding these variables and how they interact with personal physiology, individuals can better manage their experiences and expectations. Always prioritise safety, legality, and health when considering substance use.
