February 9, 2026

How Long Does an Edible High Last? Duration and Onset Timeline

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Key Takeaways

The THC in edibles is broken down differently than inhaled THC, resulting in effects that take longer to set in, feel stronger, and last a while.
The typical high from edibles comes in three phases: the buildup, peak (which occurs about 2-4 hours after consumption), and the comedown.
Overall, the whole thing could be as long as 12 hours after consumption, but it varies from person to person.

No matter how many times you’ve puffed on a vape or passed around a joint, your first edible experience is always going to be a memorable one. Whether it’s an infused chocolate chip cookie or gummy, cannabis edibles deliver a totally different experience- one that takes more time to kick in, lingers for hours, and is distinctively stronger in terms of the effects.

In this article, we answer all your burning questions about edible duration. If you’ve ever wondered “how long does an edible high last” or “how long they take to kick in,” you’ll find it all here.

And because there is such variation in experience from one person to the next, we present a complete picture here- from serving size to your physiology and everything in between.

How Edibles Work in the Body

With few exceptions, edibles deliver much stronger effects than smoking or vaping. This is due to the different ways the body processes cannabinoids when they are ingested orally versus inhaled.

When inhaled, THC is absorbed through the lungs within just a few seconds. It quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to a rapid onset of effects.

But when ingested, THC must slowly make its way through the digestive tract, eventually traveling to the liver to be processed (aka metabolized). This process converts the THC into a secondary metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC.

Edibles feel so much stronger than inhaled products because this little-known compound crosses the blood–brain barrier much more efficiently than THC. It also shows a stronger binding affinity at the endocannabinoid receptor sites (specifically CB1 receptors).

So if we think of standard inhaled THC as having a gentle handshake with the CB1 receptors, 11-hydroxy-THC takes a firm, business-like grip. This stronger receptor handshake means effects feel more intense and hold on for longer than the usual inhalable THC experience.

How Long Does an Edible High Last? (Short Answer)

Small serving size (under 10 mg THC): 4 to 6 hours
Moderate serving size (15 to 30mg THC): 6 to 8 hours
Strong serving size (over 30 mg THC: 8 to 12+ hours

But wait — will you really feel the full intensity of the high for all 12 hours? No, instead, it’s best to think about an edible high like a slow-moving but powerful ocean swell. There is a rise, a crest, and a fall.

The first part of an edible high is the onset, as you wait for the effects to begin. Then, the effects gradually build up in intensity until you reach the crest of the wave — the peak of effects. Once the intensity breaks, the comedown gently unfolds, bringing you back to shore. Once the majority of the sensation washes away, a few residual effects, like sleepiness or relaxation, may linger.

Depending on many factors, this entire series of events can happen within a 4 to 6-hour timeframe or last well over 12 hours. The onset time, peak, and comedown will depend on your unique body chemistry and genetics, the serving size, and more.

1. Onset Time: When Do Edibles Kick In?

man holding a hometown hero delta-9 gummy in his hand

Standard THC edibles: Onset in 30 mins to 2 hrs
Nano-THC edibles: Onset in as little as 15 mins

In most circumstances, a standard infused edible takes anywhere from 30 minutes to over 2 hours for the effects to onset. One exception is with nano-THC edibles. In this case, fast-acting nano-emulsified THC particles typically take effect much more quickly, in just 15 to 30 minutes.

How can you tell the edible has started to work? Maybe your body feels a little more relaxed, or there's a pleasant warm flush settling in. Your mood perks up, and you catch yourself smiling for no particular reason. Then come the subtle shifts in perception: colors look a little brighter, sounds become more interesting, and textures feel more pronounced. Everything around you just starts to feel more vivid.

Hot tip: Don't go back for seconds before the first serving kicks in. Double-dipping is one of the most common edible mistakes. Because edibles are processed through your digestive tract, they can take hours to fully metabolize. Be patient, try snacking on non-infused goodies to encourage digestion, and wait for the wave to crest before taking more.

2. Peak Effects: What the High Feels Like

After the onset, you’ll feel the sensations begin to build into a natural crescendo of intensity. This is the peak period, which typically occurs 2 to 4 hours after consumption and lasts roughly 1 to 2 hours at most.

At the crest of an edible experience, the most tell-tale sensations include:
Deep body relaxation: You suddenly become one with the couch cushions.
Euphoria: No matter how hard you try, you cannot get that smile off your face.
Introspection: You find yourself deeply unpacking yesterday’s conversation with the gas station clerk.
Altered perception of time: You check your phone, convinced it's been at least an hour. It's been seven minutes.
Enhanced sensory perception: That leftover pizza tastes like Michelin-star dining. That playlist you've heard a thousand times? Now you’re noticing instruments you've never heard before.

This peak period can feel intense, and for many people, that's the whole point. But if, for whatever reason, the wave is taking you a bit too high, just remember: this moment lasts only 1 to 2 hours.

3. The Comedown: Not High, But Not 100% Yet

After the high heights of the peak, the experience eventually peters out into a warm, fuzzy zone known as the come-down. The edges of the most intense effects will soften, your body will feel totally relaxed, and there is usually a splash of sleepiness thrown in for good measure.

And interestingly, as the high starts to wind down, this is often when the mild side effects begin to surface. Here are a few of the most common mild, but annoying, residual effects that may persist after the high:
Sleepiness
The munchies
Dry mouth
Grogginess

Hot tip: Even if you begin to feel normal again, it's not advised to get behind the wheel or head to work. There is still plenty of THC working its way through your body, and you’ll still be considered under the influence long after the noticeable effects have worn off.

Factors Influencing How Long an Edible High Lasts

As we’ve alluded to several times already, there are a ton of factors that influence the strength and duration of an edible high. Even if the serving size of THC remained the same, your personal experience is going to feel much different than someone else’s. Here are just a few of the many, many factors impacting the strength and length of a high.

Serving Size

This is pretty straightforward: the more THC you consume, the longer the effects tend to stick around. A smaller amount might taper off in a few hours, while higher doses feel more intense, with residual effects lasting for over 12 hours.

Unique Physiology

Your metabolism, body composition, and overall physiology all play a role in how efficiently your body processes THC. For example, if you have a faster metabolism, you'll likely process cannabinoids more quickly, leading to a shorter high. There will also be differences in effect duration between larger and smaller bodies, possibly even dependent on genetics.

THC Tolerance

With exposure to THC, our bodies gradually build up a tolerance. Total edible newbies tend to feel THC’s effects more intensely and for longer than someone who’s well-versed with the compound. It's why experienced edible enthusiasts tend to enjoy larger serving sizes.

Product Make-up

How long does a high last from a gummy? What about a drink? Did it have CBD or just THC? Was it fast-acting or regular?

There are a million and one types of edibles these days, with a huge (and beautiful) variety of formats, ingredients, cannabinoid ratios, and even cannabinoid types, all of which play into the intensity of the high and the duration of effects.

How Long Is Too Long?

There may be times in your relationship with edibles where the effects are too strong or last longer than ideal. This can happen with big servings of THC or when the serving size is mismatched with personal tolerance.

In most circumstances, the intense effects are short-lived and not a safety concern. Likely within just an hour or two, the peak of effects will dissipate into a manageable hum. In these moments, find a quiet, calm place to ride it out, call a friend to talk you through it, and seek simple distractions, like a familiar television show or playlist.

In the rare case that effects last more than 12 hours, patience is required to ride out any long-lasting residual effects. Clear your schedule, take it easy, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Time is what you need to recover.

If you feel like you’ve been riding the wave for too long, here are a few helpful ways to come back to earth:
Hydration: Stay hydrated before, during, and after the edible effects.
Light snacks: Head to the kitchen to find a few tasty treats to nibble on.
Calm environment: Find a cozy, warm, and quiet space to wait out the effects. If you can fall asleep here, even better.
Distraction: Sometimes the easiest way to get through is to turn off your brain. Throw on your favorite feel-good show or get lost on TikTok for a few hours.

Tips for a Shorter Ride

Start low and slow

The golden rule for any cannabis experience is to start low and go slow. This is especially true for edibles, as their effects are typically stronger and last much lonher than those of inhalable products. If you don’t want a long ride, go with a shorter serving size and be patient as you wait for the effects to set in.

Choose nano-THC (it doesn't last as long)

On the flip side, if you don’t want to wait around, look for edibles made with nano-emulsified THC. The cannabinoid particles are broken down so small that they become water-soluble, allowing them to be absorbed into your system much more efficiently. Instead of waiting up to 2 hours, you can expect to feel effects within 15 to 30 minutes- but fast-acting THC products also don't last as long, so you won't be out of commission for 12 hours.

Safety first! Plan your day

Because the edible experience lasts so much longer than with their inhalable counterparts, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Especially with so many variables affecting the duration, you wouldn’t want to give in to a morning edible with an afternoon work shift looming. If you’ve got an edible on the agenda, the safest bet is to clear your schedule of responsibilities and enjoy the ride wherever it takes you.

Final Takeaway: Timelines Can Vary Greatly

What's the final answer? How long does a high from edibles last? Edible effects can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, which really just confirms there's no universal answer.

Your body, your tolerance, the product composition, and even what you ate last all play a role. The best approach is always the same: start with a small amount, be patient, and give yourself plenty of time.

But with everything we’ve shared here on timelines and influencing factors, you'll have the tools you need to dial in the perfect edible experience every time.

Ready for the ride? Until Next Time, Mind Your Mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.